Concerned About Neighbours Cat

[Purist]

My neighbour has a couple of elderly cats (in their mid teens I believe) they are outside most of the time and I get concerned about their health as one of the cats has been sneezing a lot and has a mucus discharge permanently at the side of her nose and eye, she drools a lot, her fur is in bad condition, she always looks in very poor condition. I have had a friendly chat about the cats to my neighbour and she has been unconcerned about these issues and says they are fine, I know I should mind my own business but I would have taken my own cat to the vet if he had the same issues. Is the cat likely to recover without treatment, she has been like this for a few months now

[davebro]

Maybe call the RSPCA - see if they think it's a cause for concern.

[Toorak]

It could be suffering from cat flu - it needs veterinary attention by the sound of it

[Toorak]

Some information about cat flu here - the symptoms you describe certainly fit.

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/pet-health-hub/conditions/cat-flu#contents-link-3

[Canary42]

PDSA might be a better bet than RSPCA

[Purist]

I might try to talk to her again although I don't think it will go down well, its hard to have this kind of discussion without it sounding like I am accusing her of neglect!

[davebro]

" I know I should mind my own business"

I disagree in this case. If an animal is suffering unnecessarily and the owner won't do anything then it needs to be reported.

[hereIam]

I would definitely report this poor animal to the RSPCA if the neighbour continues to ignore you. Could you possibly take the cat to the vet yourself (I have done this in the past when a neighbour has point blank refused to look after her cat) and paid for its treatment. The cat really isn't fine is it ? At the moment I am feeding and keeping an eye on another cat in my street that is left out all the time in all weathers. I sometimes wonder why some people bother getting animals !

[hereIam]

It is hard Purist, I know, but she is neglecting the poor thing.

[Smowball]

RSPCA. The animal is suffering

[ummmm]

RSPCA hasn't got the best reputation.

[hereIam]

Please ignore the above comment Purist and report it to the RSPCA. I have done so many times and never had any problems.

[davebro]

Well if there's a local cat rescue that would intervene maybe speak to them - but the RSPCA should have the authority to act.

Tell your neighbour about your concerns & that you will get others involved if necessary.

[ummmm]

It hasn't though.

[davebro]

Or print out this thread & show it to her?

[hereIam]

Purist - what do you think of our replies ??

[Purist]

Thank you for the replies, I am erring towards taking it to the vets myself, the only thing stopping me is if they want me to register the cat or know details, would they agree with me bringing in a neighbours cat?

[murraymints]

RSPCA would be the better option ..don't think a vet would treat another's pet without their permission

[Toorak]

The neighbour may be holding back on taking the cat to the vet because they are worried about the bills. I would contact the PDSA or Cats Protection and see what they advise under the circumstances. You need to consider the consequences if a long term course of expensive treatment is required. I do agree that something has to be done because the cat must be suffering.

[Purist]

I might have another word with the neighbour and mention cat flu, I might also phone the pdsa and ask their advice. I think cost might be an issue and the neighbour is currently pregnant so might not have much money to spare

[Tilly2]

Purist, can you afford to take the cat to the vets yourself? Perhaps you could suggest that to your neighbour.