I have a new adventure to share with you (photos included)

[Siwsan]

A couple of months ago a new feral started showing up. I'm not sure of the gender because this is a VERY fluffy cutie. Unfortunately, it's also a very sick baby. I thought about taking Ruff Ruff to the vet but I know they would immediately recommend euthanasia.

The name Ruff Ruff came from a white ring of fur in it's mane.

At first Ruff Ruff was pretty nervous around me but then all of a sudden we became best friends.

Even though Ruff Ruff is in rough shape, the energy and will to thrive is still VERY strong, as is the appetite. I'm truly not hopeful but I am going to do my best. What I REALLY want to do is try bathing him/her. I've been clipping off big mats of hair and cleaning eyes but there is a whole lot of gunk that need to be removed. I've put out the call for help to family and friends. It will have to wait until a warm day because I am afraid of having Ruff Ruff inside for too long, for the safety of my kid cats. If we make it through the bath and put on some weight, then the vet is the next step.

I made a nice shelter for this baby, right outside of the front porch. It is an old Igloo litter box. I want to make some sort of extended roof over the opening but this is facing south, which will mean sunshine. So far, so good. I'm going to add extra straw.

[Walleye]

1. What a sweetheart, you are so good to take care of these babies

[Siwsan]

3. I really think Ruff Ruff came to me for help

Beneath all of that fluffy fur is a very thin feline.

[Walleye]

11. I think you are known in the neighborhood as a kind soul

A very good thing to be

[SheltieLover]

2. I would take him to vet. Just because they recommend putting him, down does not mean you have to allow it!

let them provide medical care to help him thrive.

A few mos ago, following the death of my senior rescue kitty, I brought the FIV + wild cat indoors again. Took him to vet for a cough & was told "We recommend putting him, down. He's all congested."

I INSISTED on a shot of Convenia abx & got him collodial silver and lysine/probiotic sipplement.'

Guess who is THRIVING months later? Yup!

S/he is adorable. TY for helping this kitty.

[Siwsan]

6. I know the vet wouldn't be surprised.

I tried bringing Ruff Ruff in to the back enclosed porch but that didn't go very well. I am going to try again.

[SheltieLover]

9. Get him some colloidal silver & mix with wet food.

Pls make sure it's not got alcohol or other harmful ingredients.

It kicked our little guy's cough within about 3 hrs

Pls keep us posted on him?

Sending healing vibes to this little sweetheart.

[Ocelot II]

4. Maybe a vet visit would be a good thing.

They certainly can't make you euthanize him, and maybe he has an infection they could treat.

[ShazzieB]

7. I vote for this, too.

[SuzyandPuffpuff]

5. Ruff kitty

I was an lvt for 25+years. Looks to me like Yu have an old kitty. Don't worry about euthanasia. Vets won't recommend that unless there's no improvement. Keep feeding and securing the relationship than take to vet just to b sure it's not a young female...needing a spay and just get overall xam. You're doing a kind thing. Keep up good work! And thx for taking care of an innocent!

[Karadeniz]

8. Ive bathed hundreds of feral kittens. Its not hard. Just get a firm scruff on it

and hold it under running water. Keep the scruff on for shampoo and rinse. Definitely doable!

[SheltieLover]

10. I wouldnt stress him that way while he is ill. It lowers immune system

[Siwsan]

13. I might see if I can put his/her back paws in to a warm tub of water and get the whole tail section cleaned.

I'm a little hopeful, since I've been able to cut off some sizable hair mats, that it might be doable.

[SheltieLover]

14. That's a good idea!

[eppur_se_muova]

15. Cats hate standing in water. The recommended way is to put them in a well-drained tub and ladle the water over them.

We didn't know this when we owned our first two cats, and we seldom bathed them. Then I read about this -- if a small kitten can't jump out of a deep tub, you can get it done. Fill one small basin with warm, soapy water and one with pure warm water. Pour the soapy water over them, scrub/massage as well as you can, then pour rinse water over them and wrap in a few changes of towels.

I hasten to point out that I haven't actually tried this, but someone more expert in the care of cats pointed out that most people bathe their cats the wrong way, by trying to dunk them in the water. Some cats actually enjoy this, but in my experience most don't -- and make their displeasure clearly known. Apparently, it's the wet feet that really sets them off. Who knew ?

[niyad]

12. Of course Ruff Ruff came to you! If there is any possibility of saving

this precious little one, I know that you will. If that is not possible, the little one is surrounded with love and care. Vibes for best possible outcome.

[TommieMommy]

16. Awww hope the new baby will be ok. So precious