Found Dirty Stray Cat/Kitten - Educate me

[tripletots]

Hi all, last night my kids were out playing and this small cat came around and wouldn't leave. It looked dirty last night, but it was hard to tell. The kids put a box outside and this morning it was asleep in it. However, it is really skinny with fleas hanging off of him/her. It also has something that looks like oil spots and poo on him. I tried to take diaper wipes to his back and his rear is covered in poo. The kids said he had a mouse in his mouth last night. I have a dog and am not familiar with cats. I would like to keep it, but please forgive me if I say I'm somewhat afraid because of how dirty it is and I don't know what he might carry that we could get.

So please educate me. We won't catch anything from this cat will we? How much would it cost to take a cat to the vet? I don't know if I can bring it indoors because we have a dog that is scared of cats (he's blind) and I'm scared he would hurt the cat or my kids (being jealous, he's done it before).

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Hi all, last night my kids were out playing and this small cat came around and wouldn't leave. It looked dirty last night, but it was hard to tell. The kids put a box outside and this morning it was asleep in it. However, it is really skinny with fleas hanging off of him/her. It also has something that looks like oil spots and poo on him. I tried to take diaper wipes to his back and his rear is covered in poo. The kids said he had a mouse in his mouth last night. I have a dog and am not familiar with cats. I would like to keep it, but please forgive me if I say I'm somewhat afraid because of how dirty it is and I don't know what he might carry that we could get.

So please educate me. We won't catch anything from this cat will we? How much would it cost to take a cat to the vet? I don't know if I can bring it indoors because we have a dog that is scared of cats (he's blind) and I'm scared he would hurt the cat or my kids (being jealous, he's done it before).

It is very nice that you would consider taking in such a kitten. I would get some flea soap and give the kitten a flea bath. Also get a new box the kitten so the old fleas don't jump back on it. I would never suggest this for a cat but a kitten can have a bath. Is there a product that you can put on to prevent fleas? Get some wormer at the pet store and give it a health does of it per instructions. Then some proper food. After it gets a bit better and if you want to keep it bring it to the vet for shots.

It is just dirty and tired. Clean it up and you will have a good mouser. Cats can and will live outside just fine.

 

[semo233]

As long as the cat has some shelter, they can live outside. Barn cats live in unheated barns all the time! I am allergic to cats, so ours actully sleep in the garage and are only let in the house on really cold days.
It sounds backwards, but I found the best way to give my cats a bath is to do it in just a bra. The cats would not scratch me, but would try to climb up my sleeves, and I would get scratched through my shirt.
There is some flea bath that is like a mousse, so you would not have to put him/her in water, but it sounds like he's filthy anyway.
You could always call your vet to see what else you could do. I assume they'd give you some advice over the phone, since it is a potential new patient.

 

[3jsmommy]

As long as the cat has some shelter, they can live outside. Barn cats live in unheated barns all the time! I am allergic to cats, so ours actully sleep in the garage and are only let in the house on really cold days.
It sounds backwards, but I found the best way to give my cats a bath is to do it in just a bra. The cats would not scratch me, but would try to climb up my sleeves, and I would get scratched through my shirt.
There is some flea bath that is like a mousse, so you would not have to put him/her in water, but it sounds like he's filthy anyway.
You could always call your vet to see what else you could do. I assume they'd give you some advice over the phone, since it is a potential new patient.

At first I was thinking how big is her bra & how does she wash a cat in it?!
I need my coffee!

 

[CF'er]

At first I was thinking how big is her bra & how does she wash a cat in it?!
I need my coffee!

Don't feel bad.... I've had my coffee and a shower and still read it that way. Was going to go look for a sacrificial bra for the 4 new kittens we found. lol

 

[3jsmommy]

I'd lend you one of mine, but unless you have rare dwarf kittens I don't think it would work out!

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

If you don't know how old it is, it would be safer to wash the kitten in Dawn dishwashing liquid (without bleach). Cats are very sensitive to flea medications and using dog flea products on a cat can be fatal. Even using adult cat products on a young kitten can be dangerous.
As for worm medications, one of the most common worms in cats are tapeworms. It can be really hard to find OTC tapeworm meds. I would recommend taking the kitten to a vet for a good physical exam and test for parasites. Kittens can carry worms, ear mites, fleas, ringworm, etc., all of which can be quickly diagnosed (and treated) by a vet.

 

[CF'er]

I'd lend you one of mine, but unless you have rare dwarf kittens I don't think it would work out!

Yes well it's not as if a tiny kitty will be swimming in mine either. Dolly P I'm not.

 

[Liberty Belle]

If you don't know how old it is, it would be safer to wash the kitten in Dawn dishwashing liquid (without bleach). Cats are very sensitive to flea medications and using dog flea products on a cat can be fatal. Even using adult cat products on a young kitten can be dangerous.
As for worm medications, one of the most common worms in cats are tapeworms. It can be really hard to find OTC tapeworm meds. I would recommend taking the kitten to a vet for a good physical exam and test for parasites. Kittens can carry worms, ear mites, fleas, ringworm, etc., all of which can be quickly diagnosed (and treated) by a vet.

We washed our new flea-ridden puppy in Dawn and after two baths the fleas were gone. They've not returned (but he was also given a dose of Revolution at the vet).

 

[Liberty Belle]

Yes well it's not as if a tiny kitty will be swimming in mine either. Dolly P I'm not.

