Cats eye issue

aonb

Hi,
I have a feral cat that Im trying to tame/keep/help/feed.
When she arrived her she was skeletal, and had some serious injuries. Trapped her, and took her to vet - neutered, patched up, and is in great shape now. Put on lots of weight. Shes sleeping in a super cosy bed in one of our sheds., Shes started letting me pet her now. Wont come into the house at all. Feeding the head off her. Anti flea and wormer today (done regularly)

The thing is, one of her eyes at times seems to be either infected, injured, damaged. I cant pick her up to look closely, but sometimes its closed. Not weeping/oozing. Sometimes its as 'open' as the other eye. The corner of her eye (closes to her face) is a bit pink sometimes.

I was at the vets today, and there is nothing they can do unless I bring the cat in. Im really really really loathe to do that, as Ive finally started to build up a bit of trust with her, and trapping her and taking her to the vet would be so traumatic. Last time it was really bad for her, she was practically catatonic with the shock!

I know you guys cant do anything for me here, but just in case, thought Id ask. The fact that its not weeping/oozing is odd. Shes not off her food, and is active/alert and seems to be in fine form. I could wipe it with a saline solution on a cotton pad - or something? anything?

Sardonicat

aonb wrote: »

Hi,
I have a feral cat that Im trying to tame/keep/help/feed.
When she arrived her she was skeletal, and had some serious injuries. Trapped her, and took her to vet - neutered, patched up, and is in great shape now. Put on lots of weight. Shes sleeping in a super cosy bed in one of our sheds., Shes started letting me pet her now. Wont come into the house at all. Feeding the head off her. Anti flea and wormer today (done regularly)

The thing is, one of her eyes at times seems to be either infected, injured, damaged. I cant pick her up to look closely, but sometimes its closed. Not weeping/oozing. Sometimes its as 'open' as the other eye. The corner of her eye (closes to her face) is a bit pink sometimes.

I was at the vets today, and there is nothing they can do unless I bring the cat in. Im really really really loathe to do that, as Ive finally started to build up a bit of trust with her, and trapping her and taking her to the vet would be so traumatic. Last time it was really bad for her, she was practically catatonic with the shock!

I know you guys cant do anything for me here, but just in case, thought Id ask. The fact that its not weeping/oozing is odd. Shes not off her food, and is active/alert and seems to be in fine form. I could wipe it with a saline solution on a cotton pad - or something? anything?

Would it be possible to get some sedative from the vet and give it to her via her food so the trip to the vet won't be as traumatic for her?

Nody

Sounds like the eye is irritated but probably not worse; if it was worse it should ooze and/or be swollen / the inner eyelid covering it constantly etc. based on the number of rescues and one eyed cats we've had come through. One of our cats however do get her eye irritated every so often and she'll walk around with it closed/mainly closed while the other is open. You can get some eyewash from a vet to apply or pick up in normal store for a few days to help it go over.

jenn1984

I'm not a vet but it sounds like cat flu - pretty common with ferals/strays. She will need a good dose of antibiotics at the very least. I would second the recommendation of getting a sedative as it will stop her freaking out on route to the vets.

aonb

The thing is that Im trying to avoid the trauma of bringing her to the vet. Shes about 3-4 years old, feral, last time I took her to the vet, they said it was so difficult to examine her because she was so traumatised by being there, all her readings would be off. Sometimes the eye looks fine, sometimes its like shes half closing it. Its never weeping or oozing, or swollen or yukky looking.
Anyway, Im going to ask a vet who lives close to me, to swing by to LOOK at her - I'll do anything to avoid trapping and taking her into the surgery, at her age its just too much. In the meantime I'll get some eyedrops and see if I can manage to get close enough to get some in...

jenn1984

aonb wrote: »

The thing is that Im trying to avoid the trauma of bringing her to the vet. Shes about 3-4 years old, feral, last time I took her to the vet, they said it was so difficult to examine her because she was so traumatised by being there, all her readings would be off. Sometimes the eye looks fine, sometimes its like shes half closing it. Its never weeping or oozing, or swollen or yukky looking.
Anyway, Im going to ask a vet who lives close to me, to swing by to LOOK at her - I'll do anything to avoid trapping and taking her into the surgery, at her age its just too much. In the meantime I'll get some eyedrops and see if I can manage to get close enough to get some in...

Sorry misread your previous post - thought it was weeping, oozing, etc. Getting your vet friend to have a look at home will probably be your best bet.

aonb

Nody wrote: »

Sounds like the eye is irritated but probably not worse; if it was worse it should ooze and/or be swollen / the inner eyelid covering it constantly etc. based on the number of rescues and one eyed cats we've had come through. One of our cats however do get her eye irritated every so often and she'll walk around with it closed/mainly closed while the other is open. You can get some eyewash from a vet to apply or pick up in normal store for a few days to help it go over.

