Injured cat nearby... What to do?

[Bouncearound]

On a bike ride this morning I spotted a cat sitting at the side of the road whose face was badly scratched and sore- the front of his face was ok but from the ears down there was no fur and it was scabbed and bleeding. I had to come home to drop toddler dc off then went back round and it was still in exactly the same position. I tried to approach it and it wouldn't let me but didn't try to run away. It is awake and sitting but didn't seem to be registering my presence at all.

The RSPCA won't help because I can't confine it to my house or an outbuilding (I have a cat-hating dog, no outdoor storage and no way of catching it even if it would let me!) there's nobody else nearby that would help me

Is there anything else I can do? It's a ten minute walk away but I'm going to go back shortly to check on it again.

[Wolfiefan]

Try a local charity or cats protection?

[Bouncearound]

I've messaged the local cat rescue centre but awaiting a reply. I'm going to go and check on it again now...

[Wolfiefan]

Bless you. Some charities will have traps.

[Sleepingtom]

Whereabouts in the country are you OP?

[Bouncearound]

I'm in Glos

[fenneltea]

Take some food with you and a carrier, you may need to use a trap to catch it if it is timid, the cats protection should be able to help. I hope he gets the help he needs.

[easterlywinds]

Can you contact a local vet? They may be able to advise on the best way of seeking help. Do you have a blanket and a cat carrier? If you approach the cat low and quietly, you may be able to throw the blanket over it and then lift it into a carrier.

[chemenger]

If you aren't a cat person yourself do you know someone who is who can help you? Handling cats is a lot about confidence, someone who is used to wrestling cats into carriers will feel more confident and that will transmit to the cat. I know you've said there is nobody nearby but I think most cat lovers would pitch in even if it meant a drive to get to you. I'd second contacting the nearest vet, they may be able to put you in touch with the local cat rescuers.

[Bouncearound]

Thanks

I don't really know anyone nearby who could help and the local vets only have emergency numbers available today so didn't think I should try that. I don't have a carrier or anything to catch him. I have seen him a few times over the last couple of months and said to dh that he looked like a stray but up until now he's seemed healthy and safe.

[Bouncearound]

I've just driven back round and he has moved about 100 metres away so he is clearly mobile. He's lying in some bushes and grooming himself now. I'm waiting for a local rescue to reply but I have to go out soon for the rest of the day... Hopefully he won't venture much further afield!

[easterlywinds]

I would phone the emergency vet, they will be used to dealing with this kind of thing, or may know someone who can help.

[waitingforgodot]

Def phone emergency vet. They will advise you what to do and can perhaps trace its owner if it's chipped

[MrsBertMacklin]

Yes, please phone vet, even if they can't help directly, they should know someone who can.

[MrsBertMacklin]

Hi OP, did you manage to find help?

[Bouncearound]

No I'm afraid not. He's disappeared now; I have checked a few times since this afternoon and can't see him anywhere. There are lots of overgrown bushes where I've seen him so he could be hiding but it's so dark now I can't see anything.
I've contacted the RSPCA and a local cat rescue have said they can lend me a trap if needed so I'll go and look again in the daylight. I'm also going to go round and put some food down just in case he's nearby.