How to Help an Injured Stray Cat in India: Step by Step Guide

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How to Help an Injured Stray Cat in India: A Step by Step Guide

Have you ever come across a poor cat on the street who has been injured, but just didn't know where to seek help from?


India has around 9.1 million (91 Lakh) stray cats that often roam the streets - hungry and facing harsh conditions. They are often prone to injury from cat-fights, dog-attacks, human-attacks, vehicular accidents or even just fall injuries because of their curious nature.


If you encounter an injured stray cat, knowing how to help can make a significant difference in their life.


This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to assessing the situation from securing the cat, providing medical care, and ensuring a safe recovery. By following these steps, you can offer timely help and potentially save a life.


Assessing the Injured Cat’s Condition

The first step in helping an injured stray cat is to assess the severity of their injuries. This will help you decide the best course of action and whether immediate professional help is necessary.

cat with an injury

Helping a Wounded Stray Nearby: First Steps

  • When you spot a wounded stray cat, observe their behavior from a safe distance.
  • Check if the cat is limping, bleeding, or showing signs of pain, approach slowly and calmly.
  • Look for visible injuries such as cuts, broken bones, or signs of illness like labored breathing. If the cat is severely injured, it’s crucial to act quickly.


Importance of Contacting Nearby NGOs or Rescue Groups

  • Professional help is often the best way to ensure the cat receives the care they need.
  • Contacting local animal NGOs or rescue groups should be your first step if you’re unsure how to proceed.
  • Animal rescue organizations are equipped to handle injured animals and can provide the necessary medical care.

How to Contact Nearby NGOs or Rescue Groups

  • Search for both the Nearest and Top NGOs / Rescue Groups in your city. You will get a listed contact number through which you can call them.
  • Before calling them, check the authenticity of the organization. Government Organizations would be trustworthy and cheaper, however, a reputed local rescue group can be as good if not better.
  • If you do not mind spending for a good cause, a reputed private vet can also be a good option.
  • Describe the injured cat's case thoroughly to them and ask them if they can send an ambulance or transport to pick the cat up or if you would need to take the cat to the organization and they can offer a check-up.
  • Some Organizations may also offer advice on how to proceed if they cannot attend you immediately
  • Some Rescue Groups may circulate your case & contact details in their internal Area-specific WhatsApp Rescue Volunteer Group to check if anyone near your location can help with the rescue.


Securing the Cat: Using a Cat Basket or Carrier

It can be challenging to find NGOs or Rescue Groups that can come to the location of the injured cat immediately as they are often overburdened with cases and have a shortage of ambulances or transport.


In such cases, you may need to secure the cat yourself to not waste time in saving a life. This step requires patience and care, as an injured cat can be scared and defensive.

Capturing injured cat in cage

Tips for Safe Capture

Use a well-ventilated pet bag, cat cage or cat carrier. Gently coax the cat inside using food or a blanket. If the cat is too frightened or aggressive, try covering them with a towel to prevent scratches or bites.


WATCH: How to put your cat in a carrier


What to Do if You Don’t Have a Carrier

If you don’t have a carrier, you can use a sturdy cardboard box with air holes. Line the box with a soft towel to keep the cat comfortable during transport. If the cat is small or docile, you can also try taking it in a duffel bag by keeping some space for it to breathe. Make sure the cat is comfortably placed.


Taking the Cat to the Nearest Vet

Once the cat is secured, the next step is to take them to the nearest veterinarian or NGO for a thorough examination and treatment.

Finding a Vet in Your Area

If you don’t get a response from an NGO or have a regular vet, search online or ask for recommendations from local animal lovers or rescue groups. Make sure that the vet is reputed and has good reviews.

What to Expect at the Vet Visit

The vet will examine the cat to determine the extent of the injuries. They may administer pain relief, clean wounds, or perform surgery if necessary. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about how you found the cat and any symptoms you observed.


Following the Vet’s Instructions for Treatment

After the vet visit, you’ll need to follow their instructions carefully to ensure the cat’s recovery. If it is a minor injury, the vet may instruct you to release the cat at the same location and keep an eye out for them.


If the cat requires a few more days of care, the vet may instruct care that may include administering medications, cleaning wounds, or changing bandages.

bandaging wound of cat

Administering Medications

Ask the vet to show you how to give medications if you’re unsure. This might involve oral pills, topical ointments, or injections.

