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Cat dying-what kind of disease is this?
There's a young male cat in our neighborhood, not exactly our pet, but used to hang out in our house. He's around 3,5 or 4 years old. He is intact, and typically he traveled distances to mate, fought a lot, etc. Apparently this is how he got this disease. Less than a week ago, we saw he had discharge from his eyes. And now, in these days, his health rapidly deteriorated. He lost a lot of weight, can't eat no more, his one eye is closed and red, lots of discharge from it, his nose is blocked with it as well. His full face is dirty. He breathes diffulty, with a dry sound. He is now in front of our door, and makes strange but weak mewls. We are considering to put him to sleep. I had an intact male who died similarly years ago, took him months though. Now, this cat just suddenly became like that. Previously, he was okay and well-fed. Obviously, he got that by fighting-always had scratch marks and bite marks. What is this and what are our options? Thanks.
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Member 1081887
on Jan 4th 2012
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in Health & Wellness
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What does that mean "not exactly our pet"? He "used to hang out in [your] house", and then... what? You can't take an animal in to "hang out" inside your home and then refuse responsibility for him when he is ill or injured.
This is an emergency. You don't have "options". Take him to a vet for treatment, and take him NOW. This poor cat is suffering and in apparent pain, from your description. You have allowed him in your home before. You gave him shelter, albeit temporary, so he sees you as a refuge. HE CAME TO YOU FOR HELP, probably based on your acceptance of him into your home in the past. You cannot now claim that he is "not exactly [your] pet" because he is inconvenient. If you weren't willing to accept responsibility for him when he might need you, then you shouldn't have ever taken him in to "hang out".
Now he IS INDEED your pet, and you need to take care of him.
Ralphie & Randy answered on Jan 4th.
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Since we cannot see or examine this poor soul, there is no way of knowing what, if anything specific, is causing his trauma. But I do know that if it were me, I would do all I could to help him or at least put him out of his misery if he cannot be helped. Dying out in the cold, in pain and not understanding why is a horrific and inhumane thing. Most animal shelters and/or rescues have people on staff who can help you trap him and advise on the best course of action. If they won't help, you may be able to borrow a humane trap. If you can handle this cat without him clawing or biting (but remember, if he is in pain he will lash out at you), use gloves and a blanket to handle him. Call a nearby vet and explain to them what you are doing and ask for help.Most vets will not charge if you a performing a humane service, which you would be. Please do all you can to help this kitty, if possible to get him well or to send him on his way to the Rainbow Bridge.He does not deserve to die like this.
Izadore (Izzie)
answered on 1/4/12.
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If he's an outdoor tomcat who fights a lot there is a good chance he has contracted FIV or FeLV, both of which can take a toll on the immune system and can make relatively young and healthy cats that would not normally suffer much from a simple respiratory infection become gravely ill. From your description I would suspect that is what is happening, he probably has a bad secondary infection to an incurable viral primary infection and as someone who has worked with trap-neuter-return if a cat came in that ill we would probably euthanize the poor thing as he has little hope for a full recovery and death from respiratory infections is a slow and horrible death in the best of weather, much less in the middle of winter.
You could have him tested for FIV and FeLV and try to treat him if he's negative and your vet thinks there is hope; but only if you're willing to keep him inside or you'll just be prolonging his misery. Your vet can help you make an informed decision as to what is best.
Hannah
answered on 1/4/12.
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I agree with the other posters, especially the one before me. What do you mean "not exactly our pet, but used to hang out in our house"? You need to get this cat help ASAP. Who cares what he is dying from! The point is he is sick and in pain and has come to you for help. Call the police. They will help you. I manage a feral cat colony and they have come out on two occasions in the past seven months. One was caught because he could barely walk or stand up and the other one had hind leg paralysis. They were taken to a local veterinarian by the police and they were humanely euthanized. I even offered to pay, but the veterinarian did it for free because the police brought the cats in as "strays or ferals". Please DON'T WAIT any longer. This little guy needs help - and fast! Please help him.
Member 185886
answered on 1/4/12.
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