Cat eye problem?

Spender£

I have been feeding a cat which was left behind by some neighbours who moved out in a hurry recently, the cat is very clean and came and befriended us after they moved out.

Unfortunately the cat has developed a problem with one of it's eyes, slime oozes out and it looks as if the third eyelid and it looks possibly ripped slightly.

Should i take her to a nearby PDSA hospital as i don't have pet insurance or any pets? I care about this little cat and would take ownership if possible.

Silvertabby

Poor little mite needs to see a vet urgently, before the infection becomes even more deep seated 

I'm not sure about the PDSA - do you need to be on certain benefits to use them?  Hopefully someone will pop up with the answer to that question.

In the meantime, ask near neighbours with pets which vets they use and consider taking puss to be treated sooner than later.

It's good that you want to adopt her, but all those purrs and cuddles come with a cost.

Mnoee

Here's the eligibility checker for the PDSA - https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/eligibility

Whether you go with them or another vet, you will definitely need an appointment - there's no A&E for pets, even in an emergency you phone first. 

If you need a cat carrier to safely transport them, they're often offered free on social media in my area - or if you ask, someone may loan you one. Otherwise they're about £15 for a bag type, £30 for a crate type. It's against the highway code to travel with an unrestrained animal. 

If you're unable to commit to caring for this cat then please consider contacting a charity to have them permanently rehomed - it's kind to feed an animal in need, but kinder still to make sure they're neutered and chipped, up to date with vaccinations, having an annual health check, have a safe warm place in winter... The world has clearly said now is the time to decide! 

TripleH

Contact cats rescue or another charity?

It's lovely you want to adopt the poor soul, but best to do everything properly. That you're known to the cat, live in it's territory and want to give a home makes things easier when it comes to rehousing.

Our youngest was abandoned when his owners moved home and is a lovely soul, we just need to convince him he isn't a dog.

But cat rescue charity asap to get that eye sorted.

Brie

Our local PDSA has been great when we had an emergency and our vet wasn't available - Sunday evenings etc.  We have always had to pay so they don't limit themselves to those on benefits so if you have the ££ it will make no difference if you use them or a vet.  

Likely the cat has been bopped in the eye in a fight or managed to get a sharp seed or similar stuck.  Either way the poor poppet needs medical attention asap.

sheramber

Is there a Cat's Protection Agency in your area? 

Or a cat rescue organisation.

Any vet is required to give emergency treatment to any animal  but they will not give ongoing treatment.

You could phone local vet practices for advice.  They may accept the cat or be bale to direct you to somewhere.

Marmaduke123

OP, I hope you've managed to get the cat to a vet? Do let us know what happens

MalMonroe

PDSA will definitely look at a stray injured cat. As per this link from their website. 

"If you find an injured animal and it’s safe for you to approach them, you should take them to your nearest veterinary surgery so they can get help as quickly as possible. Be gentle when handling them as they may have injuries or might not be used to humans. If you can, call ahead to let the vets know you're on your way.

All vets will provide emergency care to a pet or wildlife in need. If your closest vet is a PDSA Pet Hospital, we’ll do all we can to help.

We’re not a rescue charity so we’re not best placed to help if you find a stray animal that isn’t injured or unwell and needs specialised rehabilitation. Other charities, like RSPCA, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust or Cats Protection are able to help with stray or abandoned pets. Your local animal warden may also be able to help."

Just tell them that this cat was abandoned by its owners and you've been feeding it. You shouldn't be charged for treatment. Most vets will give you a same day appointment. That's been my experience, anyway, in over twenty years of being a pet owner.

TripleH

As per Mal's comment.

Get it treated, then contact a cat rescue charity (or similar organisation).

I don't know ow how they work, but after the cat is treated, you could say you'll Foster it with the aim of hopefully adopting. Whilst it may have run away trom it's new home and owners are desperate to find it, if it has been abandoned then I can't see why anyone would want to take it away from an area and people who know and care for it.

SensibleSarah

For what is essentially a stray cat, you can get a voucher code from the RSPCA which will pay for up to £50 of treatment by calling 0300 1234999.