When I was at the vets last week, just as I was leaving, a stray cat walked puposefully right in front of me and then parked himself under the ambulance. He was dragging his back leg really badly, and I thought what a smart guy to have come to the right place for treatment! Anyway, the vets kindly said they'd treat him for free, and it turned out for the poor little guy that his leg was badly infected and needed amputating, which happened last night. He's going to stay there and recover for the next couple of weeks, then he's going to be neutered. Vet was planning to do it at the same time as the amputation, but said he lost a lot of blood and was becoming too weak, so she had to finish up. I went to see him today and he's a little cutie but he's still very sore from the operation, and by all accounts just a little aggressive. But so would I be if someone had just cut my leg off without asking - so I don't want to make any judgements about his character until he's both neutered and recovered from the amputation.

After that, unless someone adopts him, they're going to put him back outside and 'hope' that he sticks around, as if he does, they'll look out for him. But since he's only got 3 legs, he's probably not going to survive for long on the street again. He wasn't doing at all well before he turned up, and it's surprising he wasn't hit by a car, since he was only basically using 3 legs anyway.

The thing is, I'm willing to foster him but I can't adopt (I already have 4 cats!) but I have a couple of people in mind who might be interested in adopting, but they also already have cats (and dogs). So I need to know (as would they) that he hasn't got anything he could pass on to my cats first, so my question is, what things do I need to get him tested or inspected for? I have a small list already (fleas, earmites, ringworm, worms, feline leukemia) but what else could other cats be at risk of? There's still time, because I'm not going to foster him until he's recovered and neutered, so that's a couple of weeks away, and I would keep them separated for quite a while anyway. I'm going to see him again on Monday after work, and am already looking forward to it

Any suggestions much appreciated!

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Awww bless him, I hope he has a speedy recovery You can also test for FIV the vet will be able to tell you all the tests they can do I hope they are all clear & he gets a home & a chance of a forever home x

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All my children have paws!

I second this. I wish this little soldier the best of luck! I guess he might be a good "dustbin" for the food your other cats aren't eating so he might not be that much more of a drain on resources....

And don't forget DB, the little cat is not the only thing she is looking forward to seeing on Monday evening. By all accounts there is also a very hot and single vet.

Most rescues have older cats tested for FIV and FIP as these make it so they cant be rehomed with other cats. Your vet will be able to do this with a quick test a small amount of blood is taken and put on a test a bit similar to a pregnancy test. Other than that he needs worming fleaing and vaccinating before being introduced to other cats. Hope this helps and Im sure he will turn into a lovely cat if he comes thro the tests ok xxx

Thanks guys, good to know, I will add those to the list. I know the vet should be able to say, but I always like to double check!

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Hee hee, yes, here's hoping he'll be there...

Speaking of my two wet Whiskas junkies, I think I have to give in tonight and give them straight up Whiskas wet, they've barely eaten for two days now... can't believe they've won I just hope I can find a way to get them back... any ideas?

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You know after all the drama on here recently it would be a nice change to have some romance unfold on here for a change

You know what? Give them whiskas for a week or two etc and then try some of their better foods again. They might be bored with whiskas and co after a while or more open to other culinary experiences. BUT that plan may backfire and might make them into true whiskas die-hards. But at the moment they need to eat and if that is whiskas and co filling their tums than so be it.

Might be worth getting some fortiflora - perhaps they have some at the vets?

Aww what a smart cat!!! I hope he finds a home soon and is it too soon to ask for photos?!!

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I've got some Fortiflora on order, as it's the very last enticer I've heard about but haven't tried. I will try it as soon as it's here.

Yes, the possibility of it back-firing is what I'm very worried about. But with Lucky's tummy bug experience so recent, she especially needs to eat. I will stick with just one flavour for a week or two to try to maximise the possibility of getting bored!

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I forgot my camera today!

But it's already in my handbag so I can't forget on Monday!

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