Unfortunately I think a kitty would fit fine in mine. My son used to take them and wear them as hats.

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

We washed our new flea-ridden puppy in Dawn and after two baths the fleas were gone. They've not returned (but he was also given a dose of Revolution at the vet).

LOL, the Dawn got the fleas off but it's probably the Revolution that's keeping them off.

 

[Lisa_M]

I don't think you can really get anything from the cat, so I wouldn't worry about that, other than flea bites.

I think you should call the vet and ask for some advice and take the cat in. Maybe they can give you a quote and give you a break on the price. A preliminary visit with shots around here runs $60-70.

You probably shouldn't use over the counter flea stuff/shampoo on the kitten because it is insecticide and can harm the kitty, especially if it is malnourished and low weight.

Cats can live outside, but if you do decide to keep kitty and keep her outside, please make sure she is spayed or neutered (if kitty is a boy).

 

[MichelleVW]

If you don't know how old it is, it would be safer to wash the kitten in Dawn dishwashing liquid (without bleach). Cats are very sensitive to flea medications and using dog flea products on a cat can be fatal. Even using adult cat products on a young kitten can be dangerous.
As for worm medications, one of the most common worms in cats are tapeworms. It can be really hard to find OTC tapeworm meds. I would recommend taking the kitten to a vet for a good physical exam and test for parasites. Kittens can carry worms, ear mites, fleas, ringworm, etc., all of which can be quickly diagnosed (and treated) by a vet.

I agree with the Dawn dishwashing liquid. That's what they recommended for me to use when we got our small kittens who were covered in fleas.

Personally I don't believe cats belong outside unless you live on a farm. Cats don't stay in one yard and I hate roaming cats in neighborhoods. If you can't keep him/her inside I would find a good inside home for it. But if you do decide to keep it, PLEASE get it fixed.


If you start giving baths a lot when they are little they don't mind them so much when they are older!!

Here's our cat Timmy getting his monthly bath....(he has all of his claws and hates his bath but never scratches).

Charlie's bath...

 

[ksjayhawks]

I would be careful that it is not a feral cat. You don't know what diseases it might be carrying. I know it is tempting to want to keep it, but I would move slowly. It may not take to being an indoor cat and could damage a lot of your possesions. I would want a vet to check it out before I would adopt it and that is not cheap, especially if it needs to be treated for diseases.

I would leave the box out for shelter and see what happens over the next few days.

 

[chager]

Dawn dishwashing soap to begin with. We then use a flea comb (a nit comb for lice also works) and go through the fur. All kittens are born with worms so he will need the worm meds. He will also need to be checked for FIV and FIL. Since vet costs can vary depending on where you go I wouldn't even begin to guess what I vet bill will cost. DO NOT use over the counter flea meds!!! Several can kill your pets! The fact you are able to get close to him is a good sign.
I also believe cats should be kept inside. In fact after the kittens I currently am fostering are vetted this week we will have a feral kitten coming in to see if I can make any headway with him. Another volunteer has been trying but only marginally successful. Most kittens can be turned around if they are gotten to before 12 weeks. Mom tested ok, so my babies should be ok too but I want them to have some shots before being introduced to a new baby.
Enjoy the new addition!

 

[Planogirl]

Once you get the fleas off you can use the flea stuff you squirt on their backs but try to determine how old the kitten is first. They do make some for kittens. It'll help to keep the fleas off particularly if the cat lives outside.

I would think that you might be able to find low cost clinics for vet care. Our local Human Society and SPCA has regular clinics for lower cost shots and other care.

How nice of you to help this kitten!

 

[PatsGirl]

We just got our first kitten a week ago and he had the first of vet checks for first shots, stool testing for worms I think, advantage for fleas, and exam, etc. ~ total $105. Good luck with him/her. We are having loads of fun but the kittie is giving us a run for our $$ (literally as well, lol)

 

[tripletots]

Thanks everyone for all the information. I went out and bought some food and bowl, but that was all. I think I will wait until tomorrow and call our vet or other clinics to see which is cheaper.

This cat/kitten is very friendly. He sits at our front door facing it waiting for someone to open it. He purrs just when he sees us and brushes up against our legs.

I might try giving him a bath today, but I'm not sure where to do it if I can't bring him inside plus I want to use warm water.

I guess I should add that before our vacation we were looking into adopting a kitten. I was talking with our local SPCA and they are willing to work with our dog to help him adjust to another pet. I don't know if they will work with us if the cat's not from them (our dog is though). I guess I will have to wait until tomorrow.

Again, thanks for all the info.

 

[Northstar]

Just want to mention, your SPCA is going to push very hard for you to take the cat to a vet to: a) find out the age and GET THE CAT SPAYED/NEUTERED before it starts creating more unwanted kittens; b) get the cat vaccinated, particularly against rabies; c) get it checked out for other health problems like tapeworms and ringworm; d) just in case it's a lost pet, scan it for a microchip.

I know it's a lot of money and commitment, but I'd make sure the kitty gets shots (for its own sake) and spayed (for the community's sake).

You were asking what you could catch from a dirty kitty... I did once get a mild case of ringworm from a stray who moved in just for the coldest part of a winter. And you know about fleas...

Hope it works out for you and the cat who's adopted you!

 

[dogodisney]

To confine it and make it easier to bathe, put the kitten into a pantyhose leg.

A natural flea remedy is using a vinegar and water solution taht you spray on. I believe it is one part vinegar to 2 parts water.