We have had a stray cat who has visited our garden on and off for a couple of years and it is often in a terrible state. My cats are terrified of it but the poor thing is always fighting and is being picked on by a lot of neighbouring cats. I often don't see it for weeks on end but when I do I always try to feed it and have gradually been trying to gain its trust as I am more than happy to feed the poor baby each day.
Today the poor thing turned up in my garden around 6ish. I went out in the garden and put down a sachet of food and whilst it was eating I managed to stroke it gently but my God the poor thing is in an awful state. It has large matts of fur hanging off in some places and looks like it's been shaved in others, although I do wonder if it has actually been ripping the mats out itself. It also appears to have an injury near its ear which looks painful. The poor baby needs help. I am going to e-mail the local rescue where I got my two cats from to see if they can help and advise. I would try and catch it and take it to the vet but I only see it during the evenings or weekends and I don't want to catch it and leave it in a carrier for a long period of time - once caught it needs to be taken somewhere straightaway.
I also noticed today that it seems to have a split in its ear and wonder if this could be a sign it has already been caught and neutered previously. I've attached a photo showing the nick and wondered if the @catneuturer was around she could take a look and see what she thinks. You should be able to see it if you enlarge the photo of just his/hers face.