Former "outside cat" as pet?!

External Since: Jan 29, 2006 Posts: 1

Hey all,

My "neighbor" recently abandoned his "outside cat" because he got two
dogs and the cat doesn't like dogs. So, we decided to take the cat in
our house and we got it fixed, rabies shots, etc. The only problem is
the cat still likes the outside. We have another cat that really won't
run far away from home, but this cat will bolt out the door (when given
a chance) and run away for days at a time. He comes back with open
wounds, ticks, and fleas. The last time he came back he had this weird
looking gash on his rear leg. It was strange because the skin was bare
and raw all around the gash (any ideas on what might have done this to
him?).

At any rate, I'd like to know what kind of risks we might be facing
with disease and such if this cat keeps getting out. I've heard that
you can catch stuff from cats even if they are vaccinated? TIA for any
help here.

External Since: Jun 01, 2006 Posts: 614

On 29 Jan 2006 10:33:49 -0800, techshare26.RemoveThis@yahoo.com wrote:

>Hey all,
>
>My "neighbor" recently abandoned his "outside cat" because he got two
>dogs and the cat doesn't like dogs. So, we decided to take the cat in
>our house and we got it fixed, rabies shots, etc. The only problem is
>the cat still likes the outside. We have another cat that really won't
>run far away from home, but this cat will bolt out the door (when given
>a chance) and run away for days at a time. He comes back with open
>wounds, ticks, and fleas.
Give him Program once a month.

>The last time he came back he had this weird
>looking gash on his rear leg. It was strange because the skin was bare
>and raw all around the gash (any ideas on what might have done this to
>him?).
No idea.
>
>At any rate, I'd like to know what kind of risks we might be facing
>with disease and such if this cat keeps getting out. I've heard that
>you can catch stuff from cats even if they are vaccinated? TIA for any
>help here.

Yes. They can get septic bacteria from open wounds. Vaccines don't
cover this, anymore than humans are covered for infection of wounds.
Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and hope for the best. If the
wound is really bad take him to the vets.

And please, keep him indoors as much as possible.