Smelly dirty local cat

[WhiteJellycat]

Not really sure what I expect from this thread. I was out with the kids yesterday and a little friendly cat came up to us. I first thought it was a kitten as it was quite small. It looked a bit greasy so I presumed it was a older cat. When we was stroking it it was really filthy and smelt awful. The kids thought it was a stray but it seemed far to friendly. It was caked in dried poo as well. So if it did have a home there is no way it had got into that state within a day and no chance no one could have missed the smell.

I felt really sad for the poor thing as it was trying to clean itself.

Poor thing, can you go back there and see if its there again or call someone else you know to check, try cat protection or a local cat rescue centre, the rspca dont have a good reputation for doing anything. If its that poorly it will be weak and easy to pick up in a blanket to take to the vet.

If I do see it again and it's still dirty I would be very tempted to pick it up and take to the Vets as I cant honestly think of how a cat could be dirty for a prolonged period. I'm just worried that someone might own it. But this kind of condition is indefensible surely?

Go there again tomorrow with noisy treats, and some whiskers sachets , and a box. Try and get it to the vet. Something is wrong poor thing. Unfortunately, as times get rougher, there will more strays.

Whiskers sachets, or similar, because they cat food is often very fragrant and will draw the cat to you. Take gloves and maybe a towel for bundling purposes.

Might be lost or dumped for being old. An owned cat might look tatty but it wouldn’t be caked in poo or grime.

Yes it could be lost or the owner is unwell. Is there anything on the lost and found sites.

Couldn't you have taken it home/rang RSPCA/asked anyone nearby if they knew the cat? Personally, as a cat owner/lover, I'd have taken it home, fed it and bathed it then kept it and cared for it properly. Poor thing

If the cat is owned, then the owner is terribly neglectful and/or abusive. Cats are fastidious about being clean. That cat wouldn't be so very dirty just in a day or 2.

@DoWhatYouLike

Couldn't you have taken it home/rang RSPCA/asked anyone nearby if they knew the cat? Personally, as a cat owner/lover, I'd have taken it home, fed it and bathed it then kept it and cared for it properly. Poor thing

I didnt want to grab someones pet on first encounter. Plus I'm quite scared of cats so picking up a random cat on a whim isnt possible.

I could look for it and get some toput it in a box to take to the vets if I was prepaired. I haven't ever picked up a cat in my entire life but I am concerned for its welfare.

Any update OP? Poor little thing 😞

Poor baby please update us