Stray Cat

[nancys]

I have a new stray cat at my house & he has made himself right at home. The problem is he is sick - sneezing and seems to be having trouble breathing. We got our 1st snow here last nite and it was cold & windy outdoors. The stray cat was in the house laying on the recliner and I knew he couldn't stay there, but I hated to put him out in the cold. I tried calling a few people to see if they could or would take him in. No luck. I ended up putting him out and it abt. broke my heart to do it. He kept looking at me with eyes that were saying please let me stay in where it's warm. When I woke up this morning I looked out to see if he was still there and seen that he had crawled in the cat carrier - I have an old blanket in there so at least he was a little warmer. Anyway I'm trying to decide what to do with him - I don't really want to call the police because I'm afraid they will just shoot him. but I can't afford more vet bills. I wish there was a shelter here where I could take him. What should I do - any ideas?

[Lizzie]

Where do you live?

You can't keep him in your bathroom until he is well? I'm sure quite a few of us have antibiotics on hand that we can send you. That, combined with steam from your showers/baths, and good food might help him pull through the URI.

Did you put food out for him, and water? Can you insulate the carrier by wrapping newspaper and plastic around it? Or put the carrier in a large box that is wrapped with plastic. If he is going to have to stay outside without help, it may be more humane to call in the authorities to shoot him, better than a lingering death from starvation because he can't breathe well enough to eat.

[jennielynn1970]

No offense, but why would you put him back out in a snow storm if he looked like he wanted to stay in the warmth, and he's sick? I don't understand that part. It just seems cruel to kick him back out. Do you have a spare room to shelter him?

Try your local Walmart for material that's like a sheepskin/sherpa like feel, and you can put that inside the carrier, to line it. Then you can put the carrier in a large box to buffet it from the wind. At least that way he has some shelter.

[GILL]

That was one of the dumbest things I have ever heard of. How would you like to be put out in the cold when you’re not feeling well?
A spare room, bathroom, even a shower stall with a towel would be better. The people here on PT are more then willing too help everyone and any one that needs it, but cruelty if hard to forgive.
Lets see what we can do to get this baby healthy and a home.

[nancys]

You're right everyone and I am sorry. I wasn't trying to be cruel but I was trying to protect my cats from getting sick. You have sent good ideas that I will try. I also called the vet and they are going to look into finding him a home.

[jennielynn1970]

You're right everyone and I am sorry. I wasn't trying to be cruel but I was trying to protect my cats from getting sick. You have sent good ideas that I will try. I also called the vet and they are going to look into finding him a home.

It's totally understandable not to let him get in contact with your cats, but is there a garage you can put him in, or basement, where he could at least be out of the elements?

Good luck, and hope you can get him to the vet and get a clean bill of health.

[lvpets2002]

What you put him back out in the snow.. Ekkkk == Can you at least just put him in the garage with a kitty sheepskin condo.. Please take one of our ideas to heart && bring this baby back in out of the cold.. Where do you live anyway??

[moosmom]

I've got a small bathroom for him to recover in if someone can get him to me. HOWEVER, he needs Frontline. I've 4 of my own cats I need to protect. PM me.

[nancys]

About the stray cat I called the vet yesterday and the girl I talked to said she thinks she knows who he belongs to. I tried calling that family last nite, but no answer. I know he belongs to someone or at some time belonged to someone because usually a stray cat won't just come into a house and make themselves at home like he has. By the way I did keep him the house last nite.

I have a new stray cat at my house & he has made himself right at home. The problem is he is sick - sneezing and seems to be having trouble breathing. We got our 1st snow here last nite and it was cold & windy outdoors. The stray cat was in the house laying on the recliner and I knew he couldn't stay there, but I hated to put him out in the cold. I tried calling a few people to see if they could or would take him in. No luck. I ended up putting him out and it abt. broke my heart to do it. He kept looking at me with eyes that were saying please let me stay in where it's warm. When I woke up this morning I looked out to see if he was still there and seen that he had crawled in the cat carrier - I have an old blanket in there so at least he was a little warmer. Anyway I'm trying to decide what to do with him - I don't really want to call the police because I'm afraid they will just shoot him. but I can't afford more vet bills. I wish there was a shelter here where I could take him. What should I do - any ideas?

[GILL]

Reprieve noted. If you need help transporting lets us know. Donna I am sorry the house is full. 13 and a possible #14, but I can certainly help in transportation. For those that don’t know about half of my kids have come from Donna in one way or another.

[phesina]

I'll be glad to do what I can to help. Nancy, if you are in Michigan, please let me know where. I could at least help with transport then, too.

Pat

[moosmom]

What's the scoop??? Any word on a transport???

[Anikaca77]

Nancy,

Can we have an update please and what the status is on this stray cat?

Thanks,
Melissa