‘Funds to the Rescue’ – (4) Surviving the Great Outdoors: Common Injuries Faced by Outdoor Cats

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Outdoor cats can face various risks and injuries due to their exposure to the outdoors and various environmental factors. The Feline Connection prioritizes helping homeless cats with nowhere else to turn for help. With the assistance of local veterinarians, we are able to offer homeless cats options they would not have had. Here are some common types of injuries outdoor cats can sustain.

TW: While not terribly graphic, the photos and stories in this blog can be upsetting to some readers.
Trauma Injuries

Outdoor cats risk trauma injuries, including being hit by cars, falling from heights, getting caught in unexpected places, hunting traps, bullet wounds, abuse, wildlife and many other causes. These injuries can lead to fractures, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries.

Mr. Whiskers (an adult male) was rescued in poor condition, sick, and dragging his right front leg in August 2023. His leg could not be saved, but he could be saved! He is a wonderful, friendly cat and is available for adoption.
Jicama – Adult Male: This beautiful, friendly intact male was found by a caring citizen in January 2023 missing part of his tail and not putting weight on his front left leg. Jicama came to her house crying for food. She noticed blood and upon inspection realized he had both tail and foot injuries. Jicama’s tail couldn’t be saved and was amputated. His injured front leg was broken, full of buckshot, and improperly healed. However, he was and is using it well, so we were able to save it. He is now safe with his Forever Family.
Bite Wounds and Abscesses

Cats are territorial animals and may engage in fights with other cats (especially unneutered males) or wildlife. Bite wounds from these altercations can become infected, leading to painful abscesses that require veterinary treatment. Abscesses do not heal without Antibiotics.

Super Sweet Gremlin
Gremlin’s abscess
Gremlin – Adult Female: Gremlin is a very sweet girl who was rescued in poor condition with a scabbed-over abscess behind her left year, thin, with a broken canine, and anemia. Life is hard on the streets. We healed her abscess, fed her nutritious food, and gave her antibiotics to finally heal her old wound. As of mid-September 2023 Gremlin is available for adoption.
Scratches and Lacerations

Cats often explore areas with thorny plants or sharp objects. Scratches and lacerations from these encounters can lead to wounds that may become infected if not treated promptly.

Ulysses – Adult Male: This friendly guy was rescued in late August with a lot of injuries sustained in fighting with other intact males. He was suffering many fight wounds and scars all over his front legs and face. His front forearm had a deep scratch. He also has a broken upper right canine (see dental injuries below).
Burns and Scalds

Cats can suffer burns or scalds from contact with hot surfaces, open flames, or chemicals commonly found outdoors. Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol- highly toxic to cats when ingested), Battery Acid, Engine Coolant, Oil, Fuel, Brake Fluid and Exhaust Residue are all toxic and can cause burns on skin and paws. Luckily, in 2032 we haven’t seen any cats with this issue, but have had numerous cats in the past with mysterious burns and oil in their fur.

Dental Injuries

Cats may sustain dental injuries from chewing on hard objects, fighting, or accidents. Broken teeth, fractured jaws, or oral injuries can be painful and require dental care. In addition to Banshee below, Ulysses (above) and Ridge (below) also were rescued with teeth issues.

Banshee – Adult Female. Banshee was TNR’d by another group in 2020 (Thank you!), and then rescued a second time when her advocate called saying “…she is drooling profusely and not well.” We brought her in and learned that she has very severe Stomatitis. It is all across her tongue and throat. She has been getting treatments and she is now doing great! Banshee loves to lie in the window in the sun, and loves to eat. She does need Depo injections about every 3 weeks or she starts salivating excessively. She’s become a bath pro since she tries to groom herself, but only makes things worse. She is in Hospice care with TFC because we don’t consider her adoptable.
Eye Injuries

Cats can injure their eyes from foreign objects, scratches, or accidents. Eye injuries can range from minor scratches to more severe trauma that affects vision.

Right eye is very large and has Uveitis
Harriet is super loving, but at first we thought she was feral!
Harriet was rescued from a barn sick, pregnant, with one eye scarred & high pressure about a year ago. She is not really able to see out of her right eye. Her eye had Uveitis, which required months of meds and several vet visits to check her eye pressure. Her kittens are grown and with Forever Families, and she has just been adopted by her Foster Family!
Poisoning

Outdoor cats may ingest or be exposed to toxic substances, such as plants, chemicals, or substances found in trash or garage areas. Poisoning can lead to a range of symptoms and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Radar on Rescue Day
Radar 10 days later
Radar was rescued with his siblings from a groundhog hole at one of the locations we have been working on in 2023. We we got him, he had necrotic tissue on his left front paw and black spots of unknown origin on other feet. We suspect he and his siblings had been born in construction insulation and they are reactions to the material. With antibiotics, foot soaks, and TLC, he is doing great. All but one toe has been lost and he gets along just fine anyway. Outside, this would likely have been a death sentence. Inside with care, he is doing great! He will be available for adoption this fall.
Parasitic Infections

Outdoor cats are more likely to encounter skin parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases. Intestinal parasites are very common too, and often more than one type! We are experts at treating them after five years! All parasites are not only uncomfortable for cats but can be life-threatening, especially for kittens. When combined with Upper Respiratory Infections, it can be unrecoverable for kittens.

Heat and Cold-Related Injuries

In hot weather, outdoor cats are susceptible to heatstroke, dehydration, and paw pad burns from walking on hot surfaces. Stray and Feral cats often have trouble finding clean and safe water to drink. In cold climates, outdoor cats can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite, and injuries from slipping on icy surfaces.

Injuries from Wildlife

Depending on the area, outdoor cats may encounter wildlife that can pose threats. These encounters can result in injuries from bites, scratches, or defensive behaviors. [Garnet]

Garnet – Adult Male, Feral. Remember Garnet from the Slate Cats group? He was attacked by wildlife along with another cat about a month after TNR. His tail was degloved, and he had become trap-smart so we just could not trap him a second time. The Feline Connection held a fundraiser to purchase a Net Gun, which took ALL SUMMER to come in, arriving about a week ago. Thankfully, Garnet has made it through the summer, and the end of his tail dropped off. We have been focused on rescuing kittens since the gun came in, but he still needs to be caught and treated. He gets fresh food and water every day along with the rest of the crew, and we are planning a winter shelter and feeding station for this group of cats.
Infections and Disease

Outdoor cats are at a higher risk of contracting diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from other cats they encounter.

Ridge (adult male intact) was left behind years ago in the Weather Cats area. We rescued him in the spring of this year. Those big tom cheeks tell part of his story. He is super-duper-friendly and loving, but had four broken incisors (see dental injuries above) and tested positive for FIV+. He just went home recently to his Forever Family!

Sadly, many of The Feline Connection rescue cats have more than one of the above issues which can create additional challenges in treating them, fostering them and finding them Forever Families.

It’s important for cat owners to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to keep their cats inside. Providing a safe outdoor environment like a catio, regular veterinary care, and ensuring vaccinations and parasite control can help reduce the chances of injuries and illnesses in outdoor cats. Additionally, considering transitioning an outdoor cat to an indoor lifestyle can significantly increase their safety and well-being.

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