Cat got bit, or something, what to do about it?

SlowToady · 09-08-2008, 07:14 PM

Hey guys,

I've got a cat that likes to hang around my house (maybe because I feed him every now and then and play with him every day?) that I've taken a liking to. I came home today, and noticed that he has a piece of flesh missing out of his butt. Literally. Like, if you're looking at the cats butt, to the left of his anus he's missing a piece of flesh and there is/was fresh blood. Looks like a dog took a piece out of him. The blood was still nice and red, so I assume it happened pretty recently. Now, this is basically a stray tom-cat; I just kissed him in one night from down the street, and we've been front porch hangout buddies ever since; but because he's a basically a stray I don't want to spend a ton of money getting him fixed up.

I was told by a friend to wrap him up in a blanket or towel so he can't see, clean it out with hydrogen peroxide and put some antibiotic on it. I'm thinking, though, this thing is going to freak out because of the H.P. Friend said cats get super calm when they can't see, so it should be OK.

Any ideas or advice? I'd like to help him out if I can...but likely can't afford the vet bill.

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

that sounds like a good plan...use neosporin or something similar but he will probably lick it off but it is better than nothing.... good luck...also there are at least 2 veternarians that post here so maybe they have some suggestions also.

Jeff Higgins · 09-08-2008, 07:40 PM

Take a bite out of the other side, so at least it's even. Otherwise he might start walking funny.

Tidybuoy · 09-08-2008, 07:47 PM

I've had to treat my cat before and the vet said to do exactly as your friend stated (wrap the cat up). You're supposed to do this very tightly - like a mummy. However, when I did this, I had to wrap up the cat with it's head sticking out - doing it in reverse might be a little difficult.

In any case, use a towel, set the cat on the towel and then quickly wrap up the cat. You will be surprized that as soon as the cat cannot move - he won't mind. But the towel needs to be tight enough so he cannot move at all - if it's loose, he'll escape and probably scratch you in the process.

I would keep an eye on him and if it starts to swell up, you should take him to the vet for some antibiotics. The spca is probably less expensive than a regular vet.

Evans, Marv · 09-08-2008, 07:59 PM

I'd take him to the vet. You don't know if it's going to have any long term effects or not.

aigel · aigel's Garage

How big is the chunk missing? If it is less than an ounce or two he'll be fine. Cats are tough. I have seen some nasty injuries on our cat heal within a couple weeks. He'll lick it until it is sore soon: No ointment you put on it will stay in place long, neither will the peroxide keep it clean for long. Do not take him to the vet, unless you are ready to spend hundreds of dollars on a stray.

Good Luck,

George

Mule · 09-08-2008, 11:15 PM

Watch for abscesses. Cats are prone to abscess.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I'd take him to a vet - if you explain the situation perhaps they'll cut you a break on the fee. Some animal hospitals actually do charity/pro bono work on stray animals too, but you have to ask.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

most likely , he'll be fine if it ain't to big

feed him and keep an eye on it.. if he is a stray , any intervention might scare him more then it's worth...if you can even catch him at all...

there's one thing to "bond" with a stray cat with food
but it's another thing to actually bond that he'll let you pick him up, and drive him to the Vet without you ending up with stitches yerself...

island_dude · 09-09-2008, 03:07 AM

Don't let it get infected and he will be fine. I have had to deal with lots of infected wounds on my cats over the years. Nasty stuff. A real pain to take care of and hell on the cats (and you). Don't wait for it to happen or you will be looking at a nasty vet bill.

Rikao4 · 09-09-2008, 06:06 AM

the wrap sounds interesting,
you will likely need some medical care after that.
He should be fine,
if so inclined call a vet, explain ..ask for some antibiotics that you can put in his food.
thank you for caring.

Rika

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Post video of cat-wrapping process, please.

creaturecat · 09-09-2008, 07:11 AM

I, as well, would like to thank you for caring

mudman · 09-09-2008, 07:23 AM

Watch the kitty for signs of infection like: labored breathing, panting, really warm to the touch, lethargy, etc. Our beast of a cat was bitten by something in the early morning hours, and by 11:00am has was critical. Vet was great, I don't think he gave us a $ break but total was around $150 including a prescription antibiotic. Of course our cat had had his shots and balls removed, I'm sure your stray could be different story.

Thank you for caring about Mother Nature's creatures.

speedracing944 · speedracing944's Garage

Now that you have it captured I would take it in to get it neutered. I would leave the wound alone and let the cat fend for itself.

You must take this with a grain of salt since I hate stray toms since I live out in the country. It trully is a PITA. I wish there was a useful purpose for strays.

Speedy

kang · 09-09-2008, 07:46 AM

Can you take him to a shelter? Some of them take in strays and care for them. You might be able to adopt him afterwards, but they won't re-release him as a stray.

stomachmonkey · 09-09-2008, 07:58 AM

I'd take him to the vet, explain he is a stray, explain you can't afford a huge bill and ask if they will attend to him for cost of supplies or at least give you advice on how to care for it yourself.

My vet and I had that deal for any stray I brought in. They supplied the expertise and people, I paid their cost for meds and provided the homecare and worked out the adoption.