Yes, think it must be an irritation of some sort, as its on/off and never weeping. Your cat being 'tame' you probably put the drops in the eye? any idea if putting the drops on a cotton pad and then 'stroking' the eye would be of any use? Just this week she started purring, and is MAD to be stroked/petted - I think I might be able to 'stroke' a pad over her eye... though yesterday I put some spot-on anti-flea/worm and she was very cross with me cos she knew I did SOMETHING!!!

Nody

aonb wrote: »

Yes, think it must be an irritation of some sort, as its on/off and never weeping. Your cat being 'tame' you probably put the drops in the eye? any idea if putting the drops on a cotton pad and then 'stroking' the eye would be of any use? Just this week she started purring, and is MAD to be stroked/petted - I think I might be able to 'stroke' a pad over her eye... though yesterday I put some spot-on anti-flea/worm and she was very cross with me cos she knew I did SOMETHING!!!

Tame as far as a cat who bites your nose at 4am to demand breakfast can be called :P

I think your best bet would be to speak with a vet (without the cat) on the options; dropping one drop in might be doable each time for example.

juneg

Fair play to you for looking after a feral. You could take a photo to show vet. I presume you got her neutered! Lol. One of mine had bad cat flu as a tiny feral kitten so now I wipe his eye every day. He's used to it.

RockDesk

How is the cats eye doing? I remember your first post about her, I'm glad to hear you've progressed and you can pet her!

You may have got her sorted, but I thought I'd give you the name of a mobile vet, for future reference. Her name is Una, she's VetsDirect and her number is 087 668 6278.

I couldn't recommend her enough, she's extremely friendly and patient. My cat is part feral and had a couple of traumatic visits to the vet (traumatic for her and me!) She does cost a bit more money as she calls to the house, but for peace of mind and less stress, it's definitely worth it.

kathleen37

Good for you for taking on a feral. I understand the issue with getting the cat to the vet. My previous vet was excellent and would either home visit or get me to email them photo's. My current vet does neither. I can't even get eye gel or ear drops unless they see the cat.

But, my previous vet told me that unless the eye's were irritated by an obvious injury, then first I could try bathing the eye's with tea, making sure it was made with boiled water (some people only use hot water apparently??) No milk, obvs. It definitely helps and certainly clears up minor infections in my lot. I actually used it on myself on the one occasion I had conjunctivitis and cleared it up in no time, with no doctor/chemist visit.

I don't normally recommend anything unless I've personal experience, and I would never have actually tried this, except it was advised to me by a vet.

I hope you get your girl sorted

aonb

Kathleen and Rockdesk, thank you for your comments. Her eye seems to be back to normal again. I'll definitely try the boiled water/tea option if it flares up again. Rockdesk what area is your mobile vet in? I was worried that she was such a wreck that she was going blind in that eye or something, but all seems well at the moment. Shes turned into a complete snuggle-monster now - fantastic! Shes even letting me pick her up, and although she cant miaow - nothing comes out when she miaows! - she can purr like an engine! Shes put on heaps of weight - no backbone/ribs to be felt, and wants stroking/petting now BEFORE she eats! She stays around the house all the time now too, and comes running when I call.

Took the other de-feral-ized cat to the vet yesterday to have boosters etc, shes got to go back for a general anaesthetic: removing a tooth then scale/polish. So cross! What can I do to prevent future problems? This one (bottle fed when found with her dead littermates) has no interest in food - feed her dry and wet food very specific brands only. Have got some PLAQUE OFF to start her on today.

Nody

aonb wrote: »

Took the other de-feral-ized cat to the vet yesterday to have boosters etc, shes got to go back for a general anaesthetic: removing a tooth then scale/polish. So cross! What can I do to prevent future problems? This one (bottle fed when found with her dead littermates) has no interest in food - feed her dry and wet food very specific brands only. Have got some PLAQUE OFF to start her on today.

Raw chicken necks/wings once a week.

aonb

Nody wrote: »

Raw chicken necks/wings once a week.

Oh great, does this work? I have chickenwings for the dogs every week, so an easy option. Are cats inclined to eat necks/wings?????? This one as I say has very little interest in food, I'll be amazed if she'll eat a chickenwing, but will absolutely try it, thank you.

Is Gingivitis in cats very common?

I read this:

You can help to maintain your cat's oral health care by brushing or rubbing (with a special finger pad) the teeth once a day or at least twice a week with a veterinary toothpaste.

I might be able to do a fingerpad/veterinary toothpaste with this cat. Worthwhile?

Ive also started using PLAQUE OFF in her food - again, worthwhile? or at least after her tooth has been removed, and shes had a scale/polish done - will the Plaque Off keep this from recurring? (I'll see if she'll eat a chickenwing too!)

Hate knowing nothing about cats 8-(

Nody

aonb wrote: »

Oh great, does this work? I have chickenwings for the dogs every week, so an easy option. Are cats inclined to eat necks/wings?????? This one as I say has very little interest in food, I'll be amazed if she'll eat a chickenwing, but will absolutely try it, thank you.

Appears to work for our cats; then again we got two sisters who refuse any raw (our fault for only feeding them kibble for to long) and one has lost 3 teeth and the other none. We also found chicken necks to go down easier than chicken wings but as always it depends on your cats disposition (and having them hungry beforehand always helps).

