How do I bring a mistreated cat back to health?

I need advice please! I am not finding anything on the internet....? Maybe I dont know how to search properly.

I am getting ready to take in a cat that has been mistreated for the past month. A "young adult" I know had the cat. She moved in with a friend of hers that was HIGHLY allergic to cats. Their answer was to lock the cat in the basement. Unfortunetly, the old saying "out of site, out of mind" proved true. The owner basically forgot about the cat. For over a month she has been locked in this basement all alone, with hardly any interaction, being fed maybe 2 times a week. She has chewed through her food bowl!!! Her owner never feeds her, it is always the roommate....when she remembers. The owner has not bought cat food, so she has been fed DOG FOOD this whole time (when it is actually fed). I have not seen the cat, but I have been told she is loosing her hair and looks like a walking skeleton.

When I heard the story I just new that I had to get the cat out of that situation RIGHT NOW (I'm really not even a cat person). I really dont have the money to take the cat to a vet, but I want to get her to my house so she can be fed, loved, and actually see sunlight. If I MUST take her to the vet, I can...If possible I would like to get around it until I find her a permanent home. Any advice anyone could give on type of food....interaction (I have 2 dogs and a 2 year old)...anything at all would be helpful.

Thank you!!

 

Hi. That's a very sad story about the cat. I'm glad you're stepping in.

If you can get the cat to a vet, that would be a good idea. I do understand what you're saying about money, though. Do you maybe have any low cost clinics in your area? Like a Humane Society? Maybe you can get a cheap check up?

I think whatever course you take, it will require patience. If that cat's been neglected like that, she probably won't be quick to warm up to you. (Can you blame the cat, after all? Look at what's happened.)

Just make sure you have the basics for the cat. When you bring her home, you may want to introduce it to one room at first and then let the cat slowly get used to the rest of the place.

Keep fresh food, water, and litter available at all times. If you're trying to get some weight on, maybe try some canned food since cats will gobble it up. The stores also sell a high calorie gel (Nutri-Cal) that may help supplement the cat until some weight is put on the bones.

Other than that, I don't have anything else to recommend.

I think the poor thing just needs love, patience, and lots of time. Thanks for taking the kitty and being an angel to save her.

 

That is a sad story and you are doing a wonderful thing. You sound like a kind person.

I agree with lucidity's advice. Kitty will need a lot of love and patience.
If you could get her to a Vet that would be ideal. They can evaluate the situation and recommend a course of action. If she is dehydrated, the Vet can give her a shot of fluids to help her.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on how she's doing. Are you going to giver her a name? What color is she?

 

Hi. That was really good of you to take this cat in. If it was me I would file a report with the authorities. Animal abuse is a crime and she should be punished. Poor cat. At least he has you now.

Some simple tips to add: Keep him away from the dogs for now. Perhaps keep him in a nice quiet room. Don't be upset if he isn't a loving kitty right away. If he's skittish and scared, just be patient. Over time he will come around. Right now he just needs to eat and be loved.

Ideally it's best to get a check up (between $30-$45 USA). He'll also need all his vaccinations (not expensive). Call around to some low cost vet clinics and just get an exam. Then go from there. Just a note: Vets tend to push food, like Science Diet. Don't get it. If you look at the ingredients it's not quality food, but vets make money on it. The best food to get is soft food (feed 2X-3X a day) and hard food (just leave it out so he can eat it when he wants). The first ingredient should be some kind of meat. Not Meant by product. Example: Chicken (not chicken by product or chicken meal). Also try to avoid foods with a bunch of fillers such as corn. The best food at regular stores is fancy feast soft food. At pet stores you can get high quality foods like Wellness (my favorite).

Always keep the litter box clean and away from his food. Cats don't like their food next to it. And of course keep fresh water out at all times.

One last thing: Never get over the counter flea treatment. They can injure or even kill cats.
Good luck and let us know how things are going.

 

this is so very kind of you...but on the vet thing (and I can 100% understand why you hesitate having 5 pets of my own).
If this cat should be suffering any ill health from her horrendous ordeal these things should be taken care of BEFORE she is rehomed. It is very difficult to give a cat to a home with no health history, nor is it fair to expect someone to take a cat (no matter how good your intentions might be) and have them burdened with vet expenses. Chances are good if that person found out the hard way the cat has some major health issues they will #1 turn it into a shelter or #2 dump it.
I am giving you this advice as a foster for a cat rescue group - and we see it all.
The cat needs to have a fecal done so she can be dewormed. She also needs to be brought up to date on her vacces and in many states it is illegal to either sell or give a cat, or dog, away unless they have had their rabies vaccine and booster is up to date. If the cat is intact - should be spayed or neutered so you can ensure it won't be adding to the growing problem of unwanted cats.
Bloodwork should be done to make sure there has been no damage from her starvation.
If you can't do these things it would be kinder for you to get the cat to a shelter and tell them of the circumstances and suggest they press charges on this young woman.
Many shelters will offer low-cost vet care for animals if you can't afford it. And again I understand why you don't want to spend a lot of money on a vet for a cat you don't intend to keep BUT if you want to accept responsibility for saving this cat you have to be prepared to take that care to a level that'll cost you some money. It's part of being involved in rescue.

 

You are a very kind person! I just wanted to add that you can check with the feral cat focus in your area. Mine offers extremely low cost care for neutering/spaying/worming/vaccinations/dental and testing. They also have clinic days. You can also call your local no-kill cat shelters for advice. Good luck with everything and we all love to see either pics or updates on your kitty is doing with her new family members.