Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a tough situation. I've been feeding a feral kitty for the last five years. I grabbed two of her kittens and they are now my indoor kitties. Love 'em! However I wanted to grab her and have her fixed, but she must've sensed it. Those smart kitties!!! Well she disappeared for about a year and I assumed the worst. However she reappeared this summer and she was skinny. I was concerned because when she had her last batch of kittens, it was the same thing! I didn't want to grab her yet, because I figured she might have some babies hiding in the woods! However...she hasn't brought any little ones around and she no longer eats. I know she must have some dental problems. She knows I'm a source of food and she comes over to sniff it, but one attempt at even licking now and she backs up quickly. She just can't eat. I've tried tuna juice and watered down baby food. Can't eat. Are there any meds I can give her to help numb the pain or are there any programs that offer help to feral kitties? She has always hissed at me and she runs away, but never too far. She isn't nasty, but she doesn't trust people (even someone who has fed her and talked to her for the last five years!) I can't afford major work on a feral cat (I'd have to have her spayed, blood work and dental work done. ) because it gets too expensive and she's beyond domesticating. My fear is that ... perhaps putting her to sleep is my only option. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I'm practically in tears when I see her in pain or when I think that my only way of helping is to put her down. I'm afraid most vets won't want to be bothered with a feral cat.

FYI - My two kitties are indoor, super happy and fixed! They still have their claws and are completely spoiled! Love 'em and hate to see their mommy in pain. Please help!

That was her in her glory days - fat and plump. Now she is very thin.

If she is unable to eat due to pain, I am afraid it will get much worse if she doesn't see a vet very soon. You have a tough delimma, but without food, she won't last very long.

If you are able to trap her, your vet can help decide how far along she is in complications and whether she can be treated easily or if putting her to sleep would be most humane.

If you are unable to trap her yourself, you may want to call the SPCA and explain the situation and see if they can help. Many folks are scared of the SPCA, but they are people like you and I working there. I have a very good friend that runs one in a large city and they work very hard to help animals. Many SPCA's also have visiting vets that do rounds. You may be able to work something out with the SPCA.
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

Hi,

Putting a cat to sleep is not an option when you don't even know what is wrong with the cat.

My suggestion is that you borrow a humane trap from a rescue organization, a shelter, or your vet, and take this cat in. First have her tested for feline leukemia and feline AIDS. If she is negative, then you can think of having her treated. Perhaps your vet will allow you to set up a payment plan.

Please let us know what happens.

Regards,
PHKitkat