Is Gingivitis in cats very common?

It's relatively common from what I've seen.

You can help to maintain your cat's oral health care by brushing or rubbing (with a special finger pad) the teeth once a day or at least twice a week with a veterinary toothpaste.

I might be able to do a fingerpad/veterinary toothpaste with this cat. Worthwhile?

Never hurts trying but I know our cats would not be to happy about it :P

Ive also started using PLAQUE OFF in her food - again, worthwhile? or at least after her tooth has been removed, and shes had a scale/polish done - will the Plaque Off keep this from recurring? (I'll see if she'll eat a chickenwing too!)

Never used it myself so can't really comment.

Hate knowing nothing about cats 8-(

Cats are only dogs with a God complex and more picky eating requirements who know how to go indoors properly from early age :P

RockDesk

Sorry for the delay! VetsDirect cover Dublin.

I've used Plaque Off (didn't use it long enough to know if it was effective!) and have used a toothbrush with more success.

This is the toothbrush and paste I use just as a guideline (the brush is very small) I never found the finger brushes any good at all, they end up too big for her little mouth.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003Y3VE9G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 .

She absolutely hates when I do it, so be prepared!! I put a dollop of the toothpaste on a kitchen towel beside me so I can dip into it quickly rather than squeezing from the tube when needed. Wrap her in a blanket (making sure to include paws!!) and sit her on your lap facing out. Pull her gums back and brush as much as you can without stress to either of you! Get an enzymatic toothpaste as they don't need a thorough brushing. Her gums are likely to bleed if she does have gingivitis, just to warn you! Also have something nice to eat/drink straight after for a treat after the trauma!!

aonb

RockDesk wrote: »

Sorry for the delay! VetsDirect cover Dublin.

I've used Plaque Off (didn't use it long enough to know if it was effective!) and have used a toothbrush with more success.

This is the toothbrush and paste I use just as a guideline (the brush is very small) I never found the finger brushes any good at all, they end up too big for her little mouth.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003Y3VE9G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 .

She absolutely hates when I do it, so be prepared!! I put a dollop of the toothpaste on a kitchen towel beside me so I can dip into it quickly rather than squeezing from the tube when needed. Wrap her in a blanket (making sure to include paws!!) and sit her on your lap facing out. Pull her gums back and brush as much as you can without stress to either of you! Get an enzymatic toothpaste as they don't need a thorough brushing. Her gums are likely to bleed if she does have gingivitis, just to warn you! Also have something nice to eat/drink straight after for a treat after the trauma!!

GREAT! Thank you for that. Cant imagine cleaning a cats teeth but then until I got these two, I couldnt imagine loving a cat!! I will order this kit, and try it out after shes been for her tooth extraction and scale/polish at the vets

taytobreath

Nody wrote: »

Raw chicken necks/wings once a week.

Hi Nody, would u be afraid that they could choke on the bones

Nody

taytobreath wrote: »

Hi Nody, would u be afraid that they could choke on the bones

Necks are about 1cm thick and several cm long; not even my cat who likes to hoover kibble and throw it up again could get it down without chewing it down to chunks. Same with wings; they can't get the whole thing down in one go but as always keep an eye on them esp. in the beginning or they may end up being a great toy instead (as one of our fosters who loves to take a neck and run away playing chase with it...).

Bunnyslippers

They won't choke on the bones - cats aren't like dogs who will happily swallow things in huge chunks or try whole!:D They will chew them up no problem - think what they do to rabbits/birds etc when they catch them!;)

Irish Stones

aonb,
If it's a cat flu or a cold, you could help her by adding some L-lysine powder in her wet food.
You need to be consistent with this for some weeks.
Glad to read that your dedication to cats (although you're a dog person) hasn't died out :-)

aonb

Im so delighted with my little feral, I thought you guys might be interested to see her. She is OUR cat now - rarely leaves the property, comes when I call, is happy to be picked up and cuddled, is getting quite fat (!) is happy in her little house (an old laundry) with her cosy beds, and food bowls. I dont know if we'll ever get her to come indoors, but she is healthy, happy, fed and taken care of. What a difference from the injured/sick skeleton that arrived 6 months ago. She is recovered from her surgeries/injuries, and has a home now. The vet reckons shes 3-4 years old - amazing to think that a completely feral cat could change so much :):):) Ive gone from being a never-had-a-cat-person to being ruled by two cats, I can understand cat-lady-syndrome now

RockDesk

She's gorgeous! Lovely colouring. I hope you have lots of fun with her now that the initial teething period is over! 😊

RockDesk

She's gorgeous! Lovely colouring. I hope you have lots of fun with her now that the initial teething period is over!

Irish Stones

Wow! I do love tortieshell cats, my Rainbow Bridge cat Lola, who died 9 months ago, was exactly like yours.
They have an attitude and, according to what several vets have told me, have a strong health and physical strength.

Teyla Emmagan

Am delighted this cat found you. You have given a miserable creature a happy and full life. Well done!