How Do I Get My Feral Vet Checked. He May Be Sick

Is there anyone in SE Michigan that can help me? Our feral cat that now lives in our garage appears to maybe have worms. My vet won't treat ferals. Does anyone know of any rescue, TNR programs, someone that can examine this cat for health? I don't know what to do at this point, but I won't let this cat die in the cold and snow.

How about trying a mobile vet that comes to your house? I have used one for 3 ferals before I moved with them.

You can also purchase dewormers online. Drontal is the gold standard. Just before it is awful tasting and sometimes hard to get a feral to take it. I had to purchase capsules to break it up and put the tablet into and then sneak it into food.
I have also used Little City Dogs Little City Dogs

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Hi Livethedream13.

You said "My vet won't treat ferals."

A "feral" cat is a wild animal, fearful of humans and human contact and so, totally unsocial.

Now, just 12 days ago, here's how you described this cat:

...He will curl up on my lap in the garage or with my husband. he comes at 6pm and leaves at 7am. I have 4 different beds for him...

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You don't have a "feral" cat there......more like a stray cat (or, even someone's housecat who is let out at night)......but, certainly a socialized (and 'hand-able') animal.

Many Vets won't treat wild, unsocialized cats, as they can be dangerous and require specially trained staff to handle and provide appropriate care and treatment.

This cat doesn't sound much different from a people-friendly outdoor cat.

I suspect that if you simply call the Vet again and ask for a first appointment.....and omit the word "feral" from the conversation......all will go smoothly.

If it will ease your mind (and, this may well make for a better assessment and treatment) look around for a cat-only clinic and get an appointment there - which will include neutering too.

If this has made a difference in your thinking about the whole thing, post back as you may need some advice for getting him into a carrier etc.
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Yep, usually when a vet says they won't treat ferals, they mean they won't treat cats that can't be handled without sedation, or they mean that they don't provide charity for homeless cats---you still have to pay the bill.

So if he's handleable and you're willing to pay the bill, he's not really feral . When you call to make the appointment, just say he's your cat, or say that he's a stray you recently adopted. There's no reason for them to refuse service if you want to pay for it.

white shadow said:

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Hi Livethedream13.

You said "My vet won't treat ferals."

A "feral" cat is a wild animal, fearful of humans and human contact and so, totally unsocial.

Now, just 12 days ago, here's how you described this cat:


You don't have a "feral" cat there......more like a stray cat (or, even someone's housecat who is let out at night)......but, certainly a socialized (and 'hand-able') animal.

Many Vets won't treat wild, unsocialized cats, as they can be dangerous and require specially trained staff to handle and provide appropriate care and treatment.

This cat doesn't sound much different from a people-friendly outdoor cat.

I suspect that if you simply call the Vet again and ask for a first appointment.....and omit the word "feral" from the conversation......all will go smoothly.

If it will ease your mind (and, this may well make for a better assessment and treatment) look around for a cat-only clinic and get an appointment there - which will include neutering too.

If this has made a difference in your thinking about the whole thing, post back as you may need some advice for getting him into a carrier etc.
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Thank you for your input. I am still learning cat behavior. He showed up in June as a kitten. He came every evening and for 4 months, he wouldn't come near us. One day, he got close when I put his food down, but jumped back. For about a week, he would get closer every day. Then, he touched me, but when I went to pet him, he ran. For a couple weeks, he quickly brushed against my leg and then ran. I honestly don't think he has ever been socialized. Again, I could be wrong. Would it take 4 to 5 months just to be able to touch a socialized cat? It has only been the last couple months that he will jump up on our lap, but he will not allow us to pick him up. Also, he will run from anyone but my husband and I. In that regard, I don't think he is "handleable".

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OK.....so, to directly answer this
there will be rescue groups in your general area who will likely be able to offer help.

'They' will most probably insist on neutering the cat. Some of them will have the ability to assess the cat's potential for (further) socialization - some have shelters and foster carers. Some only offer trap, spay/neuter and return services. When cats are spayed/neutered, they can be wormed, treated for fleas, vaccinated and kept by the organization for 1-3 days afterwards to ensure post-op recovery, then released back where/when there is someone committed to their ongoing care (food/monitoring), unless the organization offers extended services geared to re-homing.

Google exactly this: "cat rescue in (name of your town/city)". You should get a listing of nearby rescue organizations.

You asked "Would it take 4 to 5 months just to be able to touch a socialized cat?" I think that, if the word "former" were added in there, the answer could be yes.

Quite frankly, I think there's huge potential for this cat to be fully socialized and I think it would be a shame to lose that opportunity and just release him back to a life of homelessness/wandering after receiving treatment - that's based on your description of his behaviour and the latest picture you posted. For his sake, please ensure the rescue organization understands how socially this cat interacts with you both. An outdoor roaming cat is doomed to a much shorter and difficult life than a re-homed one.
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I would give any cat who was willing to jump in my lap a chance. It can take time but remember cats have personalities like people. Some are extroverts and some are not. I have owned pet cat indoor only who were bonded only to me and even in the event of an emergency would probably not allow anyone else to help them.....but at night they slept on the bed with their head next to mine on the pillow.

One of my vets will do any feral brought in with a trap under any circumstances. The other won't touch them. However, there is this gray area which has been brought up and only you can decide if you can try to use a vet or need to try for the rescue group route. Vets are supposed to be able to handle animals who are difficult, as are vet tech. Yes, people need to be honest if danger is involved or is a dog needs to be muzzled, but it is their job. My own sweet baby Jamie indoor only affectionate outgoing loving engaging went so double live gonzo at the vet's when he had to have his recent ultrasound that they called me to tell me that it would cost more because he had to be knocked out. He apparently outdid some of the ferals I have brought in and then further stood his ground when it was time to go home refusing to let anyone in his cage, so his mommy had to get on her hands and knees and get him out of the kennel herself.

How is he doing? Did you get in contact with an organization or anything? He looks so handsome!

fionasmom said:

He apparently outdid some of the ferals

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Haha, yes! A feral is scared. They'll fight for their lives but they're just scared. A tame cat who doesn't want to be there is MAD! Beware an angry cat!