Some advice for this wounded feral

katzspirit

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Wondering if anyone has some advice: I’ve taken in a feral boy that was likely attacked by a coyote. It took me quite some time to trap him but after a month, I was finally successful. I took him to the vet and they treated his wounds, gave him a couple shots including rabies. By the laws in this state, I have to keep him quarantined for 4 months. I’m 2 1/2 weeks in. The vet estimated his age at 8-10 years old. I’ve been feeding him (leaving food outside) for the past year. He is 12 pounds and doing fairly well. He eats and drinks water, poops and pees in his litter boxes. Only a couple instances of peeing outside the box. He is very calm. He shows no desire to get out. When I go to spend time w him, he is inside his carrier. He never eats in my presence but also shows no signs of aggression. I’ve read many many posts and sites about ferals, what to do and not do concerning certain ages and demeanors. The vet said he has signs of old wounds that were completely healed.

I’m patient w him and have no desire to “push” him. He seems to have been through a lot. I’ve read many posts but never about a wounded animal. His wounds are around his neck. He scratched them and scratches the scabs off. I dont see any active bleeding but I’ve never really cared for an animal let alone a wounded feral. I’d greatly appreciate anyone’s advice...thanks so much
 

Furballsmom

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Hi! Welcome!!

4 months?? Goodness!

He is very calm. He shows no desire to get out.
(To me, he sounds like a stray.) Bless your heart for helping this guy!
A Feral Cat Or A Stray Cat? How To Tell The Difference – Cat Articles

I’ve never really cared for an animal
For you and any other readers/lurkers, this has quite a bit of information :)
https://thecatsite.com/c/first-time-cat-owners-guide/

You will want to double-check with your vet and see if there's a cream they suggest, or if they would be ok with the Original Neosporin. It's possible that it might help, but if he isn't scratching to the point of bleeding, I think I personally would just leave it. Since the wounds are itchy now, after nearly three weeks, that would indicate they're healing. Are you feeding him canned food as well as kibble? I'm glad to hear that he's eating - that means he's getting the nutrients he needs to support that healing :)
Neosporin Safe For Cats?
 
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katzspirit

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Thanks for the replies so far. The vet said unless his wounds begin actively bleeding, they should heal. I have not tried to touch him yet. I wouldnt at this point since he is in the carrier.

The vet did say he’s a very feral cat. I tend to agree. He has not shown any desire for contact yet. I’m still building trust w him. I try to do everything suggested but my time is slightly limited also. I even play harp music cd for him for a few hours a day, as I saw that was suggested a few times. Obviously I dont Know his history if he’s ever had human contact, but I think I’m the first in a long time.

I’m not being impatient. He will show me what he’s ready for but I am very unsure if he’s content w being inside. I’d like to give him more room to roam in the house at some point but I dont Think the time is now.

I do feed him wet and keep bowls of dry and water full every day. He doesn’t overeat and I dont Want to limit him being that daily food hasn’t always been a guarantee for him.

Any advice on nutrition or tendencies of an animal healing or recovering, especially a feral?
 

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Hi. I know there are some members who have dealt extensively with strays/ferals, and I am hoping they come along soon and offer their input. But, tbh, right now, give him whatever he will eat - having any nutrition and a safe, calm place to be in are his best bets for a full recovery. You can worry about 'proper' nutrition after that.

If he responds favorably to the music, you can always leave some playing when you are gone. And, then - as it sounds like you may already know - just spend time in the room with him, reading a book out loud, or singing to him. Let him get used to you and he will figure out you are there to help him - it almost sounds like he has already figured that out.
 

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Any advice on nutrition or tendencies of an animal healing or recovering, especially a feral?
Firstly, thank you for taking him in and giving him medical attention which he needed :clapcat: and most important you gave him love.

Wounds are hard to heal if the cat keeps scratching on it and often tines will lead to bleeding and takes like forever to heal. If the wounds are drying up and he's not scratching on them, it's a good sign and let the scabs fall off by itself.

As for nutrition, if he is on the thin side and looks like he has not enough to eat which will be lack of nutrients that will also inhibit wound recovery, feed him with food meant for kittens. Kitten food will beef him up with nutrients that he missed while being outdoors when he has no proper food to eat. If he' ok in health, you can feed him with food labeled 'For All Life Stages'.

As mentioned, he may be a stray by looking his behavior while he's in your house. Any cat that is afraid to go vet will act feral which is normal.

For the time being, spend lots of time with him, whispering to him, assuring him that you are not a threat and give him lots of slow eye blinking and once you blink, look away so that to show your submission to him. Every time there's eye contact, do the slow blink and watch if he blinks back too. If he sent, continue with the blink and look away and if he does blink back, you are on the way to win his trust.

Spoon feed him if you can. This way will also help gain trust in you. If you have a safe room, you may want to leave the carrier open son that he can come out and explore the room on his own when you aren't around. Just make sure that there are no escape route or hiding places for him. You may leave a cardboard box in the room and sprinkle some catnip inside the box. Once he's able to move around instead of being cooped up in the carrier, he'll be easier to 'tame' in that sense. And while he's out, use a cat wand to play with him.

If the safe room session is going well, then slowly let him explore the house on his own but leave the safe room door open so that he can retreat into it he gets afraid.

All you need is lots of love, patience and routine and never ever betray your trust. Do not give up. There are many members here have successfully 'run in the cats' they rescue be it feral or tamed ones.

Feel free to ask questions as many here will be willing to help out. There are no such thing as a stupid question here. Do keeps posted of the updates and we wish you all the best in helping this kitty.
 
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My only add would be; if you can afford raw diet for him it'd, in my mind & other's too, speed healing & make his health as optimal as poss. I know it costs but if any way you can I'd use Stella & Chewy's Selects either their chicken or turkey -- it has no bone thus lowers phophorous intake & as such spares kidneys -- the big killer of cats along w/ cancers.

I really feel nutrition is key to his health & w/out it there's a chance that any cat can decline faster. If he is semi-ok now, you can make him BETTER IMHO, by adding as strict (as he'll tolerate) raw food diet devoid of bone. Thus, other than RadCat which collapsed a yr or so ago, Stella & Chewy Selects is -- ONLY food I use regularly -- unless for some odd reason cat won't eat it.

It maybe be hard to find in your area but ask around or google it or call the company to ask who in your area/nearby has it or can special order. Best of luck & TY so very much for loving & caring for this forlorn kitty. Poor guy attacked by coyote. Makes me angry when poor kitties suffer due to wild coyotes hurting them. ok, rant over. ;)
 

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Wondering if anyone has some advice: I’ve taken in a feral boy that was likely attacked by a coyote. It took me quite some time to trap him but after a month, I was finally successful. I took him to the vet and they treated his wounds, gave him a couple shots including rabies. By the laws in this state, I have to keep him quarantined for 4 months. I’m 2 1/2 weeks in. The vet estimated his age at 8-10 years old. I’ve been feeding him (leaving food outside) for the past year. He is 12 pounds and doing fairly well. He eats and drinks water, poops and pees in his litter boxes. Only a couple instances of peeing outside the box. He is very calm. He shows no desire to get out. When I go to spend time w him, he is inside his carrier. He never eats in my presence but also shows no signs of aggression. I’ve read many many posts and sites about ferals, what to do and not do concerning certain ages and demeanors. The vet said he has signs of old wounds that were completely healed.

I’m patient w him and have no desire to “push” him. He seems to have been through a lot. I’ve read many posts but never about a wounded animal. His wounds are around his neck. He scratched them and scratches the scabs off. I dont see any active bleeding but I’ve never really cared for an animal let alone a wounded feral. I’d greatly appreciate anyone’s advice...thanks so much
Thanks so much for saving him💕 I also took in a cat I tnr 1.5 years ago who bit me in August, Merlin- he had to be quarantined as well even though he was vaccinated, but only for 14 days. I can’t imagine a4 month quarantine. Will he be in the carrier that whole time?

After the quarantine I took Merlin to get revaccinated etc. and I was planning to release him but fast forward, he has been trained to be inside and to not bite etc.( mostly by scruffing him etc). He was already very friendly outside, but for some reason he was anxious and bit me outside. He started having diarrhea and at that point I knew there was no way anyone would adopt him, and no one was helping me. My family who at first said no changed their minds and here we are now with a giant ginger cat brother for Quinn. He has chronic diarrhea now on and off so I will be taking him to a specialist soon. Tonight or tomorrow I am setting up a microchip door for him to keep Quinn away from his litter box and he can come out of isolation from the runs.

I hope your guy heals well and adjusts to being indoors. Keeping them in a large cage or carrier is a good idea at first because this helps with the process.

There are homeopathic remedies for wound healing, I used some once for one of my cats who had an abscess and you could put some lysine in his food which helps boost the immune system.
 

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:welcomesign:Welcome to TCS and bless you for rescuing that kitty! It is quite possible that he was attacked by a raccoon - raccoon bites are nasty because they are asymptomatic to many diseases that are devastating to cats. Raw coconut oil has many beneficial properties and can be ingested as well as applied externally. And just so you know, we LOVE photos here at TCS
 

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Bless you for taking this poor boy in and trying so hard to give him the care he needs & love. Being patient is the most important aspect when dealing with a little cat that has been through some tough times. I started feeding a little stray bloke a few years ago - he used to scamper up the drive on his belly (fear) each night, to his bowl of food. Over time he came a little closer to the front door etc - then fortunately decided to come in through the back garden - in daylight. From there I fed him closer to me each day - then spoon fed when he gained more trust. What was really worrying - I saw a couple of juvenile ticks on him - then I saw two engorged ones. (PARALYSIS TICKS) This was a cat I could barely touch, could never have gotten him into a carrier for the VET. (In Australia these ticks spell death for a cat.) This little guy obviously has an immunity to them - I did manage with very long tweezers to "kind of" get them off him but he would have received toxins for some hours. However, he is still with us - and is on our lap whenever we sit down. He is on the bed along with the other 6 cats we have. It is sad to realise such a sweet, affectionate cat was out on the streets for a long while. Clearly has been a loved pet just abandoned. The little guy you have may have also been a loved some somebody. You have had some good tips on gaining his trust - cats are extremely cautious animals, not like a dog who just rolls up to you and asks "Where's dinner?" or "Where is my bed?" Since you are taking his "recovery" so conscientiously - which is wonderful - and since he is to be with you for some months - perhaps you could continue your mission of gaining his trust with a view to rehoming him into a loving home. That would really be a 'win win' for you both. It is a great feeling to see an animal who has been neglected/abandoned go off with somebody who will love & protect the animal for the remainder of their life. You seem to have a pretty good handle on his needs - being v.patient with him; playing soft gentle music - Harp would be excellent. I would also perhaps leave a few (boxes?) etc around the room he is in - but nothing that came become a 'hidy hole' - cats like to sniff around and will sometimes take a fancy to "another bed" that THEY CHOSE to curl up in. He obviously has a spot he feels secure in - the carrier will probably be his safe zone. It is great that he doesn't appear to be itching to get outdoors - unusual for a street/stray cat. This makes his socialising alot easier for you - he is just there near you - the suggestion of trying him with a gentle game with a cat wand is good also (skinny peice of rod/dowelling some fine fishing line/string - & just tie a bit of scrunched paper to it. You will know by his body language if that freaks him out - could do - but worth a try. Anything to perhaps distract him & for him to realise you are a good guy. My main experience in 'socialising' is with kittens - I was always given the little "Timid Tessies" to bring around (alot easier before 6 or 7 weeks.) Patience is so important with nervous cats and you understand that - good luck with this poor little chap. He is so lucky that you cared enough to take him to the Vet after he received such a nasty attack. Sounds like you will read him correctly when allowing him into other areas of the home - just scope it out first - no beds or lounges he will hide under - this usually regresses the socialising because he can close you out. He will stay there all day - come out to eat - when alone. Interested to know why Vet believes this little chap is feral & not just a stray? Would love to hear his outcome. Bless you! Best wishes VP
 
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katzspirit

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I’d like to thank everyone for their incredibly helpful replies.

Just to clarify: he is in a sectioned off part of my basement. It is heated, he has constant dry food and water, 2 litter boxes, a cat tree, a box w a cat bed in it, dim lighting for most of the time, a nightlight regardless, a CD player w harp music that’s on a timer, a feliway diffuser, and his carrier w a towel over it. The carrier door is always open. He does come out when I’m not here but always inside when I spend time w him. For the first week, he would be on the floor and I wouldnt Push myself on him. But one day he was sitting on the basement stairs and after a while, I went To step past him and that scared him. Since then, each day I come home, I find Him in his carrier. I’m guessing he feels safe in there. I haven’t touched him yet and I feel Like he would approach me when he wants that. I’m just afraid of doing anything to break the trust I’ve built so far.

I can’t remember if I mentioned But the vet estimates his age at 8-10 years. He hasn’t been neutered and he didn’t have a chip. I’ve seen him outside for over a year and have left food out so he’s been eating ok for over a year. I always Assumed he was someone’s cat because he looked healthy and clean. It’s only till I saw His wounds did i realize he wasn’t being cared for.

I will Adjust his diet as suggested and perhaps try spoon feeding. I caN get relatively close to him and he doesn’t hiss or show any aggression. But I don’t want to feel like he’s cornered. I’d like him to be more social just so he might live better. It’s not important to me for him to act like a “pet.” I’m ok w an independent cat and I never Intended to live w an animal so I’m not expecting anything from him. All of this is simply concern out of doing what’s best for him.

I plan On keeping him inside unless things change drastically in his demeanor. He is such a calm and peaceful cat. I’m hoping in time, I can Open more areas to the house so he may roam free.

With respect to his wounds: I cant Really treat them as I haven’t got close to him yet nor have i touched him yet. I’ve read many posts that say he will let me know when he’s ready for that. I tend to agree w that but at this point, I’m not going to reach in the cattier either.

As always, I strongly encourage comments or suggestions or advice. I’m finding my way in the dark.

I will Try to post pictures to introduce you to Whitey aka little stinker.
 

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So just to recap the high points....you were enough of a saint to rescue an old cat with terrible coyote attack wounds, get him vet care, provide him with a safe place where all of his needs are met with perks like harp music and continual food. From my experience with ferals, I would guess that he never wants to leave and is so thankful in his little cat heart that someone finally gave him a home, much less saved his life.

I have been in similar situations minus the coyote attack and have had to house ferals for their own safety or from necessity. Two houses ago I fed a guy for about a year, sold the house, realized I could not leave him, trapped him finally on the day of moving and took him with me. Quick trip to the vet for neutering and home to what I expected would be a hysterical vicious cat hanging from the curtains. Instead, when I put him in his spare bedroom, he jumped on the bed and simply never walked out of the room again no matter what, He was older, ultimately diabetic, and passed three years later from that disease.

He was not a cat to jump in my lap, but certainly was happy to see me sit on the bed with him and allowed me to be near him ultimately. While this did not happen over night, when he was dxed with diabetes both the vet and myself thought that this would be the end but I was able to quietly walk up to him for 2 years and give him insulin.

My guess is that if you are willing to provide a home for his boy he will be a willing houseguest on his own terms; over time he will probably become more trusting and allow more contact of some sort.

Thank you so much for helping this boy.
 
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katzspirit

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All of your words are so kind. I’m not sure I deserve them. I cannot profess to love animals and then not help one in need. It’s simply doing what we all learned at 4 yrs old. Treat others as though you would want to be treated...

He seemed to be doing fine outside but who knows. There was always food and fresh water. But now he has 70 degrees and not 10 degrees. He never had to be attacked again.

Hopefully his wounds will heal (the picture only shows about a third of the wounds). The only thing I expect from him is to be a cat. He never has to show affection or do anything (hopefully the simply continues to use his litter boxes!)

It’s quite amazing at all the stories and examples of people loving animals. Thank you to all those that practice kindness and compassion. I am Simply admiring the path you have created.

I encourage anyone with additional advice or stories to please write. Every word has been a boost in my hope for animals and humanity.
 

Norachan

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Thank you so much for helping him. Poor guy would probably have died from those injuries if you hadn't helped him.

I've taken in lots of feral cats over the years. No two are the same, how tame they become after interacting with people is difficult to predict but older neutered toms do become quite sweet cats, in my experience.

Gin Kun, in the banner below, was at least 10 when we met. It took a while, but he eventually let me pet him and he became an indoor/enclosure cat for the last 5 years of his life.

Is there any chance that you could give him a permanent home? You could set up your basement as a cat room, or make him a shelter and enclosure outside. He'll stand a much better chance of surviving that way. Cat's don't usually live beyond the age of 5 outside, which makes me think he must have had a home for at least part of his life.

Either way he will need to be neutered eventually. Intact tom cats do nothing but fight and make feral kittens. His chances of getting badly hurt and contracting a fatal disease are very high. As a house cat he will be a lot friendly and less smelly if neutered. He will be easier to socialise once he's been fixed.

Ask your vet whether he can give you a sedative to mix with his food when the time comes to get him fixed. There are sedatives that will knock him out so you'll be able to secure him in a carrier.

In order to socialise him only feed him when you are present. You need him to associate you with good things, so don't free feed. Bring him some warmed up wet food, place it near him and move away as far as he needs you to before he's comfortable enough to eat. You don't have to be in his line of sight, but let him know you're there by talking to him softly.

Once he is used to your presence you can get a little closer. Eventually you can make a petting stick by tying one of your old t-shirts around a long handled wooden spoon and petting him gently with that.

Was he given an antibiotic shot by the vet? As long as his injuries don't become infected they should heal, even if he scratches. Look out for any swelling or oozing, he might need an oral antibiotic that you can mix with his food in the future. Scratching his scabs off will mean the chances of permanent scars forming are higher, but it doesn't mean he won't heal.

Please keep us posted.

:goodluck::hangin::goldstar:
 

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I’d like to thank everyone for their incredibly helpful replies.

Just to clarify: he is in a sectioned off part of my basement. It is heated, he has constant dry food and water, 2 litter boxes, a cat tree, a box w a cat bed in it, dim lighting for most of the time, a nightlight regardless, a CD player w harp music that’s on a timer, a feliway diffuser, and his carrier w a towel over it. The carrier door is always open. He does come out when I’m not here but always inside when I spend time w him. For the first week, he would be on the floor and I wouldnt Push myself on him. But one day he was sitting on the basement stairs and after a while, I went To step past him and that scared him. Since then, each day I come home, I find Him in his carrier. I’m guessing he feels safe in there. I haven’t touched him yet and I feel Like he would approach me when he wants that. I’m just afraid of doing anything to break the trust I’ve built so far.

I can’t remember if I mentioned But the vet estimates his age at 8-10 years. He hasn’t been neutered and he didn’t have a chip. I’ve seen him outside for over a year and have left food out so he’s been eating ok for over a year. I always Assumed he was someone’s cat because he looked healthy and clean. It’s only till I saw His wounds did i realize he wasn’t being cared for.

I will Adjust his diet as suggested and perhaps try spoon feeding. I caN get relatively close to him and he doesn’t hiss or show any aggression. But I don’t want to feel like he’s cornered. I’d like him to be more social just so he might live better. It’s not important to me for him to act like a “pet.” I’m ok w an independent cat and I never Intended to live w an animal so I’m not expecting anything from him. All of this is simply concern out of doing what’s best for him.

I plan On keeping him inside unless things change drastically in his demeanor. He is such a calm and peaceful cat. I’m hoping in time, I can Open more areas to the house so he may roam free.

With respect to his wounds: I cant Really treat them as I haven’t got close to him yet nor have i touched him yet. I’ve read many posts that say he will let me know when he’s ready for that. I tend to agree w that but at this point, I’m not going to reach in the cattier either.

As always, I strongly encourage comments or suggestions or advice. I’m finding my way in the dark.

I will Try to post pictures to introduce you to Whitey aka little stinker.
Omg those wounds are terrible😿 poor thing. Whitey is a pretty boy 💕It would be great if he becomes more tame and even cuddly eventually, but either way it is great you are giving him a home, he will love you forever for that I am sure. I used to sit and talk to Merlin when he was in the cage in quarantine and eat with him too. Anything like that you can do to get him more used to you is great. That is good he has freedom to come out of the carrier, he looks comfy there. I think the advice not to free feed is good because he will associate you coming in with the food etc. and he will realize he depends on you for that. Playing eventually can be an ice breaker if he likes it.
 
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katzspirit

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Thanks for the replies. Great advice and information.

So the vet did give him an antibiotic shot they referred to as something like long acting. It’s very tough to see his wounds because he’s in the carrier and when he’s laying down, his fur scrunches over the wounds.

As far as feeding goes, I will try warming the food and placing near the carrier and moving as far away as possible. He’s never eaten in my presence. When he was still outside, I’d talk to him and then wait but he always waited me out to go eat. I also Don’t have a lot of time each day. I never Intended to bring an animal inside because my time is so limited. In this case, I felt Like this was better than nothing. Hopefully by not free feeding, he will start coming out to eat. I am pretty sure he knows I’m the one bringing the food. He knew this when he was still outside. We started interacting a month or so before i trapped him.

Directed to Norachan or anyone else w an opinion on this: as far as neutering, is there a better time than not with respect to his current condition? In other words, based on me recently trapping him, the vet visit, new surroundings, his wounds, does any of this play a role? I was figuring maybe that giving him some adjusted period and not subjecting him to more would help w him trusting me and letting him get more comfortable?

For now, when I go to spend time w him, he’s in his carrier, so it would be super easy to just close the door and go to the vet. I also figured another procedure might be another thing on his plate to deal with. As I said, I’m feeling my way in the dark.

The first week when he was not using the carrier, I tried Using a long string to entice him to play or a laser but he didn’t budge. I try To put myself in his place and I think if it were me I’d be sleeping a lot and not feeling 100%

The more I write and read, it does seem like at some point, he was someone’s cat. He is one of the most calm cats I’ve ever seen. To address his long term living situation: this can be his forever home unless he shows me signs that he wants out and he starts climbing the walls. My hunch is that will not happen and he’s welcome here. I’ve already told him that this is his house too. It’s not mine. He now lives here and we will share it. (Somehow i don’t think he’s going to help w shoveling snow or yard work!) I do Not believe in the concept of “owning” an animal. I think That’s no more possible than owning a tree. As I told Him when he was outside, him and me are buddies. I actually see a lot of similarities between both of us, without sounding crazy. We are both males, middle aged, gray hair on our head, on the quieter side, mostly calm and laid back, reserved and take a while to get comfortable and be ourselves, and can be a handful without doing much. We both have plenty of scars and have been through some battles in life. Of course I know He’s a cat, and I’m not bonkers but I do respect him and try to treat others as they are me...

As long as the wounds heal, I’m not worried about the looks. Health is number 1. He seems to scratch more than he’s now inside. I was monitoring him while he was still outside and the scabs seemed to remain intact then. The vet shaved the fur around the wounds and cleaned the wounds. Perhaps he’s healing more now and that is making him itchier.

I’d like to eventually allow him to roam the rest of the house or at least give him that option. I think It’ll be easy to know when that time has come. How he is living now seems so boring. I know He’s a cat but I’m just hoping he becomes more social just so he can be more free in the rest of the house. I’m so opposed to caging of animals and although he isn’t restricted like that, it seems like life could be better for him if he played and got some more affection. Truly, it’s not a need of mine to have a cuddly pet. Just seems like life would be more full for him.

Each day I look Forward to the new posts and advice and experiences. Every word is invaluable and I appreciate it beyond words. Please accept my gratitude.
 

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He is also hurting tight now, and putting a lot of energy towards healing. He will become more friendly towards you when he feels better. It's good he received the rabies vaccine, it will help him to build antibodies towards the disease if he was exposed. He sounds more like a stray that was abandoned, he most likely has been chased off, and yelled at by humans and is extremely mistrustful. He is more then likely to be so very thankful to have a quiet, warm place to heal. A cat heated pad would be much appreciated too, my cats absolutely love theirs. Unless you have an absolutely cat proof house with no impossible to reach hiding places, like behind the washer or fridge, I wouldn't let him roam until he is more comfortable with his surroundings. Definitely just let the door open and let him approach the new surroundings on his own, with his 'safe place' available. It will be MUCH easier to tame him and gain his trust with no other anumals around. He will trust you in time, it just takes a lot of time, one day at a time......
 

tabbytom

Happiness is being owned by a cat
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The vet shaved the fur around the wounds and cleaned the wounds. Perhaps he’s healing more now and that is making him itchier.
I think I did not mention this here, my boy is a rescue and he's just 3 weeks old when he's found. He has a large gaping wound near his anus with his skin torn open and bare flesh exposed. Took him to the vet and vet says no need to suture up the wound as it will close up by itself and it really did after several weeks of care.

So give the wound time to heal and I'm sure it'll heal and through this, the bond between you both will be very strong as you are the sole caregiver. The cat will know that you love him and doing the best for him and you are his hope.

Do keep us updated and we are here for you and hope for a speedy recovery for the kitty.

Kitty boy,

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