Monitoring the Cat’s Progress

If you live in the same vicinity as the cat, keep a close eye on the cat’s behavior and condition. Watch for signs of improvement or any new symptoms that may require a return visit to the vet.


Providing Temporary Care at Your Home

If the vet recommends it, you may need to provide temporary care for the cat at your home until they are well enough to be released.

Creating a Comfortable Recovery Space

Set up a quiet, warm, and comfortable space for the cat to rest. Use a small room or a large crate with bedding, food, and water. Ensure the space is secure, as the cat may be frightened or disoriented.

Handling the Cat Safely

Minimize handling to avoid stressing the cat. If you need to move them, do so gently and only when necessary. Use gloves if the cat is still aggressive or scared.


Finding a Foster Home for the Injured Cat

  • Now, most of you may not have prior experience in taking care of a cat or cannot keep the cat at your home for various reasons.
  • If you’re unable to care for the cat at home, finding a foster home is the next best option. Fosters are experienced in caring for injured animals and can provide the necessary attention and care.
  • Now, you need to dig a little deep to find low-cost fosters as paid fosters can be a bit expensive and not available immediately.
  • The best way to get immediate responses are from Facebook Groups related to Cat Lovers and Cat Adoption in your city.
  • You can go through old posts or pinned posts to get contact numbers of cat fosters.
  • You can also post about your case and wait for responses from fosters who can help.
  • Other ways are getting direct contact of fosters from Rescue Groups or even other pet parents from the veterinary clinic or NGO.
  • The cost per day for fostering may vary from Rs. 250 to Rs. 600 depending on whether the foster is caged / semi-caged or uncaged. The costs may reduce if you provide food and litter.
  • Make sure to explain the medical requirements for the cat to the foster as given by the doctor and ensure that the foster is experienced in handling the medical requirements till the cat heals.
  • If you are dropping off the cat to the foster home, check that it is netted and clean.
  • Keep constant communication with the foster for daily updates on the cat's health before releasing them.
Foster caring for injured cat


Releasing the Cat After Recovery

Once the cat has recovered, it’s time to release them back to their original location or a safer environment. This step requires careful planning to ensure the cat’s well-being.

When and How to Release the Cat

Wait until the cat is fully healed and strong enough to return to their outdoor environment. If the cat is recovering at a foster home or shelter for a long time, they may also choose to release the cat after getting them neutered / spayed. Release them in the same place you found them in, provided that the area has access to food, water, and shelter.

Ensuring the Cat’s Safety Post-Release

Monitor the cat’s condition after release if possible. Consider providing food and water in a safe spot to help them transition back to street life. You can also try sharing Adoption Posts for the cat on Social Media Groups. If anyone responds, it's a cherry ontop as you would be responsible for taking a life off the streets. Ensure to follow a proper adoption process.


Conclusion

Helping an injured stray cat in India requires compassion, patience, and the right knowledge.


I hope with this step-by-step guide, you can make a significant difference in the life of a wounded stray nearby. From assessing the injury and securing the cat to providing medical care and planning for their recovery, every step you take helps ensure the cat gets a second chance at life. Remember, your actions can save a life and bring comfort to a vulnerable animal in need.


Summary of Key Points

  • Assess the injury: Observe the cat’s condition before taking action.
  • Contact professionals: Reach out to local NGOs and rescue groups for help.
  • Secure the cat safely: Use a carrier or a makeshift box for transport.
  • Visit the vet: Get a thorough examination and follow treatment plans.
  • Provide temporary care: Set up a comfortable recovery space at home or find a reliable foster.
  • Release the cat carefully: Ensure they are fully healed and release them in a safe, familiar environment.
  • Monitor post-release: Keep an eye on the cat’s condition after release to ensure they are thriving.


FAQs

What should I do if the cat is too aggressive to capture?

If the cat is too aggressive, it’s best to contact a professional rescuer or NGO for assistance. They have the tools and experience to safely capture and transport the cat.

How can I tell if the cat needs immediate veterinary care?

Signs that require immediate attention include severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, broken bones, and loss of consciousness. In these cases, take the cat to a vet as soon as possible.

Is it safe to keep a stray cat at home?

While it’s generally safe to care for a stray cat at home, it’s essential to ensure they don’t pose a health risk to other pets or people. Quarantine the cat if needed, and follow the vet’s instructions for care.

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