need advice about new rescue

[JenWhite]

I hope I can get some sound advice from those of you who rescue/foster. I found a cat on my way home yesterday she is just a skeleton with fur stretched over her right now. She is very friendly, and considering her condition she doesn't appear to be lethargic. I am pretty sure she is dehydrated (nap of the neck test). She has a lot of fleas, and this morning I foung two fairly large freely moving masses in her abdomen.
I kept her in a big dog carrier with fresh food/water & makeshift litter box on the side of my house (yes outside ) last night. I am taking her to the vet in the morning. I don't want to let her roam free I am afraid she'll run away. With my three cats being indoors I don't want to expose them to anything she may have.
She is getting lots of love from all of the neighborhood kids and me too of course! I feel guilty for keeping her in the carrier but I just don't know what else to do.

I hope I am doing the right thing

[Craftlady]

You did the right thing. You have provided a safe place for the kitty to be until a vet visit.
Considering the condition of the kitty (fleas) you've contained the spread.
Make sure you wash throughly all the items in the cage.

[rg_girlca]

I would just like to say first, bless you for taking the time to help this kitty.
Never question yourself when it comes to rescuing an animal. Of course you did the right thing. First off by keeping the cat separated from yours, even it is outside, at least it is safe and sound and is getting lots of love, food and water.
Secondly by bringing it to the vets.

I hope there isn't anything seriously wrong with the poor thing.
Keep us updated, okay.

[orangemm]

How wonderful of you to take in this poor girl. Is there any chance she could be pregnant? She must be very grateful to you for what you've done! At least she is safe from predators and abusive people.

Keep us updated on her progress...bless you for doing this!!

[CalliesMom]

Thank you for saving the little girl! I do agree she should be separated until she is seen by a vet. Are you planning on keeping her? Can we see pictures?

[Laura's Babies]

Keep feeding her and giving her plenty of fresh water. That is probably what she needs right now more than anything. Later, when she is stronger, she may want to get out of that kennel but right now, she is probably SO glad to have a safe place to sleep, food and water. I would suggest having her tested and checked at the vets but wait until she is a lot stronget before giving her any shots in her weakened condition. I made the mistake of getting Samantha's right away when she was almost starved to death and eaten up with fleas and I thought those shots were going to kill her. Let her build up some strength first.

[JenWhite]

Thank you for your replies! I have been out with her several times today, and she seems to be doing better. I was thinking if a cat were SOO ill that she is literally skin and bones her movement, alertness, and interest would be indicators, right? I am hoping,hoping, hoping that she is just malnourished. I will definatley have the vet run any tests she can, thank you for advising to hold off on vaccines for now Well, I am on my way to my favorite pet supply store . . . Petsmart! I should really buy some stock in that company