Community cats live long and healthy lives in their outdoor homes. However, there may come a time when you spot a cat outdoors who appears unwell. Maybe she is limping, or lethargic, or you can tell she is wounded.
In these cases, it is critical to seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY.
Alley Cat Allies has launched a new resource to help advocates take swift action to save cats’ lives in a health emergency. How to Save Sick or Injured Cats Outdoors: A Quick Guide to Save Cats’ Lives is now available at alleycat.org/SickOrInjured!
When cats’ lives are on the line due to injury or illness, these are the critical do’s and don’ts:
DON’T: Bring a sick or injured cat indoors, confine her to a cage, and not seek veterinary care. To do so is cruelty.
DO: Immediately contact a veterinarian when you see signs of injury or illness in a cat, and create a plan for her care.
DON’T: Keep a cat in a small cage for months on end until they are recovered. Doing so can cause extreme stress and even hinder recovery.
DO: Provide a larger recovery area, consider a catio or large enclosure, or treat cats in their outdoor homes if possible.
DON’T: Treat cats with DIY remedies or medications not recommended by a veterinarian. There are many medical care myths online that can be dangerous or even deadly to cats.
DO: Ask your veterinarian for treatments that meet the needs of community cats, who live outdoors and are often unsocialized to people, and your own budget. You’ll find guidance and suggestions on all of the above—and much more—in our brand-new resource!