Help with injured stray

[Catsnquilts]

Calico as always your wisdom is greatly appreciated!
He comes out and continues to rub against my legs and then he gets over stimulated and growls. I continue to tell him it’s okay, and I’m confident and calm when I go in, but this morning I noticed that the side of his face is swollen and I need to get him back to the Vet to have them take a look at it. It’s the same side as his injured blind eye, and I don’t think at this point he’s able to be handled do you have any tips as to how to get him in back into his crate for transport? The crate has remained in his room open and available to him.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Poor guy. I wonder if he rubbed on something and it caused issues with his face. I would call the vet and describe the issue to understand the potential severity and therefore immediacy of a vet visit. I know it would be hard to diagnose over the phone but explain the difficulty you may have in getting him in.

Also, do you have a vet that makes housecalls in your area? They may not be making them due to Covid 19 now but it might be worth a check though again you need to think of your own safety first. We don;t want you catching Covid 19.

Ok, I would try to use treats to get him into the crate. Really stinky ones, ones he loves. We want to try to make it a positive association (the crate). Since it may be needed for a vet visit then if he goes in close it. If there is some time to train you can put treats in there and then let him come out and repeat so as to let him know the crate is a positive and not bad.

I would also order some "Bite Gloves" just in case he needs to be handled and put in the crate in a more timely/necessary situation. It can be stressful but it may be necessary.

I want you to be very careful. Your safety comes first.

Yes, that is normal for him to rub and then to growl, hiss, etc. Just keep reassuring him, make it a positive (maybe give him a treat), don't make any threatening movements, etc.

Please let us know how it goes. Hopefully it is nothing. Is he on anti-biotics? Definitely call your vet.

 

[Catsnquilts]

Calico,
My vet can get him in tomorrow morning first thing so that’s good! Ever since he’s been here he has a routine of up in the morning for food, hide and sleep all day, out in the evening for more food, but will come out in the evening if I go in. Today is a 180, if I go in he’s right there rubbing against me then growl and hiss if I move, I hate to say this but it’s almost like he can’t see me or his food. I put treats down, but he didn’t see them till I tapped my foot by them, and even then it was like he just smelled them. His poor little swollen face has got to be painful for him, he also has a very dark spot under his chin that looks to be a wound of some sort, he’s been very reclusive except for today, it’s like that room is his territory and he doesn’t want me in there, I’m sure it’s his way of saying I’m not feeling well. Today is the first day he looked up at me and that is when I saw his face and chin......
I want to get him in his crate tonight before bed that way I know he is ready to go with no issues, I have heavy leather gloves that reach my elbow and a heavy motorcycle jacket and leather chaps I will wear before going in. I don’t think I could scruff him since his scruff is where his open abscess is. i just don’t wanna ruin what trust we already have but I know he won’t make this easy on me, but I’m gonna try my best!

 

[calicosrspecial]

Calico,
My vet can get him in tomorrow morning first thing so that’s good! Ever since he’s been here he has a routine of up in the morning for food, hide and sleep all day, out in the evening for more food, but will come out in the evening if I go in. Today is a 180, if I go in he’s right there rubbing against me then growl and hiss if I move, I hate to say this but it’s almost like he can’t see me or his food. I put treats down, but he didn’t see them till I tapped my foot by them, and even then it was like he just smelled them. His poor little swollen face has got to be painful for him, he also has a very dark spot under his chin that looks to be a wound of some sort, he’s been very reclusive except for today, it’s like that room is his territory and he doesn’t want me in there, I’m sure it’s his way of saying I’m not feeling well. Today is the first day he looked up at me and that is when I saw his face and chin......
I want to get him in his crate tonight before bed that way I know he is ready to go with no issues, I have heavy leather gloves that reach my elbow and a heavy motorcycle jacket and leather chaps I will wear before going in. I don’t think I could scruff him since his scruff is where his open abscess is. i just don’t wanna ruin what trust we already have but I know he won’t make this easy on me, but I’m gonna try my best!

Check his litter box activity. Try to get him after he uses the litter box since being in the crate overnight could be difficult. But getting him in to the vet sounds important.

Use a towel or two as another layer of protection. Yes, scruffing would be difficult given his injury.

Don;t worry about the trust issue. We can get over that. The most important thing is your safety. Then trying not to hurt him. Then getting him into the vet.

If you do it quick and catch him by surprise it may go a little better. The challenge is he probably will put up a fight and make some noises that are really hard to hear. once in a while an injured cat will be more accepting but I would not plan for that.

You are amazing!! Just do your best. It is very hard but you are doing so much for him. Just please be safe.

"Ever since he’s been here he has a routine of up in the morning for food, hide and sleep all day, out in the evening for more food, but will come out in the evening if I go in. Today is a 180, if I go in he’s right there rubbing against me then growl and hiss if I move, I hate to say this but it’s almost like he can’t see me or his food." - It COULD be a sign of him wanting/needing help. It also could just be he is warming up to you but is still cautious. Just so hard to know.

