Question:
I know that I have read from here that several of you have taken in and help sickly cats. Well over comes a neighbor two nights ago they have found a cat, full grown, had been attacked by something raccon or something. There is two wounds on the cat. One is kind of bad they have cleaned it up putting antibotic ointment on it the other is very minor. Let me say that this cat is NOT in my possesion or id probably take it to the vet (then again I dont have the extra money right now for a stray), we dont have any humane society in our area, just the dog pound and stray cats are given three days and thats it. This cat is VERY VERY friendly, im talking rub her head into your hand and steal your heart the moment you meet her. Those eyes OMG she can sucker you in with her eyes. They are feeding her and keeping her wound clean. She wouldnt eat anything but sloppy joe they had the other night, They were crating her at night on there porch (one daughter is highly allergic to cats and it cant be in the house) then let out at during the day. This cat is PAINFULLY skinny. I told them today to take a little bit of grease from what ever meat they cook and sprinkle just a dap on and mix in with cat food to entice her to eat, she is eatting that as we speak. What im looking for is your advice on how to help fatten her up. Would a good duck soup work well for her?
I really dont know if I could take her in temp as I know I couldnt take her in permantly hubby has a no cats policy all though Ive had a couple here for helping care for them then rehoming them and he hasnt complained to much.
What should I do? They are asking for my help and im at a loss as to what to really suggest to them.


Answer:
Sick cats (and cats in general) will usually eat canned food over kibble. I would suggest buying canned kitten food (high quality if possible) if this cat is extremely underweight. If the cat is just skinny, adult food should be fine. It doesn't seem as though her appetite is affected (ie. she is eating), so I would just stick to cat food as opposed to human food.


Answer:
Candice,
I have a can of wet cat food in my cabinet, How long is it good for ?? (long story why I have it lol).
Oh and Duck soup is a mix of foods that is used for sickly ferrets (I crossposted to save time lol) Its bascially ferret kibble, cat kibble, chicken, chicken baby food blended together).


Answer:
Wet food is usually good for quite awhile...there should be a date on the can somewhere. If there isn't, I would be safe and not use it.
I wouldn't give ferret food to the cat...try the wet food first. It sounds like the cat is willing to eat as long as the food is tasty.


Answer:
okay thanks Candice,
Its only about 2months old. Ill check for a date on the can.


Answer:
Of geez, good luck with her! I agree, wet food and water and she should fatten up slowly but nicely.
Poor kitty cat.


Answer:
I'm all for helping a sick cat/kitten but be careful of rabies! You never know the condition of the animal that did the attacking.
My first instinct is to say "get her to the vet" but I understand the situation. The major wound should be treated with the topical antibiotic about three times a day. I agree cat/kitten food is best. Too much junk, and she may end up with a bad case of diarrhea which won't help her any. If she gets lethargic and/or stops eating then she may have a fever and infection. If these people can't provide veterinary care at that point, then humane euthanasia should be considered. Good luck!


Answer:
good luck Christy,.. let us know how she progresses


Answer:
yikes, I dont have any advice,,,but should you mix the wet food in with the kibble?? i thought it was extremly hard to switch a cat over to kibble after its been on wet food for so long???
Good luck Christy,.....i hope the wounds heal up fast and her belly gets warm and full


Answer:
I agree with Candice & Brenda... If she'll eat canned food... feed kitten food, she'll slowly put on the weight. I'd also be very careful if it was a raccoon that bit her. Raccoons are rabies vector animals (around here anyway).. It may be different in your area so I'd call the Conservation Officers or Animal Control and ask about the rabies risk in Ohio. That's all you'd need...
I also feel that if the neighbor isn't willing to take the cat to a Vet and have it treated properly, she should find a Rescue group to take over the care.