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

[JenWhite]

I tried to attach pics a couple of times, but I am not sure about attaching/resizing. Also if any of you have suggestions for a name, I am trying to settle on one. I kinda like KiKi, my son suggested Lucky. Perhaps in another language. I guess once you can see her a name will be easier to suggest, huh?

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm glad that you're able to care for her and I also think that keeping her separated from your own furkids is a good idea right now. Good luck at the vets tomorrow and please continue to keep us updated.

[momcat]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I'm sure that's what kitty wants to say to you. And bless you for taking her in. You definitely did the right thing separating her from your other furkids if for no other reason than the fleas. A good look see by your vet, a nice bath, and your TLC will go a long way. What a lucky girl to have found you. Please let us know how she's doing?

[catmandu]

If she will eat it,I would give her a high quality kitten food,as she is going,to need the extra protein.
Ntro Max Canned Kitten would be,very good,or Royal Canin Dry Kitten Food,as that is usually on promotion.
Bless You,for helping that poor Cat,and we are praying for her.


You could always ask,your Vet,for samples!!

[JenWhite]

Hey guys! Thank you again for all of your advice I am feeding Royal Canin 2nd stage kitten dry food, and Iams kitten wet food. My other three furkids are already eating that so thankfully I had it on hand I have tried to feed her 2nd step KMR, but she didn't seem too interested. Also yesterday I picked up a four pack of benebac and gave her a dose. Petsmart had some 'flea wipes' and I used one on her I didn't want to stress her any further with a full on bath.
I just came home from the vet. Ok, I have learned that she is 9-10 years old, FeLv neg (yea!!! ) has no worms, and is a totally well mannered sweetheart!

But, (there's always a but) the freely movable masses aren't babies. Dr. Utt is going to do a needle aspiration and we'll make desicions from there. Dr. says the options are either surgical removal or medication for the rest of lil kitties life. I am hoping that they can be surgically removed, but I have no experience with either. Please keep this little girl in your thoughts and prayers. And if you have any experience in dealing with removal of tumors/masses I would appreciate any experience you are willing to share....

I'll post more as soon as I hear from Dr. Utt

[orangemm]

I don't know anything about the masses (sorry), but just wanted to say how lucky it was that this poor little soul found you! I figured you were talking about a younger cat, am surprised that she's as old as she is. I wonder what her previous life was like?

You're a wonderful angel to have taken her in!!

[JenWhite]

Well, I talked to Dr. Utt yesterday. The needle biopsy was non- diagnostic. So . . . . . . I am still not sure what my next step should be. I don't have a problem with paying for the surgery, but if the masses are just going to regenerate which is a possibility then I can't see putting her through the surgery. KWIM? Also my three other furbabies are rough and tumble kitties, my husband will probably move out if I bring another cat inside (kinda of joking). I know Noni (the new kitty's name means gift from God) will need to be kept inside for several days if I have the procedure done. I am at a loss So even though she is eating right now and is seemingly happy I am concerned about leaving undiagnosed growths inside her.
Anyone have any advice?

[Laura's Babies]

My advice is to have those removed and see what they are..... Then, go from there. Those things could be something simple that is interferring with her eating or absorbtion of food..... could be something crtitcal but I would have to know, just for my own peace of mind.