"I hate to say this but it’s almost like he can’t see me or his food. I put treats down, but he didn’t see them till I tapped my foot by them, and even then it was like he just smelled them." - It is possible. Hopefully he just wasn't hungry.

"His poor little swollen face has got to be painful for him, he also has a very dark spot under his chin that looks to be a wound of some sort' - Was the wound from before? Or do you think he got in while in the laundry room. I wonder if he has allergies and is rubbing on sharp things in the laundry room. Was he on anti-biotics and if so he is still or when did they end?

"he’s been very reclusive except for today" - I thought he was rubbing before. I know he hide for a while but that tends to be fairly normal. I didn't get a sense he was "reclusive" before.

"Today is the first day he looked up at me" - Again, that is normal for a cat that is now in a new/unknown territory.

"it’s like that room is his territory and he doesn’t want me in there" - I don't get that sense. If that was the case he would be totally different.

Poor guy. I am worried about the swelling. Maybe there was an infection that didn't get taken care of with the last vet visit. He may have scratched himself.

Cats do have a higher tolerance for pain (not that is any panacea) but maybe it will help ease your worry. It is what it is though and you are doing everything you possibly can. I know it is hard and it is something that is very hard emotionally but just understand you are doing everything you possibly can.

I just hope you stay safe above all. Then I hope you can get him in the crate and into the vet. Just do your best safely.

But just know that you are amazing and can be very proud for all you are doing for him.

 

[Catsnquilts]

I went in prepared for a scene, got some soft treats inside the carrier, then I managed to get him near the opening and simply helped him inside. He’s wasn’t happy when I zipped him in and proceeded to vocalize his view on the matter but I stayed up late and watched on the camera to make sure he ate, drank and used the litter box before I went in. I think he will be just fine till 8am. Thank you again for all your assistance and I will update on what is going on with him. He was given a Covenia injection the last visit but it’s obviously out of his system now. thank you again!

 

[calicosrspecial]

GREAT JOB!!!

Most importantly you are safe and unharmed. So glad that he will be getting into the vet. I hope all goes well.

Please keep us up. Don't worry, we can deal with any trust issues. He will be grateful when he recovers.

 

[Catsnquilts]

This poor fellow is just one big walking abscess, first it was his neck shoulder area, the size of my fist that had ruptured and cause a huge infection. Now it’s his teeth, he has major dental issues that have caused another abscess & infection and swelling. He got a shot of Depo and a good supply of antibiotics and a return appointment for next Thursday to remove all problem teeth and a good cleaning, I hope this fixes his issues so he can finally feel better! I went ahead and put him in the large dog kennel with s smaller covered carrier set up inside so he can have a safe dark place; given how anxious he was feeling yesterday I felt this would be the best option for both of us. Once he is healed and feeling better I will revisit leaving him free in the laundry room. The tech did say he was a very good boy but did begin to balk after a few minutes but was a huge improvement from when he first came in.
Thank You again for all your advice and feedback!

 

[calicosrspecial]

Oh the poor guy. I am SO GLAD you got him in. THANK YOU SO MUCH for caring so well for him!!! You really are an angel!!!

I think you are on the path to getting him recovered.

Good job on setting up his kennel. That sounds perfect.

He was probably anxious because of his infection. Understandable now.

I am so glad he behaved. Sometimes when they aren't well they do. I am just so thankful he was able to get in and start his path to getting better.

THANK YOU for all you are doing!!! This not easy on a number of fronts and your dedication and love for him is inspiring and amazing.

 

[Catsnquilts]

Here is what his shoulder abscess looks like, it looks a million times better than it did when I first caught him and his bleeding has been reduced as well. Lets just say I do a lot of laundry to keep his bedding clean!

 

[calicosrspecial]

Poor guy. He sure has been through a lot already. But he is now being taken care of. Thank goodness.

He is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!

He really is a special cat!!! I am so glad he found you!!! I have some tears but they are tears of joy. I can imagine how emotional it has been for you.

THANK YOU!!

 

[Catsnquilts]

Poor Rocky just wont eat or drink now. He had a Depo shot yesterday for his mouth abscess and is also on Clindamycin for the next 10 days. He did eat last night and did use the litter box, but today nothing. That means he didn’t get his morning dose of Clindamycin and he’s normally such a big eater loves to drink tons of water. He’s hiding in a smaller carrier in the dog crate and seems very lethargic. Is this a side effect of the Depo? Should I be concerned and get him back to the vet? I’m just getting soft meows when I’ve checked on him.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Poor Rocky just wont eat or drink now. He had a Depo shot yesterday for his mouth abscess and is also on Clindamycin for the next 10 days. He did eat last night and did use the litter box, but today nothing. That means he didn’t get his morning dose of Clindamycin and he’s normally such a big eater loves to drink tons of water. He’s hiding in a smaller carrier in the dog crate and seems very lethargic. Is this a side effect of the Depo? Should I be concerned and get him back to the vet? I’m just getting soft meows when I’ve checked on him.

