Stray/Lost Cat

[Mark]

Hi,

We have had a cat practically living in our garden or neighboring garden for over six months now.

At first we assumed it was a new neighbours cat but when it seemed to be around our house almost all of the time it appeared it was lost. Another neighbour who we found out the cat was visiting for food every day had placed ads etc to see if she could track down the owner to no avail.

Although not usually 'cat people' we have taken to feeding her and building a shelter for her and she seemed happy until two days ago when she has started to vomit after eating every meal.

Before this she had a very good appetite and now she refuses wet food which she would normally have devoured. I did get her to eat tonight and brought her inside to see if she kept it down but after 20 minutes she made a run for the door to get out and I followed her to find her vomiting the entire meal. I had noticed vomit from the previous day in our driveway this morning which was the food we had given her as well as a large hairball.

After a lot of googling it would appear from the symptoms that she has a hairball, which would add up as she has quite a lot of loose hair despite being brushed every day and does spend a lot of time grooming.

So, after that long winded story, I suppose I am looking for some advice as to what the next step is, as I said we have never been cat people until now but we have all taken to her.

Thanks,
Mark

[Grace56]

Hi Mark,
Thank you for helping this little stray. I am also looking after a stray in my nieces garden and hope to take him back to mine soon.

Now, re' the vomiting. It may, indeed be a hair ball, but it definitely needs to be checked out by a vet. She may have an allergy to her food. Cats can be allergic to many things in canned/wet food and the vet will be able to advise on diet if this is the case. But do make an appointment ASAP. Better safe than sorry.

Meanwhile....give her a really good brushing every day to help get rid of loose hair and while you're doing that, look for fleas. That can make a cat miserable.

Best wishes to you and the little one.

Grace

[Diana]

Hey Mark

Hmm seems you have taken to her and she to you. First off all do you think she has been neutered? Bet she has otherwise you would see kittens or a big belly. Could you try dry food for abit and see if that helps. I would suggest you try to groom her once a day and if the vomitting is still there then maybe a vets trip is needed. Have you thought of adopting her? I am inclined to agree with Grace. It could be an intolerence she has. Its up to you but I do believe you will need a vet.

[Mark]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.

I will try the change to dry food today to see if that helps. I have given her some anti hairball treats this morning and so far they have stayed down.

I am assuming she has been neutered as I am sure with the amounts of cats around here we would either have had a few kittens around by now or expecting some soon.

I will keep up with the daily brushing, which she tolerates for a while before losing interest and the claws come out as my hand full of scrapes show.

Failing all of this a trip to the vets is the next step

[Diana]

Have you thought of taking her on?