My cat was missing, now she's home. What to watch for before vet?

Cindy needs to see a vet immediately. She could have been injured while missing, and it sounds like she is in poor health. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

The wound doesn't look infected or Bloody more like a scrape that has removed hair. I would simply keep him warm and comfortable until you get to the vets. Try and feed little and often as they can over indulge when they gave been away a while.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about Moli! Outdoor cats, especially not spayed or neutered will wander. The fact she did return after 11 days makes be think that her being gone 2 days is too soon to say something bad happened. The risk to outdoor cats are: injuries from vehicles, other animals and finding her homes. The inured back leg could be from a fight, being hit by a car or falling from something. You can ask around and post fliers and see if anyone has seen her or know what might have happened. The only thing to do if she comes back is to have her spayed and keep her 100% indoors to prevent wandering off. I hope she returns soon!

Since she was gone for so long, an examine with your veterinarian would be recommended. This may diagnose any underlying injury or infection. Frequently, either can be responsible for a sudden change in behavior. In the meantime, give her space and time to reacclimate to you. Don't force her to be held or pet. Offer treats and praise when she comes close. A pheromone product, such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffuser, may help to decrease any anxiety.

I would give her a few hours to see if she'll eventually come out on her own to inspect her for injuries. You can try enticing her out with cat food or even some chicken warmed up so it's really smelly, and then inspect her as she's focused on eating. If she won't come out/eat at all, seems severely injured or in distress, or you suspect wounds, it is best to seek veterinary care ASAP especially since wild animals can transmit diseases.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rose! I am glad she is home! The spots could be an infection, from fleas , healing bite wounds or ring worm. I think it is best to have your Vet examine her for multiple reasons: 1) she was missing for 3 months 2) she should be dewormed 3) make sure her vaccines are up to date and consider boostering her rabies due to the possibility of those being animal bites and 4) she should be put on antibiotics for the wounds. I hope this helps and I wish Rose a speedy recovery!

That’s a great news! Casper probably managed to find food and a safe place to hide. Hopefully he will stay the same as now, playful and happy. Just monitor him for few days. I suggest to have him checked by the vet if you observe any of this sign: lethargy, diarrhoea, vomiting, reduces energy level, lumping, lack of appetite or anything different compared to his normal self before he got lost. Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope this answer was helpful.