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Cats/We rescued a cat

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Expert: - 2/22/2009


Question
We ran across some kids being mean to this cat,so we got it and brought it home.we have noticed that its eye has been knocked out.what can we do do for him till we can get in to see the vet,what would you suggest cleaning it with?

Answer
Mel,

This is a medical emergency, this kitty needs to see a vet immediately. If you take a wait and see tactic in this case your kitty may lose function in his eye permanently or even have to have the eye removed. All that you can do at this point is to try and keep the eye clear of debris and dirt while on the way to the vet clinic. I wouldn't recommend that you try cleaning the eye, this is a job for the experts and a mistake may cost this kitty his sight in that eye. It's also a good idea to call around to local shelters while this kitty in the hospital being treated to find out if a family is missing their kitty and to consider putting up found kitty posters with this cat's picture, the location and time that you found him and where you can be reached if someone wants to claim their family pet. As for the children that you saw tormenting this cat I think that it would be a good idea to file a report with the local animal cruelty authorities so that these kids are disciplined to the full extent that the law allows and their parents are made aware of the cruelty that they showed to this cat. There are many good studies which prove a direct link between cruelty to animals and cruel criminal acts against vulnerable people so these kids need psychological/psychiatric treatment so that these acts of cruelty aren't repeated.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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