Advice needed: should I take this cat to a vet?

[gabicards]

Hi all,

I live in the surrounding area of Paris, and I never come across any stray cats. There's an apartment nearby that is on the ground floor and they have two cats that they let roam, but, other than that, I had never come across a cat outside until yesterday.

This cat in the picture was inside the gated area of my building, and my flatmate's dog noticed him as they were going out for a walk. She sent me a picture and I went downstairs for a look... and, honestly, this kitty doesn't look like he's feeling well. I tried to offer him some water and he made an angry noise at me, so I kept my distance. At night (about 10 hours later) I went downstairs again and he was still there, in the same position, so I got worried and offered him some food. I think he ate it, but can't be sure (we don't have animals roaming around the area, and the little tray was empty).

He isn't inside my building today, but I found him in the gated area of the building right next to mine, still in the same position. I need advice... my instinct is to try and get him so that I can take him to a vet tomorrow for a microchip read - animals in France need to have one (or a tattoo) by law. Does this sound like the good thing to do?

I have a playpen that I can keep him in so that he wouldn't be in contact with my cat. I don't even know if I would manage to get him, but I'm genuinely concerned as I feel like he's sick - I think it's his posture? He's been like this since yesterday. And the fact that he's outside and just not really moving...

 

[StefanZ]

Yes he is almost surely in trouble and pains. Please do help him if you can, or get a shelter come out.

And yes, be sure there is no contact with your resident.

A side note: a semiferale; whom got help when he is seriously ill, If he survives hecwill know whom to be grateful to... and the window of quick abd easy socialisation will open up to you.

 

[StefanZ]

Many vets give big price reduction if you come with a homeless hurt cat. But if not; you shall know if he survives he will almost surely become your loved companion; in this life and after too.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I agree about trying to trap/catch him so you can have a vet take a look. If you have rescue centers, or shelters as mentioned above, they may be able to help you.

 

[gabicards]

I tried to go near him again and he moves away and hides, but I offered food and water and he ate all of it, then drank, and then moved back to his hiding spot. I'm going to call the city hall tomorrow (apparently they're responsible for stray animals here) to let them know about this cat, and in the mean time I'll keep feeding him. I think he either has no home or is lost.

I also think that him being able to move to get away and wanting to eat/drink is a good sign, so I don't think he's deathly ill. I'll keep helping until he either lets me catch him or some authority comes rescue him.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Cats can move pretty quickly even when ill if they suspect harm might come to them, so you never know. I am glad you will continue to feed him and try to get someone out to help catch him. Please keep us posted!

 

[gabicards]

Many vets give big price reduction if you come with a homeless hurt cat. But if not; you shall know if he survives he will almost surely become your loved companion; in this life and after too.

I would love to welcome him into my home - I have also always dreamed of having a black cat (I might have Sabrina The Teenage Witch to thank for this one), but with the insane amount of expenses I've had with my own cat in the past 4 months, it would be irresponsible of me, as I wouldn't be able to help him. I'll do what I can to help, though, including fostering if needed. I'm pretty sure France has institutions that would treat him if he's indeed sick and has no home, fingers crossed!