Cat trauma maybe?

Question
Hi Jessica,

I have a cat at present called lemmie, he went outside recenty and returned 2 days later early one morning.  I noticed thta he was completely covered in mun adnd that his ear was dripping with blood.  My next step was to bathe the ear and then feed him some biscuits, cat food and milk.  However he seems a little tired, which is probably understanderable after been out for 2 days, but his sleepiness is beginning to concern me alittle, I would take him to the vets but the last 2 cats I took they put down, I don't know, would the maybe suffering from trauma, you know maybe its been in a catfight, or a dogs had hold of it, its been bumped by a car, but the later one would not explain the small cuts on his ear, I was worried about infection, although the cuts are very minor, aay advice would be greatly appreciated and thanks for been so considerate towards animals, I wish you well and all the best for your future, Matty

Answer
Hi Matty.  I'm not sure what could've happened here, either.  The best thing for the kitty would, indeed, be for a vet to look him over.  If he's under the weather from something as simple as an infection, then an antibiotic will help.  However, should an antibiotic be forgone, he may be beyond help soon.  If he's found to be in such poor shape at the vet's office that euthanasia is thought to be the kindest choice, then it may be something to consider at that point.  I'm not sure where you are, but where I am, a vet can't euthanize an animal without the owner's consent, unless you are in an area where rabies vaccines are required by law and he was not up-to-date on his vaccine and he is suspected to have been in a fight with an animal. Generally quarantine at the owner's expense, or euthanasia would be the options.  If this is the case, I'm not sure what to advise you to do!  On one hand, I don't want your kitty needlessly put to sleep, and on the other hand, I wouldn't want you to risk contact with rabies.  

The only thing you can do for him at home is encourage him to eat and be sure he stays indoors only to avoid risk of further infection.  A pet multi-vitamin may help heal minor wounds and prevent infection.  Those are available at some larger pet stores or online.  I would clean his wounds with an antibacterial hand soap and apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment 2-3 times daily to keep it clean.