Need Help For Mange Feral Cat

[Shane Kent]

If writing that up does get them more donations, then I say go for it! I think I was taken aback for about 1/2 a second, and then said F it, whatever, just treat him

Your new online friends know what you did

 

[Sarthur2]

Yes, we know what you did!

 

[lavishsqualor]

My god, but the owner of the recuse that took our boy Tracks/River really is a bit of a saint.

I was wondering how he was doing today so I took a look at the rescue's Facebook page. The sadness that they have to deal with on a daily basis would absolutely do me in. I just don't know that I would have the fortitude to deal with it. Simply looking at the damn Facebook page has me sobbing. Such awful, awful stories of neglect and cruelty on there.

I messaged them regarding Tracks lab tests. There are no postings on the page to suggest how they came out . . . however, his photo is still prominently on the banner so I believe he is still of this world. I'm praying that he is.

 

[maggiedemi]

Please let us know what they say about Tracks/River and if he's okay.

 

[Eskimo1115]

I know, it's so sad. The rescuers work so hard.

I stopped writing to the rescue as often just because I wasn't really receiving answers, or they were very short answers. I'm sure she's just busy and it's not anything personal. But I did ask her a few days ago how he was doing and she said he'll be going to the vet on the 18th. I believe this will be his first appointment. I did try to ask if his breathing/respiratory infection has improved at all with the antibiotics but didn't get a response on that, so I'm not sure. So it looks like he'll be going tomorrow. I'm hoping for the best. If I hear anything tomorrow, I will update you all :-)

 

[Sarthur2]

Would the rescue allow you to stop in for a visit?

 

[lavishsqualor]

Tracks/River has not yet been tested. When I asked after him this was the response I got this evening:

He's been resting comfortably here we have not tested him yet, we were waiting for him to put on some weight and get a little stronger before we had to knock him out

So cats have to be anesthetized to test for leukemia?

 

[Norachan]

Tracks/River has not yet been tested. When I asked after him this was the response I got this evening:

He's been resting comfortably here we have not tested him yet, we were waiting for him to put on some weight and get a little stronger before we had to knock him out

So cats have to be anesthetized to test for leukemia?

Only if they are very feral. It's a blood test that requires blood drawn from either the neck or the leg so most cats can be tested easily enough, but if the cat is too feral to hold still while you draw blood you would need to sedate him.

 

[lavishsqualor]

That makes perfectly good sense.

Thank you Norachan!

 

[Eskimo1115]

Tracks/River has not yet been tested. When I asked after him this was the response I got this evening:

He's been resting comfortably here we have not tested him yet, we were waiting for him to put on some weight and get a little stronger before we had to knock him out

So cats have to be anesthetized to test for leukemia?[/QUOTE

He is not handleable, which is why he would need to be knocked out. It would be nearly impossible to hold him down to draw blood or run any tests, unfortunately.

Yes, I believe if/when he is a bit healthier or stronger I could visit the rescue and see him. I am hoping his tests come back positive and that will be an option!

 

[Eskimo1115]

Sorry, I had not seen the response from Norachan before I posted. But yes, that's correct. He is not able to be handled.

 

[lavishsqualor]

Poor cat. I keep thinking about him in terms of my ferals, most of which would allow me to pet our touch them. That said, they would certainly not be okay with my sticking a needle in their neck.

 

[Eskimo1115]

Yeah, he definitely does not like to be touched. I know the rescuer was able to pet his ear slightly in the cage once he was at the rescue, and he didn't attack her, so that makes me wonder if he would eventually come around with the right human. Haven't heard anything back yet on him, so hoping he's still okay.

 

[maggiedemi]

Guys, have you seen the update about River on Facebook? They showed a before and after photo and he looks great! He did test positive for FIV though. But he looks so healthy.

 

[orange&white]

Took me forever to find the link to their FB, but well worth it!

He does look terrific. Sad news on the FIV, but they are obviously taking great care of him.

 

[rubysmama]

Just went back through this thread to remember River's story and rescue (thanks to you) and to find the Facebook link: Whiskers Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

What a transformation! He looks wonderful.

 

[maggiedemi]

Thanks for posting the photos guys, I had no idea how to do it. Man, he looks like an entirely new cat! I'm so happy for him.

 

[Shane Kent]

That is awesome news. He looks so much better. It is so comforting to know his care is ongoing.

 

[orange&white]

Thank you again E Eskimo1115 . I doubt that River would still be alive if you hadn't decided to try to trap him and call out for help for the poor guy.

 

[Norachan]

Oh, that's wonderful news!

FIV is no biggie, I have an FIV cat at the moment and she's doing fine. It looks like they're taking great care of River so I'm sure he will too.