I've been spotting this little guy near my house for a few days in a row. Actually it was Yoda, the only cat of mine with the privilege to go outside (on a leash), who tracked him down in a pipe that is a part of the irrigation system. Mr. Mustache (temporary nickname) would just hide and sit there at random times of the day. Was a bit shy, so I left him to his business. Since he was wearing a collar that looked almost brand new, I assumed that he was yet another cat visiting from the nearby housing estate and that he will easily find his way home.
On the third day I thought that maybe there was something not quite right with the lad after all. I lured him out with some food and noticed wounds on his forepaws. I took a quick snapshot to be able to have a closer look. He turned out to be difficult subject since he was constantly hiding inside the tube. Here is what I got:
Not a very clean photo but clear enough for me to decide to take him off the street (look at his paw).
Given his unknown health status and the lack of cat-free rooms inside the house, the only quick solution I had was to accommodate the space in the back of a box van I have. Not perfect, but at least safe and clean. I put some cardboard and blankets on the floor, a cat carrier padded with blankets, litter box, bowls with food and water plus a few toys. Second time I went to lure him out with food, I realized he already became my friend, purring and brushing against my legs. When presented with the carrier, he entered and simply lied down. That was unexpected
I released him inside the car, petted him for a while and left him for the time being so he could explore his new environment. Than came the time for inspection. He turned out to be a real darling, very friendly and trustful, letting examine his paws with no scandals. The only obstacle in the process was his constant pursue of more caresses.
His overall condition seems pretty good. His fur is more or less clean (some mud here and there) so even if he got lost, he wasn't wandering for long. He's young, I would say he's 5-6 months old. His ear is tipped so I guess he's been castrated. The biggest concern are his paws, especially the front ones. It looks as if most of the claws were torn off. Look for yourself:
First I thought that he got declawed by some butcher, but upon closer examination I'm not that sure anymore. Have you ever seen wounds like these? Is it possible that he ended like that after a fight or a stunt that went wrong? Or were they human inflicted?
Since taking the above photos I cleaned the wounds the best I could, disinfected them with Rivanol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethacridine_lactate) and rubbed it with amoxicillin suspension. Walking was obviously causing him pain, so he also got a pill of Vetprofen that must have helped, judging from his behavior.
We're in the middle of the Independence Days celebration, no one is working, and I won't be able to take him to the vet (not to the one I know and trust) till Monday. That's why I'd really appreciate if you could share your views on what I'm dealing with.
On the third day I thought that maybe there was something not quite right with the lad after all. I lured him out with some food and noticed wounds on his forepaws. I took a quick snapshot to be able to have a closer look. He turned out to be difficult subject since he was constantly hiding inside the tube. Here is what I got:
Not a very clean photo but clear enough for me to decide to take him off the street (look at his paw).
Given his unknown health status and the lack of cat-free rooms inside the house, the only quick solution I had was to accommodate the space in the back of a box van I have. Not perfect, but at least safe and clean. I put some cardboard and blankets on the floor, a cat carrier padded with blankets, litter box, bowls with food and water plus a few toys. Second time I went to lure him out with food, I realized he already became my friend, purring and brushing against my legs. When presented with the carrier, he entered and simply lied down. That was unexpected
I released him inside the car, petted him for a while and left him for the time being so he could explore his new environment. Than came the time for inspection. He turned out to be a real darling, very friendly and trustful, letting examine his paws with no scandals. The only obstacle in the process was his constant pursue of more caresses.
His overall condition seems pretty good. His fur is more or less clean (some mud here and there) so even if he got lost, he wasn't wandering for long. He's young, I would say he's 5-6 months old. His ear is tipped so I guess he's been castrated. The biggest concern are his paws, especially the front ones. It looks as if most of the claws were torn off. Look for yourself:
First I thought that he got declawed by some butcher, but upon closer examination I'm not that sure anymore. Have you ever seen wounds like these? Is it possible that he ended like that after a fight or a stunt that went wrong? Or were they human inflicted?
Since taking the above photos I cleaned the wounds the best I could, disinfected them with Rivanol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethacridine_lactate) and rubbed it with amoxicillin suspension. Walking was obviously causing him pain, so he also got a pill of Vetprofen that must have helped, judging from his behavior.
We're in the middle of the Independence Days celebration, no one is working, and I won't be able to take him to the vet (not to the one I know and trust) till Monday. That's why I'd really appreciate if you could share your views on what I'm dealing with.
Last edited: