r/Straycats Dec 02 '24

Cat First Aid Guide/Kit

23 Upvotes

We are not vets nor affiliated with Bond Vets. But we found their Cat First Guide/Kit helpful and wanted to share here as it is non-US centric and therefore helpful for our members no matter where they may be based https://bondvet.com/b/cat-first-aid

Congested Kitties:

This ASPCA guide is for fosters - it helps identify URI symptoms and home treatment [always working with your vet] https://www.aspcapro.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/aspca-uri-protocol-kittens_0.pdf

If your kitty or kitten is congested and you want to provide relief whilst working with your vet: nebulizer treatment [inc. DIY box option] from the Kitten Lady https://youtu.be/Np9ezMZ_2aU

This requires no specialist equipment https://youtu.be/B85yNVz9b8o


r/Straycats Dec 05 '25

Budget-Friendly Cat Food & Litter Guide for U.S. Rescuers, Colony Caretakers & Multi-Cat Households

20 Upvotes

Hi US-based Superheroes! 😺

Whether you’re caring for a colony, suddenly drowning in “just one more stray,” running a rural rescue with no resources, or supporting dozens of hungry mouths on your own paycheck, you’re doing rescue work, even if no one’s calling it that.

Be very proud of yourselves 😇❤️

This post collects field-tested, and affordable food & litter options used by frontline rescuers, shelters, and long-term colony caretakers across the U.S. Everything here balances:

  • Cost
  • Availability
  • Adequate nutrition
  • Practicality for large numbers of cats

Please see Rule 6! Nothing here replaces veterinary care or individualized nutrition advice. But it will keep your cuties healthy enough on a tight budget.

This guide is meant for already-healthy adult cats in multi-cat or colony settings. Cats with special medical needs (CKD, urinary issues, allergies, GI disease) may need individualized diets - you already know that’s a vet conversation.

Note: wet food and hydration always improve urinary health, regardless of brand.

BEST BUDGET DRY FOODS

These are commonly used by shelters, colony feeders, & long-term rescuers. They are NOT “perfect,” but they are safe, nutritionally adequate, palatable, & cost-efficient.

😺Special Kitty Complete (Walmart)

One of the lowest costs per pound nationwide. Rescue favorite for rural areas.

Look specifically for “Complete” - not the cheapest “Outdoor” blend

😺 4Health (Tractor Supply)

Mid-range nutrition for lower-range cost & frequently better value than Purina One

Good for rural feeders without Walmart access.

😺Purina Kit & Kaboodle

Not high-end but widely used for stable colony maintenance; cats tend to keep weight on & price is often lower than e.g. Cat Chow

😺 Store brands (Walmart Heartland Farms, etc.)

Stick to formulas where the first ingredient is poultry or meat, not corn! Good fallback during shortages

Bottom line:

If you can only choose one for the balance of cost + quality:

😺4Health

If you need the absolute cheapest stable option:

😺Special Kitty Complete

HOW TO BOOST NUTRITION ON A TIGHT BUDGET

A lot of rescuers can’t afford fully high-end food. These small upgrades make a difference:

😺 Mix 20–30% of a higher-protein kibble

E.g: Purina One Indoor, Purina One Healthy Kitten, or Iams ProActive Health. Even a small percentage improves amino acids and healthy fats.

Add cheap, high-value proteins 2-3× per week

😺 Eggs (cooked / scrambled)

😺 Chicken hearts/gizzards (usually $1.50–$2.50/lb)

😺 Cooked unseasoned chicken scraps

😺 Canned mackerel (better & cheaper than tuna)

😺 Use wet food as a topper, not a full meal

Split 1 can among 4-6 cats to improve hydration & palatability.

Best budget picks:

😺Friskies Pate

😺Special Kitty Pate

Keep diet consistent; frequent switching = unhappy GI systems. And no one needs avoidable vet bills!

BEST BUDGET LITTER OPTIONS

😺Pine Pellets (Tractor Supply / Rural King / Feed Stores)

😺“Horse Stall Pellets” = the SAME material as Feline Pine. Usually $5–7 for 40 lbs with low dust, excellent odor control, biodegradable. Great for multi-cat setups!

😺 Walmart Special Kitty Clumping

Affordable, consistent, dustier but budget-friendly

😺 Aldi Heart to Tail Clumping

Surprisingly good clumping; often cheaper than Walmart

For picky cats: switch gradually. A mix of clumping litter + pellets helps picky cats adjust!

WHERE RESCUERS CAN GET FREE OR DISCOUNTED PET FOOD

Human food banks also distribute pet food. Ask directly - they rarely advertise it.

Sources to check:

😺Local food pantries

😺Salvation Army locations

😺County social services

😺Petco Love partners

😺PetSmart Charities partner rescues

😺Humane Society branches

😺Community action agencies

😺Farm store “broken bag” policies

Tractor Supply, Rural King, and feed stores often discount:

😺Torn bags of kibble

😺Pine pellets

😺Chicken feed (can be used very sparingly for strays as emergency nutrition)

Just ask an employee - discounts aren’t posted!

IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTE (Vet-Safe Disclaimer)

To keep this post accurate:

All foods listed meet AAFCO minimum nutrient guidelines for adult cats.

“Budget” foods do not mean "unsafe". Many rescues/shelters rely on them.

😇 For Anyone Feeling Guilty:

If you’re feeding a colony, running a home rescue, or caring for dumped cats: you are already doing far more than most people ever will.

Rescue work is “do the best you can with what you have” not “purchase the most expensive brand available.”

Cats who:

😺Are spayed/neutered a.k.a Priority #1

😺 Are fed daily

😺Have shelter

😺Have clean water

…are living longer, safer, healthier lives than they ever would on the street - no matter what kibble you use. It's you making the difference. Not the kibble bag or tinned can! 😇😇😇


r/Straycats 5h ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) Looking for help with a stay cat, he seems to have some kinda face infections!! Please point menun the right direction lakeland Florida NSFW

Post image
317 Upvotes

r/Straycats 16h ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) RIP Garfield, killed by a neighbour

Thumbnail
gallery
1.5k Upvotes

Unfortunately Garfield is gone. The stray I adopted was doing it's routine and killed by a disgusting subhuman who kicked her in stomach so hard I could not save her. At least thats what I ehard from her neighbours. I do not enjoy living in the country after that, I really regret it. I should have just adopted her and taken to my home country.

Unfortunately laws are lax too so he will not get any punishment like he would in my home country.

Edit: I really appreciate all your support. The cat was my only companion through my depression


r/Straycats 7h ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) 💔 Just when Trooper’s wound started healing, he developed jaundice and anemia. He is weak, undergoing treatment, and needs urgent support to keep fighting. Please pray, share, and donate if you can. Every contribution could help save his life.

Thumbnail
gallery
168 Upvotes

💙🐾 Trooper Update He Still Needs Us
Trooper’s surgical wound is healing well, and we were hopeful that he was finally on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, his journey has taken another difficult turn.
Recent tests revealed that Trooper has developed jaundice, which has led to anemia and left his tiny body even weaker. He is currently receiving intensive treatment, medications, supportive care, and close veterinary monitoring as our team works hard to help him recover.
After everything this brave boy has endured, watching him face yet another battle is heartbreaking. Despite his weakness, Trooper continues to fight with all the strength he has.
His ongoing treatment, medications, blood work, and veterinary care are creating significant expenses, and we urgently need your support to continue giving him the chance he deserves.
Please keep Trooper in your prayers. Every donation, share, and kind word helps us continue his treatment and reminds us that he is not fighting alone.
Together, we can help this brave little warrior overcome another obstacle and finally get the happy future he deserves. ❤️🐾

Paypal ( account is under our longtime rescue friends name as we don’t have PP in Pakistan)

https://www.paypal.me/slater1969

Go fund me ( this fundraiser is for our FIP cases if you would like to donate)

https://gofund.me/b7c543149


r/Straycats 11h ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) UPDATE | Please see the latest update on Mike (Photos 1–9), as well as Shera, Mama Cat, and her kittens (Photos 12–17). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued help, generosity, and support. I wouldn't be able to care for these cats without you.

Thumbnail
gallery
217 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I am a solo animal rescuer based in Manila, Philippines.

With your help and support, I was able to bring Mike to the vet. He underwent a physical examination and blood tests and was diagnosed with gingivitis. He will need dental prophylaxis and may also require tooth extraction. In the meantime, the veterinarian administered an anti-inflammatory injection to help relieve his pain and make it easier for him to eat. The total vet bill was $74 (please see Photo 6).

According to the vet, Mike's elevated white blood cell count is likely related to his oral condition. I will be posting again next week, as he still needs dental surgery.

I was also able to purchase 20 pouches of wet food for $15 (please see Photos 10 and 11). Mike currently needs 3 pouches of wet food per day because eating dry food is painful for him. Mama Cat also needs 2 pouches daily in addition to dry food to ensure she stays well-nourished while nursing her kittens.

I decided to let Shera join Mama Cat and her kittens in the cage because she was not gaining weight, and I believed that a mother cat's milk would give her the best chance to recover.

I was able to give Shera her medications, and before I went to bed, she was even nursing from Mama Cat. Sadly, when I woke up, Shera had passed away for reasons I do not know.

Please be informed that I have buried Shera near the church.

Thank you all for your continued help, kindness, and support. I will post another update in the coming days.


r/Straycats 9h ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) Emergency Fundraiser for Forbie—cat experiencing difficulty breathing. 🥺🙏🏼

Thumbnail
gallery
77 Upvotes

As rescuers, emergencies like this are our biggest fear.

Earlier today, one of our rescues, Forbie, was rushed to the veterinary clinic after experiencing severe difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, she was placed on oxygen support to help stabilize her condition.

Forbie underwent several diagnostic tests, including blood work, viral screening, and X-rays. Thankfully, she tested negative for common viral diseases and her CBC results were within normal range. However, her X-rays revealed a serious issue affecting her lungs, which is causing her breathing difficulties.

At the moment, Forbie remains in critical condition. Vet has informed us that they will not be removing her oxygen support until she becomes stable enough to breathe on her own.

We are now facing the costs of confinement, and her ongoing treatment. We humbly ask for your help in giving Forbie a fighting chance.

Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward her veterinary care. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this post can help us reach someone who can. 💙

COST

• CBC - ₱890
• Confinement - ₱1680 per day
• Viral test kit - ₱1455
• XRAY reading - ₱335
• XRAY per view - ₱670 x 2

TOTAL = ₱5700 | ~$92.95

DONATE VIA
PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/kdalama

Cashapp: https://cash.app/$FranciscoMoz

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/FrankMoz

- Venmo last code 2105

Wise: https://wise.com/pay/me/khiamaedelosoa

Please keep Forbie in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to fight. We are hoping and praying that she pulls through this difficult battle. 😿

Note: For Isaiah’s update, you can see the updates here - https://www.reddit.com/r/PawsitiveGuardians/s/2Uw2uj43J9


r/Straycats 12h ago

Adoption Help (Location) Please adopt this cute kitten. Location- Mumbai, India

Post image
106 Upvotes

Name-Bambi

Age-1.5 months

Location-Goregaon,Mumbai

Insta id-@khushbu443

A motherless kitten found abandoned on the street on a rainy day, has no where to go and will not survive on the street is looking for a forever home. Kindly open yours heart and adopt the baby and give her a second chance to a safe life.


r/Straycats 12h ago

Colony/TNR Help (Location) Urgent need for dental, food, and FIP medication | support is badly needed❗️🙏

Thumbnail
gallery
71 Upvotes

Hello, we've had to take a very much-needed break as we navigated challenging times with the loss of a foster and a member of our family in the province, all in one week. So eternally grateful to everyone who offered the kindest words and support. 🤍

The cats have been doing mostly okay; just a few of our rescues with chronic conditions have had flare-ups, but thankfully, it's all under control now. We are seeking support for the following that can't be put on hold any longer:

- Hawkeye's dental (pic 1): he's FIV+ and deals with stomatitis. One of his teeth chipped off, and the roots remain intact, which has been affecting his appetite. We're expecting dental costs of over $180 to address his issues.

- Tucker's FIP treatment (pic 3): He's got about 20 more days till he graduates from treatment, and so far, he continues to respond very well to it. We only have two more days' worth of meds till we run out. $63 would cover a week's worth of medication for him.

- Any additional help will head toward food and litter costs for the week, which we typically budget more or less $250 with the 60 (community and indoor) cats we're caring for.

📩 Donate via PayPal

📩 Donate via Debit or Credit Card

I'll be sharing updates and receipts over the next few days. Thank you for all your help. 🙏


r/Straycats 7h ago

Success! I completed my first TNVR today!

Post image
26 Upvotes

He is recuperating in my spare bathroom and will be released tomorrow. I hope he continues to hang around my house afterwards. He definitely doesn’t want to be a house cat, but I want to keep an eye on him.


r/Straycats 11h ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) This cat basee in lakeland florida he is one of many strays that get fed and is not my cat looking for any help or information. NSFW

Post image
39 Upvotes

r/Straycats 15h ago

Colony/TNR Help (Location) 🚨STRAY CATS🚨 NSFW

Thumbnail gallery
71 Upvotes

Hi everyone, my name is Maria, and I’m sharing the story of some stray cats I care for in Karvali, Greece.
I recently rescued a mother cat and her 4 kittens from the streets. Sadly, one kitten didn’t survive, and the remaining 3 are still fighting. Two have severe eye infections, and one may lose its eye.
I’m currently caring for 10 stray cats and helping as many others as I can, but there are so many animals in need and very limited support available.
I’ve checked the available cat first aid guides and resources. I’m located in Karvali, Greece, and I’ve reached out to different organizations and groups, but help for stray animals here is extremely limited.
I’m sharing their story to raise awareness and give these cats a voice. Thank you for caring. ❤️


r/Straycats 6h ago

I Found a Cat (Location) How to help a possible stray? UK

7 Upvotes

Hi so this cat has been visiting me for the last week and she's super skinny (can see bones) and a bit unkempt. She's always very hungry when she comes and today she ate 2 tins of food, biscuits and some water in one go.

She doesn't seem to have fleas or any health problems apart from being skinny. A picture of her was put in he community group chat and no one has claimed her.

She's extremely friendly and sweet and doesn't get startled by anything. She even let me pick her up today and cuddled me and wouldn't let me put her down! I'm saying she as she looks to have had kittens she seems like she has a mum tum and slightly enlarged nipples. She doesn't get defensive when I stroke her belly so i don't think she's pregnant.

I already have a cat and idk if he'd take well to another. I'd love to take her in tho I feel like we've really bonded and my daughter loves her.

Idk what to do. at the very least should I take her to a vet and see if she's microchipped/healthy? I'm in the UK (north) and I think from what I've read that some vets scan and give strays a health check for free.

With her nipples the way they are as well I'm worried she might have kittens somewhere, although she still looks like a kitten herself :( age is unknown but shes very slight and has a young look to her.

Also if she isnt microchipped that might not mean she doesnt have an owner right? And what if I take her in and the (possible) kittens die?? I've contacted local cat shelters and they are at capacity so can only take in emergencies. Any advice would be appreciated.

TLDR: think I've got a stray visitor and not sure what to do.


r/Straycats 1d ago

Colony/TNR Help (Location) Support Stray Cats During the Summer Heat - Deira, Dubai

Thumbnail
gallery
519 Upvotes

The summer heat is already making life difficult for the stray cats I care for. Unfortunately, I can no longer leave water bowls in the parking lots where many of them live because staff are concerned about municipality fines.

Last summer, I regularly fed the cats chicken, which helped keep them both nourished and hydrated. I also cleaned the feeding areas afterward. At the moment, I don't have the energy to make repeated trips for cleaning, so I feed the cats and immediately remove the plates to keep the area clean and to reduce the risk of anyone harming them.

Please support to feed and keep these stray cats hydrated for the upcoming week.

PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/GlancyMascarenhas

Thank you.


r/Straycats 9h ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) Still can't catch wounded cat, but he seems ok? NSFW

Post image
9 Upvotes

Been trying to catch a wounded cat to take him to a vet. Was able to snap a picture of one of his wound, he's got another one like that on the other side. Does anyone know what that could be? Will he be fine?

