Dear Critter Corner: There’s a stray cat in my neighborhood that is limping and I’m not sure how to help him or where to go for help. He’s still eating the food I leave out, but when he walks away, he’s limping. He seems friendly if I go slow but will run away if I try to pick it up. What should I do?
For an injured animal, you’ll want to first call our Animal Rescue and Control Department via their Dispatch phone number at 650-340-7022 ext.1. Our Animal Rescue and Control Department will be able to determine whether they can secure the kitty and bring him to our Coyote Point Shelter to be seen by our veterinarians.
If our Animal Rescue and Control staff is unable to secure the kitty, then you may want to try renting a humane trap from our Coyote Point Shelter at 12 Airport Blvd. in San Mateo. You can call them ahead of time to understand the process at 650-340-7022 ext. 339. They will advise you on how to set up the trap and how to bring the cat to the shelter.
Some leg injuries may be minor. You can observe factors such as how many days you have seen the cat limping, whether the limp is improving, and whether the cat is able to bear weight on the leg. If the limp continues or is getting worse, then it is important to be able to safely secure the kitty and bring him to our shelter for a vet exam or to any veterinary clinic in the area for an exam.
If you’re willing to rehome the kitty, then you could also take him to a nearby veterinary clinic during their open hours or an emergency 24-hour clinic. As you determine how best to secure the kitty, continue to provide plenty of food and water. Being well fed and hydrated can help his recovery. It may also help him become more comfortable with you and potentially easier to coax into a crate.
Mary-Ann Fernandes is a Trainer for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula
Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, please call 650-340-7022 or email behavior@phs-spca.org.