Whats wrong with this cat???

[u/j-s-man]

This cat is losing hair and limping and also has scars where the hair is lost. I tried keeping him in a contained area where I can monitor him. Is it serious?? The scars are mostly on his legs and fingers.

Can anyone identify what's the cause??? There are too many to be caused by fights He wont let me touch or get close to it and runs furiously when I try to get close to it. Is there a non-aggressive way to capture and put it in a box?

[u/mulletmoth]

best to take them to a vet

[u/j-s-man → u/mulletmoth]

The cat wont let me touch it. All I can do is try to take pictures and identify the cause. When I even try to pet it it just runs and hides and im afraid I hurt it more if I try to move it or catch it!

[u/commanderTaylor → u/j-s-man]

If its running away like that, it's probably hurting. Maybe try to trap it and take it in to the vet. Best of luck! 

[u/j-s-man → u/commanderTaylor]

I managed to keep him in A room. It has food and water and a litter box. But was scared and running even before I captured him. Trapping is not an option. Is there a softer way? A pill of something?

[u/Own_Bonus_8954 → u/j-s-man]

No. You cannot know the cause without a vet, and giving it random pills can do more harm than good and delay adequate care.

Unfortunately, animals that hurt will run away. Best case scenario is to put a carrier in there, give it some time, and maybe it’ll use it as a hiding spot and you can close it in there and get it to the vet.

[u/Vanillanite → u/j-s-man]

I don’t know where you live but in some countries they have services where the vet comes to you. Maybe you could look into that?

Sounds like the cat is scared and in pain :( I would try placing a carrier in the room with food or a snack in it. If the cat goes in you can close the door of the carrier and take it to a vet.

[u/lotaybk → u/j-s-man]

Talk to a vet anyway. They might be able to give you drugs to relax the cat to bring it in. 

[u/Vanillanite]

Please go to the vet instead of asking! The cat does not sound well

[u/j-s-man → u/Vanillanite]

I know it doesn't. But he hides from me and wont let me touch or get near. Im scared I might hurt him more if I try to catch it. And honestly im scared to be scratched badly. He did try it a few times

[u/Own_Bonus_8954 → u/j-s-man]

I understand the fear of being hurt! Put on some gloves and a big jacket, get a carrier, and carry the cat away from your face. It will be okay. He needs help, and is just afraid of everything because he doesn’t want to hurt more.

Short term- he’ll probably hate the trip to the vet, but he will get a diagnosis. If you do not go, his condition will worsen.

Long term- with the diagnosis, you’ll be given everything you need and some advice on how to get him to warm up to you. His wounds will heal, and he will have the opportunity to recover.

[u/Advanced-Knee1548]

Take him to the vet! A cat loosing hair can be many reasons and some of them serious. And if it’s scarring where he’s loosing hair? Just take him to the vet. It’s the safest option

[u/Advanced-Knee1548 → u/Advanced-Knee1548]

Or at least call the vet and have ask questions and that way

[u/j-s-man → u/Advanced-Knee1548]

Calligraphy a vet might be a good option. Cause he wont let me move him. He's just so scared and in pain I think I might need some sedative to calm him and take him to a vet

[u/Significant-Nebula64 → u/j-s-man]

Yeah, the vet can give you Gabapentin to calm down the cat before taking him in! Please ask about that, I'm sure it'll help!

[u/j-s-man → u/Significant-Nebula64]

Ill ask.thanks for the name of the pill. Probably the most helpful comment!

[u/Own_Bonus_8954 → u/j-s-man]

My cats hate gabapentin, but will take it when mixed into a delicious treat— either greenie pill pockets or even pumpkin purée!

[u/CardiologistMost7886]

I would also post this in r/askvet

[u/j-s-man → u/CardiologistMost7886]

Omg didnt know there was such a subreddit. Thanks a lot!

[u/LBS35]

If a cat is limping it’s serious and those scars actually look pretty raw I’d say this is absolutely an emergency and this cat needs a vet right away. 

That’s so sweet that you are trying to help, we can’t see what’s going on in their body and cats hide pain extremely well. 

If you can’t take him to a vet can you at least get them to a no kill shelter/rescue they should be able to at least give it some medical care. 

This is not a wait and see situation this cat needs help those punctures could get infected. 

[u/j-s-man → u/LBS35]

Thanks for your kind words. I will try to help it ASAP. As soon as I find a way to put it in a box to take to vet without harming it!

[u/Firm-Experience473]

"Over grooming" is a thing
Maybe a parasite that itches in that exact spot like scabies

[u/j-s-man → u/Firm-Experience473]

Hmmm maybe. Thanks for the notice