Hi, thanks for adding me. I am in the Uk and have just caught a stray cat that u have been feeding recently. I took it to the vet thinking they would help her as she seems poorly but they said they couldn't check her out. So I was left with her to take home! She is stressed so I am now too! I have left her in the kitchen with food etc but just wanted someone to tell me it's the right thing to do. I feel so sorry for the poor little thing.
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Reassurance needed!!
- Thread starter Larahoff
- Start Date
Oh dear. Why wouldn't the vet help you? I would definitely find another vet. If you can, set up a room for her so she can have a safe place to stay until you find another vet. I wouldn't put her back outside if you feel something is wrong with her.
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Sounds like the vet either doesn't have the experience or doesn't want to handle ferals. Look for another vet, one who is open to helping this feral. I sedative may have to be administered if the cat is extremly hostile.
I take my cats to a vet who specializes in difficult cats. I have heard cats kicking up a fuss and by the end of the visit they have calmed down a bit. TG for vets like this.
What is wrong with this cat? You mentioned that it was in poor shape. Is it badly injured or is it very sick with some illness or condition? Sorry to ask this, but is this cat dying?
If this is not an immediate emergency.
Please put kitty in a smaller room with a crate and a place to hide or lay low. I usually put hideaway beds in my crate. If you think this cat will tear such an item apart, than find a suitable subtitute or just put a old sheet over the crate. This kitty needs time to decompress right now. Look for another vet and make an appointment for the next day if possible. Let the kitty have her space and give her soft simple kitty food. Speak to her in a quiet voice and try to not have her exposed to loud sounds. Give her her space and hopefully she will be less stressed when you take her to another vet.
I want to commend you for taking a feral cat in bad shape to the vet. You have a good heart. Now try to find the right vet and hopefully this kitty can be treated and be on the road to recovery. I hope everything works out. Best of luck.
I take my cats to a vet who specializes in difficult cats. I have heard cats kicking up a fuss and by the end of the visit they have calmed down a bit. TG for vets like this.
What is wrong with this cat? You mentioned that it was in poor shape. Is it badly injured or is it very sick with some illness or condition? Sorry to ask this, but is this cat dying?
If this is not an immediate emergency.
Please put kitty in a smaller room with a crate and a place to hide or lay low. I usually put hideaway beds in my crate. If you think this cat will tear such an item apart, than find a suitable subtitute or just put a old sheet over the crate. This kitty needs time to decompress right now. Look for another vet and make an appointment for the next day if possible. Let the kitty have her space and give her soft simple kitty food. Speak to her in a quiet voice and try to not have her exposed to loud sounds. Give her her space and hopefully she will be less stressed when you take her to another vet.
I want to commend you for taking a feral cat in bad shape to the vet. You have a good heart. Now try to find the right vet and hopefully this kitty can be treated and be on the road to recovery. I hope everything works out. Best of luck.
I come originally from the UK but now live in Germany so I'm not sure whether things have changed but there used to be quite a few animal charities like "Cat Protection" in the area where I lived. They used to have clinics but I imagine such humane institutions have long disappeared. Maybe you could phone Cat Protection and ask them to recommend a vet in your neighborhood, willing to treat strays. Perhaps they could put you in contact with one of their volunteers, who could offer you some practical help and support. Even a friendly telephone call is better than trying to manage on your own.
If you managed to get the cat to come indoors and get her to a vet without a trap, she is certainly not feral - just a poor, unwanted stray.
Did the vet at least check for a chip or tattoo? Maybe he only treats pedigree cats and dogs - so don't ever take a hedgehog to him - he'll probably throw you out.
I wish you and your new protégé lots of good luck. I would keep her in the kitchen or bathroom at night or when you're out of the house. I personally don't think that a crate is necessary - unless she's injured or really wild.
If you managed to get the cat to come indoors and get her to a vet without a trap, she is certainly not feral - just a poor, unwanted stray.
Did the vet at least check for a chip or tattoo? Maybe he only treats pedigree cats and dogs - so don't ever take a hedgehog to him - he'll probably throw you out.
I wish you and your new protégé lots of good luck. I would keep her in the kitchen or bathroom at night or when you're out of the house. I personally don't think that a crate is necessary - unless she's injured or really wild.
I agree....find a secure place, even a bathroom is fine, with some bedding and a litter box. Put the food and water separate from each other if you can, and distance them from the litter. Watch for any signs of chewing the bedding but I don't think that will happen. Most strays in this condition are happy for any soft, nutritious food. You are very kind to help her. Once you have made her comfortable you can observe her and will get to know her.
Whenallhellbreakslose
asked if she was sick or injured. If she is just poorly from the streets, you can let her relax and adjust, especially if you have no other cats. If she is injured or worse, then try to find a vet as best you can.
Whenallhellbreakslose
asked if she was sick or injured. If she is just poorly from the streets, you can let her relax and adjust, especially if you have no other cats. If she is injured or worse, then try to find a vet as best you can.
I want to join the other Cat Site Members who’ve given you a big pat on the back for trying to carry on during such a difficult situation.