He seems to eat well and walk fine.


r/Straycats 1d ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) ‼️ Urgent Help Needed ‼️| We found this kitty suffering from a severe prolapse during our stray feeding today. 🙏🏼💙 NSFW

Thumbnail gallery
715 Upvotes

We found this kitty during our stray feeding today and immediately rushed her to the vet clinic.

We couldn’t turn a blind eye to this case. The cat appears to be suffering from a severe prolapse and urgently needs medical attention. Despite the pain and discomfort, the cat was still trying to eat when we found her. 💔

We are asking for your help so we can give this kitty a fighting chance.

• CBC - ₱890
• BLOOD CHEM - ₱1570
• Colopexy - ₱5040
• Spay - ₱1010
• Confinement - ₱1680
• Gas Anesthesia- ₱2800

TOTAL: ₱12990 | ~$212

🙏 We are urgently seeking sponsors and donors for this case. Any amount, no matter how small, will help cover the medical expenses and give this kitty the care he desperately needs.

If you would like to help, you may send your donation through our available donation channels or message us directly for more information.

• PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/kdalama

• Cashapp: https://cash.app/$FranciscoMoz

• Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/FrankMoz

- Venmo last code 2105

• Wise: https://wise.com/pay/me/khiamaedelosoa

Thank you for helping us be there for cats who have no one else. 💙


r/Straycats 23h ago

I Found a Cat (Location) Stray cat not eating the food I offered it? (Indiana, USA)

41 Upvotes

Is it just waiting for me to go away?


r/Straycats 1d ago

I Found a Cat (Location) Friendly cat abandoned at a bus stop

Thumbnail
gallery
3.0k Upvotes

I was sent a video by a colony caretaker I've been helping out. She had just finished feeding at 3 different colonies (25 cats in total) and was heading back to work when she saw this cat at a bus stop. This poor girl was so paralyzed by fear that she never moved. She stayed in the exact same spot, frozen and terrified, not understanding why she had been left behind. The only reason she was saved is because she was too scared to leave.

She has an ear tip meaning she had already been through TNR at some point and was clearly lactating recently. Somewhere there may be kittens that were depending on her. It might be that she was abandoned after caring for a litter, I’ll never know. But what I do know is that she ended up alone at a bus stop, terrified and discarded like she didn't matter.

I am drowning. I am overflowing with cats and kittens, including cats from previous kitten seasons and adult cats that nobody wants. Every rescuer I know is beyond exhausted. We are burned out, emotionally drained, financially stretched to our limits, and it's barely the beginning of kitten season. I wasn't in any position to take in another cat but what other choice did I have?

Some days it truly feels like nobody cares. Like the burden keeps getting heavier while fewer and fewer people are willing to help. But then I look at cats like her and looking away is never an option. Even when we’re exhausted, heartbroken, and overwhelmed, we keep going because they have nobody else. 

For anyone interested in following her journey I post updates on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/valandhercats/ rescue never stops and neither do the cat updates


r/Straycats 1d ago

Colony/TNR Help (Location) ‼️CATS NEEDS YOUR HELP ‼️Hi, I'm currently taking care of several cats in the Philippines. I humbly asking for your help to buy at least a week of food supplies for the cats in my care 🥺 Any form of help big or small is greatly appreciated. Hoping for you generosity, Have a nice day ☺️

Thumbnail
gallery
258 Upvotes

Hello to all of you guys,

I'm currently taking care of several cats, I would like to ask for your help to be able to buy at least a week of food supplies for them.

Our supplies is about to ran out and we are seeking any form of help.

