Stray cat's leg swollen?

Question

I found this cat eating my dog's food this morning on the porch and it's poor leg is swollen like it got bit by something. It doesn't have a collar or anything and it's long hair is all matted. I don't really have money for a vet, but is there anything I can do to help him? He is a little shaky. I gave him some more dog food and some milk. What else should I do?

Answer 1

Maybe call an animal shelter. They might catch and fix him for free. Then you can adopt him/her. Make sure they aren't going to put it down before you tell them where you are. It is probably an infection from fighting. Antibiotics probably need to be administered. If left alone it could die of the infection. maybe you could take a picture and post it in the neighbor hood to see if you can find it's original owner or you could go door to door asking.

Answer 2

The best thing to do is to catch him, and drop him at animal control, or shelter.  He needs vet care.  But, some things to consider - does he seem friendly?  Does he come to you, want you to pet him etc?  Or does he seem more wild.  This isn't a sure test since a cat outside on his own will seem wild, but actually be quite tame once caught.  If he seems friendly, theres a much better chance tht he's adoptable.  I would actually start calling humane societies, rescue groups, and vet offices near you to see if they can take the cat.  But if he's starving, and can't fend for himself, and theres nobody to take him, best alternate thing is to let animal control put him down after the time.

Go to www.petfinder.com to get a list of most of the Humane Societies and rescues near you.

Answer 3

Is there a cats home near you? Take him there......

Poor little guy!

Hopefully if you took him there they would look after him and find him a home....or maybe they could take a look at him for you then you could adopt him and give him lots of TLC.....good luck!  

Answer 4

Call Sisca...Call Aspca....Humane society...The poor cat is a victim of abusive owners...most likely abanded him.  The agencies listed above have low cost clinics for gettin cats fixed...some dogs as well.  The animal sheter does as well.  But right now his leg is more important.  If you turn him over to the shelter--even if they tell you they won't put him down for 3 or so days, don't believe them.  Our shelter will deny the animal is put down.  I even directly heard the person who runs the shelter here...Why would we keep animals with injuries or midgrown when healthy small kittens are available.  Made me sick!!!!!!!!!!!!  I rescue animals all the time...I pay out of pocket to get the cats I rescue vet cat care and fixed and then interview for their new homes.  Call around and see if you can work something out...I hope so Good luck!!!

Answer 5

You could call around to shelters and see if they know of any vets that can help you. I did that last week with a stray I found and they pointed me in the direction of a vet that does exams for $15! I was shocked, they even had payment plans.

Otherwise, if you can get close enough, try to see if it has an open wound. If there is, clean it out. Maybe cage it so you can keep an eye on him. Honestly though, if it's swollen, it's probably infected. Poor kitty really should see a vet.  

Answer 6

A cat with a swollen leg, frequently has a bad heart, and a clot has drifted into it's leg, with the result that the leg will die - I saw this happen earlier this year.  Since it is a long haired cat, the odds of it being a cardiac problem increases.  

Try calling around to your local vets, to see if there are any that do work on strays for little or no charge.  I know of at least one vet that will examine, and euthanize, if necessary - and only if necessary - for nothing - if you were willing to keep it if the cat if it pulls through.

Cats are lactose intolerant, and should not be given milk.  He is obviously starving, as they also usually won't eat dog food.  Can you afford a small bag of dry cat food?

The good, caring vets also know the soft hearted people that may take the cat - I acquired the sweetest stray earlier this year - when I walked into my vet's office, and someone had brought her in for a check-up, before trying to find her a home.

FYI: Our local shelter is legally obligated to refuse strays.  The animal control officer is the only one than may legally take in strays.

Answer 7

POOR Thing!!   He needs medical attention and it sounds as if it should be done now.

I understand wanting to keep your distance for several reasons.  But you can do this and still do the right thing.  Call your local animal control and report the cat - sometimes they are reached through your local police department.

Don't give any more milk - it actually can upset their stomachs.  Some tuna or chicken in a case like that is fine for now.  

I hope he gets the help he needs, I wish I were there to do it for you!!!!  Let me know what happens, I already am going crazy about it...