Scruffy cat (homeless?) Help!

[MardyKnickers]

I've 2 cats, Big Grumpy and Wee Shite (not actual names) Big Grumpy hates other cats and I nearly had to give up the kitten as she was so grumpy about him (they're ok now)

They have a cat flap that I've had to lock so it's inward only so kitten can't get out (he's mastered the cat flap but not spayed etc yet)

Anyway this other cat called Scruffy Cat has been popping in and out for food. Big Grumpy obviously doesn't like him. Now the cat flap is locked though Scruffy Cat can't get out again. He's filthy, his fur is thin and scraggy looking, he's flea riddled He's not skinny/starved though, friendly if you stroke him but growly if you try and shift him. Went in the kitchen tonight and he was asleep pushed up as close to the radiator as he could get. Have put him out but I feel mean on him! I really love cats Also he has a blue patch thing in one eye? Like actually in the eye, hard to describe.

I don't want to take him on as have the 2 cats already. But don't want to shove him outside and leave him. Also don't want to lock the cat flap all the time as Big Grumpy gets stressed if she can't get in.

What do you advise anyone? Am breaking my heart over him!

(I will add pics when I take some)

Yes he loves to spread the food all about the place while scoffing it

Keep him in, that animal is not coping well with being on the streets and needs to see the vet. Maybe he's a lost pet who hasnt got a clue about the mean streets.

Have you got some flea treatment in?.

Keep them apart, one night wont kill any of them.

The eyes worrying me, he needs a vet. Poor sod looks in a terrible state.

Oh the poor little guy

He needs help - look at the state of him

Please let us know that he's OK.

Poor old boy.

that's one miserable cat. As well as the eye he looks like he has a poorly mouth. He's asking you for help I think.

Oh Lord . This is the sort of thing that would have me in flitters too Mardy. I'd keep him in tonight and try to sort something tomorrow. Our local Cats Protection League are very good. As is the vet who my other pets are registered with. They've treated animals who aren't mine at no cost to me when I've found strays. Do yourself a favour and don't bother with the RSPCA though. Let us know how you get on

He is outside now, don't like to keep him in as the fleas are literally jumping off him and I've had to treat the kitten for fleas previously even though he's never left the house

Didn't think of Cats Protection but that's a good idea, wanted to take him to the vet but was a bit worried about getting a whacking big bill for him.

Will definitely get flea and worming treatment bought tomorrow and treat him next time he's in. Really want to give him a bath but I know cats hate it! Any ideas of how to get him cleaned up otherwise?

I suspect he has been dumped, he is too friendly to be feral. Wonder if the weird blue eye patchy thing would be expensive to treat and he got dumped because of that?

Work shifts are all over the place at the mo but when I can I'll get him to a vet and see what they say.

And I will let everyone know of course

Oh Mardy he looks in a terrible state. Poor poor little thing. Please bring him back in if you can and could you get him to a vet tomorrow? His mouth doesn't look right in your pic & spreading food around sounds worrying. Could be dental problems or even a nasty like tongue cancer (my old boy had this & it made him eat messily as well). Please let us know how you get on.

Please bring him in, that cat is thin and his fur is in poor condition so he's going to be cold. That cat needs shelter.

Please see a vet, If only to scan him and pts if no one can take him. This is no life for an animal.

Cross-posted sorry. Could you put a plastic crate or something like that outside, on its side, with a blanket in? The weather has turned a bit chilly now. I'm sure he would appreciate some shelter/warmth. Poor little guy.

But I agree with Fluffy I think I would have to bring him in, fleas or no fleas - he looks v poorly

I've put a blanket in the cat box outside so he can snuggle and be sheltered if he's about. Have put some food out too. Promise he's going the vet ASAP

Oh good I was worried.

From the state of his paws I would say he will need a dental. Dirty paws mean lack of grooming and drooling onto paws when lying down and both those things indicate tooth problems. Dentals can be expensive and I'm not sure where you might be able to get help for that (unless you're in London in which case we can help).

And the flea treatment you're going to get - make sure it's not off the shelf stuff as it doesn't really work and can even kill the cat! You need Advantage or Stonghold or similar from a vet or pharmacy (behind the counter stuff you have to ask the pharmacist for).

Any news?.

Oh, poor little bugger. He's in a terrible state.

As TCN says, his lack of grooming and spreading food about points towards mouth/teeth problems. And yes, only give flea stuff from the vet. They'll be able to sort him out with something when you bring him in. Were you able to get a vet appointment today?

I wonder if PDSA help with these type of emergencies?

Thank goodness he found you, Mardy. Bless you for taking responsibility for him.

Oh, just another thought, wet food like a PP said, will be less painful for him if he has a sore mouth. And plenty of fresh water.

I dropped a cat I found off to my local vet and they tried to hand him over to the local rescue but they were too full. They then rang me and asked if I wanted him and was I happy to pay the bill if he was treated. Unfortunately I couldn't have him due to being pregnant and having a cat that was already a rescue and very anxious. Don't know what happened to him after that although i suspect there is a high chance he was euthanised.

I would suggest dropping him off at the vet as a stray and seeing if they can get one of the animal charities involved. If they decided to euthanise I still think he might be better off as he does look very sickly in your picture.

Poor thing, any news?