I would give the vet a call as soon as possible.. I am not a vet so a vet's opinion is best. I have experienced this before but a vet's opinion is the best.

Poor guy. He is going through a lot.

Reassure him. Talk lovingly to him. Just let him know every thing is going to be ok and he is loved.

 

[Catsnquilts]

I was able to drop him off at the Vet this morning and they are going to go ahead and pull the bad teeth, get them all cleaned, get him rehydrated and send him home with pain meds, hopefully that will help him feel much better. The rest of his blood work looks good and there are no indications of other issues.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Thank you for the update.

So glad to hear his blood work looks good and there are no indications of other issues.

Please let us know how it goes at the vet. THANK YOU SO MUCH for all you are doing!!! He is one lucky cat!!!

 

[Catsnquilts]

Just got Rocky home and settled in, gave him a bit of food sprinkled with his Gabapentin and some water; he ate it all and is now happily grooming himself and lounging inside his crate. He was a little wobbly when he got out of the carrier but went straight to his litter box, spent a little bit getting adjusted, and decided he was hungry, he looks and acts so much better, a complete 180!

 

[theyremine]

While I haven't posted much, I have been following your posts daily as I have a soft spot for ferals and strays and have fallen for Rocky. I have been so impressed with the way you have loved and cared for him. He is so very fortunate to have you. He knows what you are doing for him, and one day he will look at you with loving eyes and in that second you will know it has all been worth it.

 

[Catsnquilts]

Before I went to bed last night I went and checked on him and he was doing so much better, opened the cage and spent time giving him lots of loves and and pets, he was so happy, making biscuits , what a love bug! I will still take things slow with him as he still needs to heal from so much. This morning he didn’t complain when I put him in a different carrier so I could clean his crate, he had litter everywhere, between 10pm and 7 am he managed to fill his litter box and made quite the mess. once I feel like he’s 100% I will allow him free access in the laundry room. Thank you again for sharing all your wisdom and for all your words of encouragement, I’m truly grateful and so is Rocky!

 

[Catsnquilts]

Oh my goodness, I think poor Rocky has been declawed on all 4 paws! is there anyway to tell? I was able to touch his front paws last night and there was very little nail, so I thought perhaps the vet trimmed them. This morning I touched his back paws and couldn’t feel anything and he was not fond of my touching any of his paws (I can see why if he is declawed!) no wonder this poor fellow is all beat up, hard to defend yourself when you have nothing to defend yourself with, I just wanna cry for this poor guy.

 

[calicosrspecial]

Just got Rocky home and settled in, gave him a bit of food sprinkled with his Gabapentin and some water; he ate it all and is now happily grooming himself and lounging inside his crate. He was a little wobbly when he got out of the carrier but went straight to his litter box, spent a little bit getting adjusted, and decided he was hungry, he looks and acts so much better, a complete 180!

Thank you for the update. I am so glad he is doing better. That really is a wonderful improvement. I am so glad to read this.

"Before I went to bed last night I went and checked on him and he was doing so much better, opened the cage and spent time giving him lots of loves and and pets, he was so happy, making biscuits , what a love bug!" - That is so sweet. Makes me cry with joy. He feels safe and secure. He really deserves it.

"This morning he didn’t complain when I put him in a different carrier so I could clean his crate, he had litter everywhere, between 10pm and 7 am he managed to fill his litter box and made quite the mess." - Such a good boy behaving. Yeah, it happens. Vet visits like that are disrupting to the normal functions.

"once I feel like he’s 100% I will allow him free access in the laundry room." - That is a great plan. Then we can start intro'ing him.

No THANK YOU for all you are doing for him!!! I/WE are GRATEFUL!!! You have saved a life!! VERY SPECIAL!!

At this point I would just not check his paws. You may want to ask the vet if they noticed. I have a feeling he was dumped or maybe just escaped. Horrible situation.

It really is sad. Poor guy on just so many levels. But the past is the past and he is now in great hands getting the love he deserves.

Please let us know how things are going. Rocky is one lucky cat!!!

 

[Catsnquilts]

One step forward, 2 steps back......
Rocky wouldn’t eat yesterday morning unless I hand fed him his wet food, and he didn’t touch his wet food with his pain killer in it at all last night. This morning I tried Chicken Baby food and he did eat that, Yay, so off to the store to buy a few more jars of baby food.
Yesterday afternoon we were back to him getting over stimulated again, and same thing this morning, I went to feed him and clean up his cage and he immediately came forward, did his head butts, purring and rubbing up against my hand then turned into a hissing, slapping, biting boy. He did this same thing when he had free reign in the laundry room, I’m sure he still has pain from his procedure and I am trying to find a better way to ensure he gets his pain meds, and I’m hoping this will lessen as he recovers. He gets so excited to see me, then he turns on me, any suggestions to help him? I’m not initiating contact, I merely ignore him when I’m opening his cage and he comes forward.