Hurt Stray Cat

[Buddy1]

There is a stray cat that has been coming by for about a year now. He is a long haired tabby, I've named him Buddy. He has been a healthy cat until about a week ago. I noticed he was limping on one of his front paws. The last few days the upper part of his leg has become very swollen. I thought he might have fractured his leg or something. Then about 10 minutes ago, I went outside to check on him (he's been lying down a lot) and I noticed his leg is now bleeding under his upper arm. His hair is too long so I can't really see what it is. He won't really let me touch him, since he is a stray. Does anyone know what this could be? Now I think it might be due to a bite. Taking him to the vet is out of the question. Since he won't really let me touch him, let alone put him in a carrier. Any help or advice would be much appreciated!! Please help!!!

[Craftlady]

Try food/treats to coax him closer so you can get a good look.

[jazzcat]

There are several on here who trap, spay or neuter and release feral cats. Hopefully one of them can tell you what to do. If you know of a cat rescue in your area maybe they would trap him or give you the cage/trap to do it yourself so you could take him to the vet. Sounds like the poor guy really needs vet attention as soon as possible - and get him fixed in the process so there won't be any Buddy Jrs running around.

Welcome to Pet Talk!

[Buddy1]

Okay, I've been watching him for several hours. And what I just found is horrifying. Now that the blood has dried, I can see that part of his bone has penetrated his skin. The poor thing. Should I just have him put down? How much does that usually cost? I feel so bad for him. I have been giving him Torbugesic Suspension for pain. I had some left from a previous incident with one of my kittens. Any advice?

[jazzcat]

Oh that is terrible, bless his heart!! I don't know what to tell you. I hope you can help him.

[rg_girlca]

I can understand your concern for the cost.
But please, please, i'm begging you to get this poor cat some help. He/she must be suffering horribly.

[Buddy1]

He is trying to walk around more, he is putting weight on his leg. I 'm thinking he got in a fight with another cat and skinned his elbow. If his leg was broken I don't think he'd be able to put any weight on his leg. The part of bone that is exposed looks like part of the elbow joint. I can take him to the Emergency Room but I know that they would just put him down. I think I'm going to continue with the pain meds. Then I will take him to the vet on Tuesday for antibiotics and treatment. I know several of you think I should take him tonight. But I just can't afford the medical bills. And if I let them take him he will be euthanized. He still has his appetite but his mood seems to be more mellow then usual (obviously). I'm the only person that is taking care of Buddy, as far as feeding. I did find a non-profit organization for Farel (sp?) cats, but they only spay/neuter then release.

I took in a stray cat, Lucy and found out she was pregnant. She had the kittens and they were adopted out through Shelter Pet Partners here in San Diego. All of the kittens were spayed/neutered, chipped and vaccinated. They were adopted out within 3 days, all to loving pre-screened homes.

But before I took Lucy in, she was outside with Buddy, hence the name Buddy. I wish I could have taken both of them in. But my apartment manager won't allow it. So I do my best to take care of him as an outside cat.

Anyways, Buddy is very special to me and it kills me inside to know that he is in pain. Now that Lucy is an indoor only cat, he is all alone outside. He lives on my back porch!!

I will do everything within my means to take care of Buddy. Thanks again, and as always, your loving support for Buddy is always welcome!!

Angela

[rg_girlca]

Oh Angela, you are an ANGEL for caring for Buddy. Thank you and bless you. I hope and pray that his injury isn't too serious and you are able to get him into a carrier to bring him to a vet.

Also, bless you for taking in Lucy. The shelter you describe sounds like a good one. I'm glad it worked out for her babies.

Please keep us updated on Buddy. I'm so concerned for him.

[Laura's Babies]

Please help that poor baby. Get him to the vet and get him treatment asap..

[Randi]

Oh poor Buddy, he needs treatment as soon as possible! Could you perhaps ring the shelter and ask if they can help? Perhaps you can borrow a trap from them, or refer you to someone else.

Does Buddy have any shelter where you live? Until you can get him help, you could put a box out with towels for him. Put it in a quiet area!

[kimlovescats]

Thank you for caring for Buddy ... I understand the financial strain. Maybe you could call around to different vets, explain the situation and make some sort of financial arrangement?

Good luck!!!
Kim

[rg_girlca]

Buddy1, were you able to trap Buddy and bring him to the vet yesterday?

How is he doing?

[rg_girlca]

Hope you got my e-mail asking how Buddy is doing?