Well, another stray showed up. (I recently realized a few blocks away there's an apartment complex that allows pets... and I think when people move out, they just leave their pets .)
He's young, most likely an un-neutered male, who has a TERRIBLE upper respiratory infection. He practically has to keep his mouth open to breathe, and even then, it sounds horrid. Green nasal discharge. Clear eyes, though, and his poop is normal. He is extremely thin and frail. But he is very friendly, and really wants attention.
Here's the thing.
I cannot take him. We have 5 cats (and 3 kids) as it is, and we are scrambling to survive as it is (It's been a rough few years!!!).
I spent the last 24 hours calling literally ever possible place within two hours of us. Every single place was full and unwilling to take a sick cat. I called at least 25 different places and people. All full (or unwilling to take a sick cat... which I do understand).
He's currently in a very large dog cage in the garage... but he hates it in there. Digging everywhere, dumping everything over, trying to escape. There's no way he could ever be an indoor only cat.
I even tried finding a farm/barn to take him... but no one wants a sick cat.
It's down to our local animal resource center... basically animal control. I know they will put him down.
It's tearing me up. I hate it. I just don't know what else to do.
I can't leave him out there, being a germ risk to other animals (and our cats- especially since he's claimed our yard as the place he wants to be).
I cannot afford a vet bill. We have a small amount of money set aside for our current cat who's having urinary troubles (he needs special foods now).
Is there *anything* I'm missing on what I could do?! I'm so upset. I love all cats and I cannot stand the thought of sending him to be put down... This is awful.
He's young, most likely an un-neutered male, who has a TERRIBLE upper respiratory infection. He practically has to keep his mouth open to breathe, and even then, it sounds horrid. Green nasal discharge. Clear eyes, though, and his poop is normal. He is extremely thin and frail. But he is very friendly, and really wants attention.
Here's the thing.
I cannot take him. We have 5 cats (and 3 kids) as it is, and we are scrambling to survive as it is (It's been a rough few years!!!).
I spent the last 24 hours calling literally ever possible place within two hours of us. Every single place was full and unwilling to take a sick cat. I called at least 25 different places and people. All full (or unwilling to take a sick cat... which I do understand).
He's currently in a very large dog cage in the garage... but he hates it in there. Digging everywhere, dumping everything over, trying to escape. There's no way he could ever be an indoor only cat.
I even tried finding a farm/barn to take him... but no one wants a sick cat.
It's down to our local animal resource center... basically animal control. I know they will put him down.
It's tearing me up. I hate it. I just don't know what else to do.
I can't leave him out there, being a germ risk to other animals (and our cats- especially since he's claimed our yard as the place he wants to be).
I cannot afford a vet bill. We have a small amount of money set aside for our current cat who's having urinary troubles (he needs special foods now).
Is there *anything* I'm missing on what I could do?! I'm so upset. I love all cats and I cannot stand the thought of sending him to be put down... This is awful.