Question:
My cat came back all injured. It looks like she got in a fight with another cat, dog, or animal from around the nieghborhood. Either that or she fell off a tree or something. He has bruises on his face above his eyes. They don't seem too bad, though he's limping on one leg and I don't know if its broken or not. Could it be sprained? How do i go about examining it or should I just go to the vet?
Also I have never used this forum before. Am I posting in the right place or is there a place where I post on specific emergencies?
Answer:
Welcome to the forum and you are posting in the right place!
If your cat was inside all day and toppled off the couch, I'd be more relaxed and suggest holding off a day or so to see if it's just a bruise, but this is simply not the case.
Your cat was outside and could have been attacked numerous different species. A veterinary visit is surely needed. Your cat is limping and has bruises on it's face, this is pretty significant especially when you have no idea where it came from.
I know sometimes it's hard to convert people who keep their cats outside to bring them indoors, but now that you've seen your cat in this condition, I hope you will consider doing so. Cats are much, much safer and healthier if they live indoors.
Good luck and please keep us posted on the outcome.
Answer:
Thank you for the response.
I used to keep my cat inside most of the time, but he started to ask for a little bit of independence, so I gradually allowed him to go out every once in a while.
Its only been less than a month since I started letting him go out and I never once had any problems.
Since he got injured I have not allowed him to go out and now im speculating as to whether I should or not.
I'll probably keep her inside for a couple of days or possibly weeks just to be sure.
As far as the bruises they seem to have healed up a little. There are only two bruises above both of the eyes.
I actually had thought about waiting a day just like you recommended before going to the vet.
He only seems to respond to pain if you pick her up in a certain way or lay her down a certain way. I tried moving the leg to see how she would react to the pain and to see if it could be broken. If I move it back she does not feel any pain, but if I move it forward just gently she begins to "Meow."
When I first noticed she was injured I allowed her to lay down and just stay still, perhaps to ease her pain away and hopefully see if she could heal herself with time. I'll most definetly take her to the vet if she does not get any better.
Im also aware about what you mentioned of how she could have been attacked by any animal which could possibly lead to rabies or something else? Its one of the first things that popped into my mind.
Answer:
I would take the cat to the vet. It could have been attacked by another animal, abused by a human, or even struck by a vehicle (even a bicycle can do substantial damage, never mind what a car can do ). I would be most concerned catfights (which can transmit FIV and FeLV, among other things), and less about rabies (assuming that your cat is up-to-date on rabies vaccination). I'd also worry about any restriction in the range of motion in the injured leg. If it was an indoor accident that you saw, I might not be so adamant, but IMO, outdoor mystery accidents are cause to call the vet.
(also, I couldn't tell from your posts if your cat is male or female, you switch between "he" and "she," but unaltered males are more likely to get into fights and other trouble when allowed outdoors)
Answer:
> (also, I couldn't tell from your posts if your cat is male or female, you switch between "he" and "she," but unaltered males are more likely to get into fights and other trouble when allowed outdoors)
Sorry about that, but I've never had a cat before. A girl I know had to give the cat away and she had mentioned the cat was a female, but I noticed not long ago that the cat is actually a male. Ever since then I keep confusing the one with the other. Its a force of habit.
I was not aware of FIV and FeLV, but now that you mention it then it may be a good idea to bring that up when I go to the vet.
Thanks for the help.
P.S. Rabies vaccination is up-to-date.