Expert: Ali - 10/11/2008

Question
This stray cat is wounded kind of badly.... But it lives in our basement sometimes.... I don't know it's owners. It won't eat, it won't drink, because for some reason it can't open it's mouth, and it can barely walk.... This poor, big, orange cat has an opened wound on it's paw, and i think on it's side.... It can also just barely lift it's head... What should i do? I have no idea how to take care of it.... I need help. Will you help me please?

Answer
Carissa,

The only thing that you can do to help this cat is to take him to the vet and if at all possible treat his injuries and/or ailments. The bottom line is that I can't help this cat or give you any home remedies that can, in this case veterinary treatment is the only answer and you should be prepared that this cat may possibly be beyond help and the only thing that you may be able to offer in that situation is a kind and dignified death by allowing the vet to humanely euthanize him if he has issues that won't respond to treatment. I really wish that I could have done more, however this is clearly a case that requires medical attention. From your description I suspect that this cat is already in severe distress and should be taken immediately to the nearest vet clinic or emergency clinic depending on the time zone you live in...I hope that this cat can still be helped with medical support and medications to treat any issues going on with him...The sooner this kitty sees a qualified vet and is properly assessed and treated for the potentially serious health issues that are affecting him the better. Based on your description I do believe that without treatment this cat may just fade away and die a slow and painful death.

Even if the vet isn't able to offer anything beyond humane euthanasia it's better than allowing the cat to suffer and die slowly over a period of time. I realize that being in a position where you may have to euthanize an animal is difficult, but I would like to let you know exactly what happens so that you are prepared if it does come down to it. Many vets will clip the fur on a front paw and insert an IV catheter so that they have ready access to a vein to administer the medication. Some vets will give the animal a dose of sedative and allow them to settle down in a sleep position on their own while others will administer the final injection right away. The final injection used by vets to euthanize animals is a highly concentrated dose of anesthetic. Euthanasia is quick and according to my vet a painless procedure. The cat simply feels as though they are falling asleep, however the overdose of anesthesia means that they won't wake up. In a case where an animal is seriously ill or has multiple serious ailments that are causing them pain or causing their system to shut down euthanasia is the final act of love that an animal caregiver can give - allowing the animal to painlessly slip away and ensuring that he won't suffer any longer. I realize that this is a difficult option to hear about and I sincerely hope that this cat is in a good enough state of health that the veterinarian is able to save him. My prayers are with you at this time. Please feel free to send an update my way and let me know how this kitty's doing.