Help please ! Stray cat has moved in

[MsMcWoodle]

I found a cat in very poor condition outside my house today. It's filthy, starving and it's fur is completely matted. I plan to take it to the vet as soon as I can get a box but in the meantime, any advice?
It's a lovely little thing but already it's clawing the furniture, trying to get up the chimney and trying to jump on the electric hob.
Also it's coat is really bad. I don't want to try to wash it as I think it would freak it out. I've tried grooming but it's very matted.

[Fluffycloudland77]

First of all feed him, have you got a small room he can be contained in? Utility or the bathroom?.

You can buy litter trays in asda etc or pets at home. Which Evers cheapest is fine.

It's probably very scared & cold. It must be really bad if he hasn't been grooming himself properly.

[MsMcWoodle]

Ive fed him some tuna, and he's on the sofa at the moment. Yes, I can probably shut him in an area when I need to.
Trying to groom him at the moment but the knots are huge. Should I cut them out?

[Fluffycloudland77]

I wouldn't cut them out, concentrate on food, water & warmth for now.

[OhForFoxSakeYourPullingMyChain]

my boss here in Worksop as lost her beloved bengal, tiger , he is chipped.
It would be cool if you found him, she is heartbroke, bless her....

[OhForFoxSakeYourPullingMyChain]

the cats name is tiger, its not a bengal, tiger.... just to clarify, sorry

[OhForFoxSakeYourPullingMyChain]

the cats name is tiger, its not a bengal, tiger.... just to clarify, sorry

[MsMcWoodle]

I am in Sussex, so I don't think it can be him, sorry.

[MsMcWoodle]

Saying that, though, I've just moved from Glasgow. Hoping he didn't come down in the removal van.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Does he have testicles? If he has they are fairly prominent..

If he's neutered he stands a chance of being chipped, it's usually done while neutering.

It does sound like he's not very good at surviving on his own so I'm hoping he's a lost chipped pet & not an abandoned one.

How will you get him to a vet?.

[Queenofknickers]

If you are in Sussex you could try calling the Celia Hammond rescue Sanctuary for advice - they are SO lovely there and will know what to do.

[MsMcWoodle]

Can't see any testicles but it is so matted.
He is very affectionate so he was probably someone's pet.
I'll send my husband out to get a cat box tomorrow.
Thanks for the info about celia hammond queen.

[RubbishMantra]

Thank god he found you! You're lovely for rescuing him.

I remember rescuing a 3 month old kitten years ago, his owners just moved away and left him behind. It was middle of winter, and he was so happy to be inside, with warmth and company, that he was milk-treading even when standing on the floor.

Is the tuna in spring water, rather than brine? Salt is poisonous to cats, especially as he's probably dehydrated. Ensure he has a bowl of water.

Can you get hubby to go out for some cat food? Feed him lots of small meals, so he doesn't gorge and throw up.

[Slowdownsally]

How very lovely of you.

You might be surprised re: a bath. My rescue boy loves them!

Alternatively, if he'll let you near him, you could try a warm bowl of water with a flannel and gently stroke/run the flannel over him to get some of the worst off.

Scissors for the worst matted bits and a gentle brush while he's cuddled up for the rest.

If he will let you have a look at him, it's a good idea to check him over for wounds.

My old rescue had an enormous abcess under his tail base when I found him. Poor boy.

Good luck

[Fluffycloudland77]

A bit of salt tonight won't kill him though. Food & water is most important.

People are horrible to cats.

[MsMcWoodle]

Damn it was in brine. Seems ok thought in bed with me now kneading my neck.

[MsMcWoodle]

Update. The cat had a chip and is being reunited with its owner!
Thanks for all you comments, but I don't see how anyone could have left the cat like that. Apparently it had a slight heart murmur. I don't think it would have survived on the street for much longer.
Anyway, good news and reminder to get pets chipped.

[Fluffycloudland77]

That's lovely. Was he very far from home?.

[timtam23]

Glad to hear that the cat was lost, not abandoned, and you did such a kind thing by taking it in and looking after it.

[MsMcWoodle]

Thanks.
Not too far away. All they would tell me was that it was in the same county.
Just relieved it hadnt come in our removal van!