Expert: Jessica - 9/9/2010

Question
Hello,

There has been a feral cat living outside of my house for about 6 years
now.  She has produced 5 or 6 litters of kittens during that time.  She
usually comes around when she is feeding the kittens and then when they
are of certain age, I find them homes and the cat disappears for a while.   
This cat isn't very approachable and I have tried numerous times to catch
her but I couldn't.

About 3 days ago she showed up on my back porch but there were no
kittens around.  Instead she looked very sick and wouldn't eat any foot
including tuna.  She drank some water but that was it.  Today I noticed a
lot of snot coming out of her nose.  I'm afraid to pick her up to take her to
the vet because I don't want her to get spooked but she needs some
serious help.  Any advice on something I could maybe slip into her water
that could help her out?  Thanks

Mike

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Answer
Hi Mike,

Unfortunately, it sounds like this kitty needs antibiotics, and there isn't anything you can slip into her water as a replacement for those.  It truly appears as though she's come to you for help.  You run the risk that she may get spooked if you bring her to the vet, but if she doesn't receive treatment, you run the risk that she may die.  On 3 days without food, that's a very real risk.  And in my experience, ferals are quite forgiving, as long as they have a food source.

Be sure to let the vet know this is a feral kitty.  If the cat isn't eating, you won't be able to mix the antibiotic into food, and mixing it into water won't provide accurate dosing.  Ferals are best to have an antibiotic injection called Convenia.  This lasts for 14 days, so you don't have to worry about giving her any medications.

If at all possible, I would try to keep her in a dog crate or bathroom until she's feeling better so that you can also take this opportunity to have her spayed!

Thanks for stepping in to care for her!  

Best of luck.

Jessica