You are here:

Cats/Injured cat

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/14/2010


Question
We have a stray cat we sort of adopted a couple of years ago.  While he is not feral, he is not domesticated.  He will let us pet him (he loves it), but will not let us pick him up.  He has become injured.  He has a sizable whole in his head which is oozing pink constantly.  He is in terrific pain and will hardly move or look at us.  He has been sick for a week now.  I cannot get him in the carrier to take him to the vet.  Whenever I try he fights me and runs away.  How can I sedate him enough to get him to the vet?  I have a hydrocodone tablet.  I am so distraugt about him I have been thinking of giving it to him, no matter what the affect.  If he goes to sleep and never wakes up it would be more humane than letting him suffer from infection.  Please let me know if this medicine would hurt him ... or if you have any other suggestions.  We love him.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Xina,

Do not use the hydrocodone tablet!!! This will not kill him. You do not want to see how they suffer when they take one of these. It will break your heart.

Call your vet. He should be able to prescribe one Valium to sedate him. Next give him this pill in a small piece of cream cheese. Cats love this and won't suspect a thing. Try to give this pill to him in a confined area. If you have a garage this would be good. Or if he will go in the house even better, (bathroom). He may try to hide when he feels the effect of the pill. When he is out transport him in a large carrier to the vet. You might want to get a large animal crate to keep him in when he get home. This will make it easier to treat him. Place a large blanket over one end so he feels safe. Make sure it is big enough for a litter pan and food, water, and bed.

Your vet should have no problem helping you here. If he does have a problem get a different vet. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen  

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.