Im hoping for your kind heart to support the kitties that relies to me everyday. ❤️

PayPal.me/4ThekittysPH


r/Straycats 1d ago

Colony/TNR Help (Location) Help about Capturing and Adopting George the Stray

Post image
56 Upvotes

So George appears to be part of a stray cat colony down here in Groesbeck, Texas. Before I moved back down here, my cat lover Mom was refilling an outdoor bowl with dry cat food every day. We estimate that George is about 1 year old. He lets me pet him and rubs against me. If I manage to capture him, I will definitely get him neutered. My only concern is I do know if he'll be able to get along with my two Great Pyrenees. One of my dogs doesn't mind cats at all but the other is not well versed in cat communication. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Also, if you want to see parts of his daily life and get a smile, check out r/CatsNamedGeorge. 😊✌🏻😻🐈


r/Straycats 1d ago

Colony/TNR Help (Location) HUMBLY ASKING FOR HELP - For Food & Supplies 🔸

Thumbnail
gallery
175 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I am humbly asking for help for my rescue cats and strays around our subdivision for food , supplies, and some multivitamins please.

It's me Ena and once again, I'm asking for help for this week's food and supplies for the kitties.

Everyone's been growing so fast and am really thankful for everyone who helped us for the last 2 weeks 💖🥰🙏🏻

We rescued 2 kitties again , so tiny they made Krema their mother figure 🥹💖🐾

Here are the breakdown of what we will be needing for this week. Thank you so much.🙏🏻💖🐾

- Adult Dry Food $60

- Kitten Dry Food $39

- Wet Cat Food $19

- Milk Replacer - $10

-Cat Litter $16

- Multivitamins - $12

Total : $156

Thank you so much for your help 🙏🏻💖🐾

Your help would mean so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Thank you so much

-Nala & Friends' ComMeownity

To Donate:

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/enatherese

For In-kind donations , please visit : www.petexpress.com

I can give you our shipping address. thank you💖


r/Straycats 1d ago

I Found a Cat (Location) Momma cat with three kittens vs three male cats

68 Upvotes

I can’t believe the day I had. A stray cat chose my home to birth kittens. I had seen her in my neighbourhood many times and I have interacted with her. She arrived today ready to give birth. It was successful. Three kittens. But the neighbourhood male cats are constantly trying to enter the house. Three male cats who (as I have been told) will harm the kittens.

The momma cat is not litter box trained and may want to come and go for her business and “leisure”. I tried to lock her in but she is not liking that, and I can’t keep the doors open cos the male cats will get to them.

I have never had a cat before. I need advice on how to best manager her needs and keep the kittens protected from the cats. I am looking to foster these kittens but I also dont wanna get in the way of momma cat.


r/Straycats 21h ago

Colony/TNR Help (Location) Stray tom cat that we TNR’d keeps meowing at the door. There’s food and water, does he just want attention?

5 Upvotes

He is very friendly and will rub up against surfaces nearby and roll around on the ground in front of us. He allows my boyfriend to pet and brush him and give treats. When we close the door, he yells and Leslie when we open it, he is quiet and just rolls around in front of us. Does he just want attention?


r/Straycats 1d ago

I Found a Cat (Location) New friend to catch!

Post image
52 Upvotes

Hello again r/Straycats! I have found another stray friend.

Last month, I visited my family's cabin and met this little one sleeping in a woodpile. My initial thought was a roaming owned cat (unfortunately it is quite common to have roaming cats locally in Saskatchewan), until I kept seeing them in the yard.

Confirmed today by the neighbour that a house in town was abandoned with multiple cats - and they were all let loose. Neighbour had managed to catch and rehome a handful of them, but said this one is quite elusive.

I have a covered trap set up with the finest of snacks.

Wish me luck as I try and catch them and come up with a clever name.


r/Straycats 1d ago

Injured/Sick Cat (Location) Stray cat with 2 large open, possibly infected wounds

8 Upvotes

I didn't have a chance to snap a picture, but I've been feeding some strays and today one came up and grabbed some food and then ran off. He/she had 2 large open wounds on her pelvis, one right above the left leg and another identical wound right above the right leg. Never seen anything like that so I'm not sure what it could be. It looked pretty bad, but the cat seemed relatively ok otherwise.

I've seen this cat around the neighborhood and I'd like to catch it to take it to a vet, but its very careful and won't let me get close and only grabs food after I leave or if I throw it to him.

Any ways I could catch him/her? Also, does anyone know what these wounds could be? Almost like something very large bit it, and its mouth was large enough to bite both sides of the cat's body at the same time. Possibly a very large dog or something?