Animal advice needed

[Redtartanshoes]

So. Bit of a long one.

About 4 months ago an un neutered tomcat started coming into our garden. Really timid, wouldn’t come anywhere near us, but seemed quite happy with our boy cat.

We put some food out for it (I know), he would eat and disappear. Started coming back more often, fed, played with our boy then disappeared.. more and more friendly though, to a point where we can stroke him, although you can tell he’s not really used to it IYKWIM.

I have no idea where he lives, or if he is a stray.

Anyhow he case over this morning and had an abscess on his ear. It’s not pretty but not horrific if you know what I mean. Pic attached.

My mum reckons I should capture him and take to vets, I’m not convinced that he is a stray, other than he’s in neutered, and comes for a feed 4/5 times a week. Catching him and taking to vets would in doubtedlybcause distress, but on the other hand if he is stray he needs his ear seen to. But he might not be, and he might have actually had it seen to

WWYD?

Off to google disposable collars. Thanks it’s a great idea.

Read somewhere maybe possibly that savlon is toxic for cats. Will google also. Failing that maybe some salty water? (((Realises I’m probably gonna lose an eye and half my skin getting a collar on him and washing his ear )))

Salt water would be a good start, if you dare.

If you were to take him to the vet they could check for a microchip and advise you on his general health. They may put his picture on their Facwbook page to try and find his owner (if they have a page, of course, my vets do this regularly).

Wee update. I went to cats protection and got paper collars, and arranged to take him there, and of course the wee toe rag has been missing in action since.

He’s just sauntered in, with not a care that I’ve been worried sick about him, ear is def on the mend, he’s tucking into a tin of tuna with other cat.

Just wanted to post this.... we’ve come along way. I think he’s a permanent resident now 😊

Did you ever get him to the vet?

His ear healed pretty quick, didn’t want to stress hon out in cat box... he’s not very stressed now😂

Did you ever put the paper collar on to try and find an owner?

Unneutered male cats that visit often like your one are strays 99% of the time. Paper collar for a few days (up to a week) and if you don't hear back from owners, take him to the vet's for a microchip scan and neutering. Neutering is in his interest anyway - will stop him getting into fights and roaming so much.

Tried to find owner with collar but nothing. Waiting a week or 2 then gonna get him to vets. Problem is he comes when he likes and they’ll only take him if I can guarantee he’s had nothing to eat. Plus I work full time

They can check for a chip though. (Doubt he’s chipped if he’s not neutered.)

Ahhh how sweet!

Does he still piss everywhere indoors?

He hasn’t sprayed fur ages, don’t know whether he was frightened or what? He just sleeps. And eats