What should I do about the cat outside?

Question

I have been feeding a wild male cat outside of my home. He lets me and my husband pet him. When I pet his paw he tries to swat at me and then he wants me to pet him still. I have two girl cats inside but they don't have contact with each other. Should I be careful? I mean with me petting him and then touching my cats. He has two little sores where it is bloody on his tail and one by his butt. I don't know what this is but I sure don't want my babies inside to get anything.

Answer 1

I would be careful, i'm not sure what the marks are.

Make sure you wash your hands properly before going back to your cats.

Answer 2

He's not really a wild cat if he lets you pet him.

Are you sure he's not a lost cat?

Maybe you could take him to the Human Society so he could be adopted (and cleaned, vaccined, neutered...).

The sores are probably the result of fighting with his preys or other cats.

He may have all kind of diseases and surely needs a vet.

As everybody else said...be sure to watch your hand after handling him.

Answer 3

I wouldn't worry too much.  Petting him, then petting your cats shouldn't be a major problem, although washing your hands isn't a bad idea.  I have a similar situation, I've got an indoor girl, and a stray outside who is a sweetie, but he is dirty and stinky and occasionally has scabs and sores.  I know he has earmites and fleas.  I did some reading online about fel-V and feline leukemia and all that, and they are mostly transmitted through blood or saliva, so they really only get it from bite wounds.  So petting your outside friend should be safe (just don't touch his sores!), but I totally relate to your concern.  

Answer 4

Any time you handle a strange animal, whether it be an outside animal or a friends pet, you should wash your hands thoroughly before touching your own cats. Also, remove any clothing they may have gotten contact with and launder them. There are many diseases that can be transmitted to your cats through contact with you after you have petted another animal. The least of the worries are mange and ringworm, and go all the way to feline distemper and upper respiratory diseases.

Answer 5

Sounds like the cat has bites from a fight. They can get abscessed, if they are not already. It would be great if you could rent a cat trap and take him to the vet for neutering. While there, have them apply Advantage and vaccinate him. Small price to pay to keep your cats and him healthy. Always wash your hands after touching him as he could be carrying disease.  

Thank you for feeding him. Have you considered making him a household member? Best wishes.