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Cats/Feral cat bleeding issues

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Expert: - 4/3/2009


Question
We take care of a large feral community in the woods behind our home.  One by one we have been taking them to be spayed or neutered.  One in particular we have noticed has been bleeding quite a bit as we find blood on the patio, chairs, and the towels and crates we have for them in the yard. She has been licking herself constantly, her coat has deteriorated, not quite mange, but just doesn't look right.  She has a healthy appetite though.  We are wondering if possibly she had a litter and left them in the woods as she looks thin but the blood is constant and we don't know if it is vaginally or rectally.  Any thoughts on this?  We have an appointment April 14th for her to be spayed but I am worried about her.

Answer
Laura,

With a truly feral cat (wild cat that hasn't ever been socialized with humans and will do their best to get away from us) there isn't much you can do beyond trapping her to take her to the vet. If this kitty will let you handle her a bit you might be able to find out where she's bleeding from. It would be a bit odd for her to be bleeding significantly from a litter unless there were serious complications or an infection. Normally there is some bloody discharge shortly after a cat gives birth, but this normally settles down within a few days if everything goes well. I am concerned about this cat's overall health based on the fact that her coat has visibly deteriorated and now you're seeing some bleeding, I think it would be best to have her checked by a vet ASAP, just make sure that the vet knows you're coming in with a feral cat if she isn't okay with being handled.

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Ali

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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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