Like some others, I’m at a slight disadvantage in not being in the U. K. But much of my advice would be the same wherever you are. I think you’ve gotten great advice already from members like
Whenallhellbreakslose
—— many vets have no experience w/ferals (if your dear kittty is a feral).—— so it may take digging to find a vet who’ll treat a feral. But they do exist. Obviously this site right here (thecatsite.com) has lots of members who live in England & can offer advice on organizations there. Another organization that stretches around the globe is Alley Cat Allies (alleycat.org) that focusses on helpinging feral cats, TNR, and the caring, concerned people like you trying to help them. They also have a network of people called the Feral Friends Network. They too - like our site - may be able to offer help specific to your area.
DEFINITELY try to speak w/a vet who is feral-specific (IF your kitty is indeed feral!).If he’s not, your options open widely —- but do try to talk to a vet’s office for specific advice ASAP — & if they can’t help help you, beg them for a name of a vet who can!!!!! Tell them it - and he -is critical and you just want help!!! Rarely will a caring vets’ office refuse to at least help!!!
Please keep us updated. You’ll be in many of our thoughts!!!!!!!!!!
Like some others, I’m at a slight disadvantage in not being in the U. K. But much of my advice would be the same wherever you are. I think you’ve gotten great advice already from members like
Whenallhellbreakslose
—— many vets have no experience w/ferals (if your dear kittty is a feral).—— so it may take digging to find a vet who’ll treat a feral. But they do exist. Obviously this site right here (thecatsite.com) has lots of members who live in England & can offer advice on organizations there. Another organization that stretches around the globe is Alley Cat Allies (alleycat.org) that focusses on helpinging feral cats, TNR, and the caring, concerned people like you trying to help them. They also have a network of people called the Feral Friends Network. They too - like our site - may be able to offer help specific to your area.DEFINITELY try to speak w/a vet who is feral-specific (IF your kitty is indeed feral!).If he’s not, your options open widely —- but do try to talk to a vet’s office for specific advice ASAP — & if they can’t help help you, beg them for a name of a vet who can!!!!! Tell them it - and he -is critical and you just want help!!! Rarely will a caring vets’ office refuse to at least help!!!
Please keep us updated. You’ll be in many of our thoughts!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #7
Many thanks for your thoughts guys. She is a tiny black cat who looks emaciated. If she was just underfed that would be ok for me to sort, but I need a vet to tell me if there is an underlying condition. She is hiding in my kitchen at the moment while I am at work! I am in touch with Cats Protection too but don't think if she has a health issue that they would be able to regime her anyway. Has anyone been in this situation before?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #8
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Hi Larahoff and welcome to the forum !
I think you may just have made all the difference for this little cat's life !
I know you are concerned about her health - it's important to understand that most stray/roaming cats do not have underlying conditions, and once the basic needs are attended to, will just 'blossom'.
I've also sent you a message with a little 'local' information that may help.
You know.............we never, ever refuse pictures here !
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Hi Larahoff and welcome to the forum !
I think you may just have made all the difference for this little cat's life !
I know you are concerned about her health - it's important to understand that most stray/roaming cats do not have underlying conditions, and once the basic needs are attended to, will just 'blossom'.
I've also sent you a message with a little 'local' information that may help.
You know.............we never, ever refuse pictures here !
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #10
Thank you White shadow, I will definitely check out that route as well. It's such a relief to speak to people who are in a similar situation. I had a cat who had hyperthyroidism and she has that stiff thin legs thing too. She is managing to jump up to the windowsill to see if she can escape though! Poor little thing.
The RSPCA used to have a walk in clinic but not sure if its running during this time with Covid but you could give them a ring. Failing that, I agree with the other posters, find another vet and remind them they have a duty of care.
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Providing her with a 'safe space' right now would likely help - rather than 'the run of the house', having her in one quiet room, with the simplest of hiding places (a plain box) and with her 'amenities' usually works.
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Providing her with a 'safe space' right now would likely help - rather than 'the run of the house', having her in one quiet room, with the simplest of hiding places (a plain box) and with her 'amenities' usually works.
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #13
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #14
What is the reasoning that they will not see her? I am really confused by this? Since you are able to handle her, there should be no reason a vet will not see her.
Have you tried the Cat Protection, RSPCA or PDSA, they all have visiting vets. I would think they can recommend one that would help.
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OK L Larahoff - here's an absolutely "NO rubbish" Veterinary professional for you............
Sarah Caney is a world-class feline Veterinarian who has gone on to establish this large practice: Vet Professionals
When things get complicated in feline medicine, only a feline specialist will carry the day.
Do keep us (more) updated !
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OK L Larahoff - here's an absolutely "NO rubbish" Veterinary professional for you............
Sarah Caney is a world-class feline Veterinarian who has gone on to establish this large practice: Vet Professionals
When things get complicated in feline medicine, only a feline specialist will carry the day.
Do keep us (more) updated !
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All good advice on getting her settled! She is improving already thanks to you! As for a vet, Sometimes less information is the key. People who handle scheduling may be inclined to avoid scheduling certain patients, where the vet might be of a different opinion. Try the one suggested by White Shadow and don’t give up! These days getting appointments can be a challenge but there are many here who can suggest ways to get her seen. Shame on any vet who refuses to see her based on her being a stray. She is no longer a stray because she is getting love from you! Bravo for giving her a safe sanctuary! Please do keep us updated.
