Help for a Sick Ferrel Cat

Feral cats are unsocialized cats that are victims of abandonment, accidental loss and failure by the owners to sterilize, according to The Humane Society. It is sad enough to watch feral cats try to survive; it is even worse when one becomes sick. Unfortunately, approaching adult feral cats is dangerous, according to Sharon Platz, a volunteer who has worked with feral cat colonies for 15 years. However, if done properly, you can help a sick, feral cat.

  1. Determining Sickness

    • Upper respiratory illness is a serious illness and is common in feral colonies, according to Platz. Telltale signs of a respiratory illness is if the cat is coughing, sneezing and has a thick discharge coming from the eyes and nose. This illness is also contagious and can spread through the colony if left untreated. If you can take one cat in to the vet, you can treat the whole colony. Treatments include prescribed antibiotics for severe cases and Lysine that can be put in the food or water. If you are treating an entire feral cat colony, make sure to notify the vet, so that he can prescribe the appropriate amount of antibiotics.

      Abscesses are another common problem in feral cats due to fighting. Because abscesses usually need to be removed surgically, according to Platz, the only way to help an abscessed cat is a trip to the vet. Ask for stitches that dissolve so that you do not have to make a return trip.

    Trap the Cat

    • People can get hurt if they try to corner or grab a feral cat, and the cat can get hurt if it runs into traffic or into a yard with a dog in it. The solution is to trap the cat, and the easiest method to do so is by using food as bait. If you already have been feeding them, the process is easier, according to Platz. You will need to stop feeding them for a day. They will become hungry and more likely to go into a trap baited with. Place a towel on the bottom of the trap so that the cat will not step on metal, and so that once trapped it will be more comfortable. Then, place food a distance away from the trap, and leading up to and inside the trap. Ideally, the cat will follow the food trail, go in and spring the trap. You can rent traps from your local animal shelter or rescue organization.

    When to Leave the Cat Alone

    • If the feral cat has a broken bone or tail, it is better to leave the cat alone and let the bone set on its own, even if it sets out of place, so long as the cat can function normally. If the broken bone is so severe as to be debilitating, trap the cat and bring it to the vet.

      If the cat has been seriously injured by being hit by a car or attacked by a dog, chances are the cat will not survive. They will instinctively find a place to hide and die. If you can find the cat and it is still alive, you can take it to the vet and hope for the best. Make sure to use extra caution when handling a seriously injured cat.