so sad what can i do?

Question
As i got into my car this morning i looked over to see an unhappy kitty (not
groomed) and skinny, i decided to run back in and get food and a towel (cold
day) i lucked out and he was still around. I went over by the front of the yard
which was enclosed by a gate and slipped in the food.  As i got closer and
noticed that this poor poor cat has been SEVERELY negelcted by the owner. I
think its blind now i'm not sure, (the eyes were stuck shut with like pinkish
ooze tearing in the corners of his eyes) but when i saw this i immediately
started to cry and try and call him to me. I really think that until me, that NO
one has talked to this poor kitty or fed it for a while.  he let out the saddest
meow i've ever heard like "help me" i cried so hard and i still want to murder
the owner. I was upset all day over it and i want to find him and get him help
but i don't know if the illness is contagious to humans or what, but this kitty
needs me and i just got home to go see if i can find him---i saw the plastic
dish i left by the house like 20 feet from the house -empty.  i put a lot of
food in it but i saw no sign of the cat.  Also, after i had got into my car i
turned the corner and saw a stray dog galavanting towards the cat's area...is
it possible that the dog jumped the fence and killed the cat and ate the food
and dragged the dish.... :( i immediately thought this and if i never see it
again then that is what probably happened..so my question is IS THIS RABIES?
OR WORSE? IF I SEE HIM AGAIN WHAT DO I DO...? I WANNA SAVE HIM SOOO
BAD....HELP

Answer
Hi Bridgette,

I love your passion to help this kitty but you'll have to calm down and think rationally if you're going to help him.  First of all the dog probably didn't get to him; if he's hidden from you pretty well he's probably adequately hidden from the dog, too.  Also, most dogs are not "cat killers", in fact many have learned to stay away from a hissing, snarling cat so don't worry about that.
No, I don't think its rabies or anything else you can catch, nor do I think he's blind.  I think he has a very bad cold that will need to be taken care of.
So, first thing you have to do is catch him.  Do you have an enclosed garage?   If so you can prop the door open about 4 inches and put food and a place to sleep in there and he may find his way in. You might find him there in the morning.  If not try contacting your local shelter or veterinarian about renting a "humane" trap that will allow you to trap him without hurting him.  They can tell you the best way to use it. Then again if he's that sick and neglected he may let you pick him up without a fight.  They usually know when someone's trying to help them. Once you've got him you'll want to clear his eyes with a moistened cotton ball and get him to the vet as soon as you can.
Please let me know when you get this little guy and give me more info on his condition and I'll give you whatever first aid tips I can.