Stray cat veterinary ethics question

[Head416]

His point, I believe, is saving hundreds of other critters' lives by offing the feral cats.

Kill it or get it treated, either way it will be out of its misery. I'll support whatever decision you make, for whatever that's worth. I probably couldn't kill it myself, but I wouldn't donate hundreds of dollars to a stray either.

EDIT: For the record, I like cats more than squirrels and birds.

[DanielDudley]

You could leave your garage door open, and put some food in there.

When he comes in to get it, treat him like any other intruder.

[wdfifteen]

No advice, just thanks for caring. Maybe faith in humanity isn't misplaced - maybe.

[t-tom]

Where in an industrial area so the cats serve a purpose. They keep the rodent population down. I feed them because I love cats plus I love not having mice and squirrels getting in my building.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by widebody911

But, those damn humans do the exact same thing.

Of course we do. We also regulate sport hunting in such a way as to keep from endangering wildlife populations. We have been wildly successful at this; wildlife populations in North America are now at an all-time high, with the folks we pay to study and monitor such things telling us there are actually higher populations than when the Pilgrims landed. These same folks are telling us that feral cats are doing possibly irreparable harm to the populations they affect.

Originally Posted by Baz

1. (your suggestion) kill them all so no more babies will be born

or

2. (my suggestion) spay - neuter so no more babies will be born


Seems like the end result is the same except in option #1 their lives are extinguished by a human.

I'm cool with option #2 but YMMV....

Um, no - the end result is not the same.

Originally Posted by Head416

His point, I believe, is saving hundreds of other critters' lives by offing the feral cats.

Bingo.

We have introduced these cats into fragile ecosystems wherein they have done a great deal of harm. It is our responsibility to try to remove them and make things right.

[widebody911]

Just a quick update: after 2 days of trying, we (my wife) was able to capture the patient. He is resting (un)comfortably in a carrier in the garage. I'm taking the day off and I've already called and left a message with the vet as to the situation.

[widebody911]

Ok, I got a diagnosis. He doesn't have a break, but he does have a ligament injury of some sort, along with an infected abscess (temp was north of 104°). I was offered a few different courses of treatment, from the Yugo plan of taking him home as-is to the Maybach plan of having him hospitalized for a few days for treatment and observation. I opted for something just above the low-end; they're going to drain and clean up the wound, give him an antibiotic and we'll let the chips fall where they may.

[Head416]

Awesome news!

How was she able to catch him?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by widebody911

Just a quick update: after 2 days of trying, we (my wife) was able to capture the patient. He is resting (un)comfortably in a carrier in the garage. I'm taking the day off and I've already called and left a message with the vet as to the situation.

Thanks for the update - you're good folks.

Your kitty looks a lot like one I had - "Kinger".


Please continue to keep us posted and GOOD LUCK!

[Rick V]

Good news. His fur looks very good for a cat with no home. His eyes, ears and tail in that picture show a cat that is not against the idea of humans, you might actually have a very good pet on your hands if you are willing to put in the effort.
This is my kitty Missy, she was a wild cat that lived in an old shell of a Lamborghini Jalpa at the BMW shop where I used to work. She wanted to trust humans but never really trusted us enough to get close. I worked with her for a year and now she is living the lap of luxury as a spoiled rotten indoor cat that will come see anybody who walks into my house
Your a good man charlie brown (in my eyes) for going the extra mile to help your kitty.

[widebody911]

Originally Posted by Head416

How was she able to catch him?

I think it's a result of cutting back his chow for the past couple of days and the infection has him in a weakened condition. The last time I was this close time him - when I caught him to get him fixed - I came away with scars (literally).

[Amail]

Originally Posted by widebody911

I think it's a result of cutting back his chow for the past couple of days and the infection has him in a weakened condition. The last time I was this close time him - when I caught him to get him fixed - I came away with scars (literally).

Holy cow, he took off your fingernail!!!

Hopefully he'll learn a little trust while he's in his weakened condition.

[Rick V]

Originally Posted by cgjjy

There is really no easy answers here. Trap him and take him to the pound, donate a hundered and they will choose the best course for him. I hate to see any animal hurting

Now why did this person quote me without actually using the quote feature and adding their own input?

[fintstone]

Nice looking pussy. I sure wish he lived in/around my shed...I am sick of trapping mice, but don't want the responsibility of owning a pet since I travel. Lots of wildlife on my property, but only a rare hawk or eagle that feed on them.

[widebody911]

Originally Posted by Rick V

Now why did this person quote me without actually using the quote feature and adding their own input?

Because it's a spambot

[911SauCy]

Little fucher...biting the hand that cares/feeds him. I voted before I saw that.

Vote Change: sub sonic .22

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by widebody911

Ok, I got a diagnosis. He doesn't have a break, but he does have a ligament injury of some sort, along with an infected abscess (temp was north of 104°). I was offered a few different courses of treatment, from the Yugo plan of taking him home as-is to the Maybach plan of having him hospitalized for a few days for treatment and observation. I opted for something just above the low-end; they're going to drain and clean up the wound, give him an antibiotic and we'll let the chips fall where they may.

You and your wife are good people.

Thanks for giving a ****.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by 911SauCy

Little fucher...biting the hand that cares/feeds him. I voted before I saw that.

Vote Change: sub sonic .22

I hope you are not serious.

He was only doing what he knows by instinct. You cannot project any kind of philosophy onto an animal other than instinct.

Understanding what makes an animal tick is key to enjoying the experience.

Just look at the whole dog whisperer concept. The reason so many humans watch that show or read the articles is they are ignorant as to how an animal 'thinks' - especially as it relates to humans.

Sure you can go around shooting anything that harms you - but why do something out of pure ignorance?

[Charles Freeborn]

Good looking cat. All of ours are shelter adoptions (Wife volunteers at Humane Soc.) The oldest took 5 years to get friendly. Now, she's not exactly a cupcake, but much more trusting than originally.
-C

[sammyg2]

Call the pound and report it, and go about your business.