Forum Topic

Unwell/stray cat in Butts area

My wife and I came across a very poorly looking cat in the Butts last night; a pure white cat I would imagine an exotic breed but looking malnourished with matted fur, and by the look of his/her gait some injuries. Also had some kind of eye infection. We couldn't tempt the cat from under a car but did leave some food out. Called RSPCA last night as the poor animal was obviously suffering but they won't send out an officer until we have multiple sightings in the same area (I suppose they don't want to come out on a wild goose chase). Anyway does anyone know anything about this cat or have any advice of how to proceed? I will call HAWS later but wasn't clear whether they do cat rescue (i.e. does the cat need to be brought to them). Thanks.

James Dee ● 6145d5 Comments

We have a long haired boy too, it's like trying to brush a jelly - he hates it, I am trying to visualise him being professionlly done, I think I'd pay to watch. Seems worth considering though. I agree I wouldn't be able to leave that cat in such a state, we've collared cats like this and carted them off to our vet before, not that they appreciated it, one had an awful abscess and the vet neutered him whilst treating him for that, he was not impressed! The RSPCA are pretty feeble, our vet used to say that they'd only show up if there was Rolf Harris and a BBC film crew following them!

Vanessa Smith ● 6145d

Poor thing.  When having a long haired it is important to keep up with the grooming.  As i am not very good with doing it myself, my boy goes to our local groomers once every 6 months for a good old bath and brush which only costs £30.  He smells and looks lovely after.

Tracy Burke ● 6145d

Haws are very good for advice concerning cats in this state.  Long haired really do need grooming daily as the matting is very painful.  If they keep up with the grooming then the mats can be teased out very gently (they are painful).In the country the foxes play with badgers and in the town they play with cats, and they really do play.  Next doors kitten would jump up and down on the fence and run around the drive playing chase with the foxes and he still runs around with them under the cars parked in the driveways.  It could well be that the cat has picked up mange and that is why he is looking in a sorry state.I get mange treatment for our foxes from NFWS  http://www.nfws.org.uk/    which can be put out for the foxes on jam sandwiches (they have a sweet tooth).We were prescribed two types of prescription worming treatments suitable for a cat living mostly outside by Youngs Vets in Brentford - stronghold and profender.  The owner should be treating the cat for worms and mites or this would be considered neglect.

Sarah Felstead ● 6145d

Pauli'm not the type to stick my nose into others' biz but don't you think this amounts to neglect? This cat badly needs to see a vet i think. He was lurking exactly where you suggested, around caxton mews. Actually first saw him by the garden gate of the house to the left of the entrance of the mews...does he live there?....(apols if this is your place).

James Dee ● 6145d

'white cat' as it is known in my house lives nearby, once in a while the matted hair is shaved off......but you are right he looks like a stray, although I think he is owned. He tends to sit in the entrnce to Caxton Mews where he his nightly battles with a local fox! I will look out for him over the weekend......

Paul Bolt ● 6145d