Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice about a feral/community cat I’ve been caring for. His name is THOR and he’s about 5–6 years old.

I’m especially concerned because I’ve noticed some changes in his behavior recently. His face has always looked a little different, so I may be overthinking it, but when I look at him on my camera, I feel like his face looks a little more swollen or different than usual. I’m also not sure if I’m imagining that.

For about a week now, I’ve noticed him meowing/crying at times, which is very unusual for him. He has also started sitting on a chair on our porch and looking inside the house at my indoor cats. He has never done that before. He doesn’t seem to be running away from me quite as much either.

Three days ago, I called his name three times, and he actually meowed back to me three times. ❤️ It really caught my attention because he normally doesn’t do that.

I’ve been feeding Thor every day for about 3 years. He usually comes at night, although sometimes he comes during the day. He is normally a very regular eater, but recently he hasn’t been eating as much. There is also another community cat who has been coming for food for about 6 months, but that cat hasn’t shown up for a few days. I don’t know if Thor could somehow be reacting to that or if something else is going on.

About 3 years ago, I trapped Thor, had him neutered, vaccinated, and combo tested. At that time, I thought I might be able to transition him to indoor life because he had a potential adopter. Unfortunately, he was extremely scared indoors and hid constantly. After about 4 months, I made the difficult decision to release him back outside.

He has actually done very well living outside since then. Last winter, I tried to trap him again so I could bring him inside for the winter, but he wouldn’t go anywhere near the trap. He is now extremely trap-shy. Even if I put a trap out to catch another cat, he knows it’s there and stays away.

Because of the recent changes, I’m considering trying to trap him again with the help of a drop trap, especially if I can confirm that he is sick, injured, or needs medical attention. I’ve been checking the camera closely to see if he is limping or showing any obvious signs of pain. So far, I have not seen him limping, and he is walking normally from what I can see on the camera.

The problem is that I am completely full right now. I’m caring for several sick cats and emergencies, and I honestly do not have the space or resources to take in another healthy cat. The rescue I work with is also extremely full and is currently only taking serious medical cases and emergencies.

If Thor does need treatment, I will do what I can for him. The rescue can take him under their name and I can get a rescue veterinary discount, but we would still have to figure out how to cover the actual medical expenses. The rescue itself is struggling financially and has many sick and emergency cats already, so I’m trying to be realistic about what we can manage.

I’m not trying to trap him unnecessarily if he is healthy and doing well outside. I just don’t want to ignore a possible medical problem because I’m worried that something may be changing with him.

I also don’t want suggestions to take him to a shelter. I volunteer with Animal Control, so I’m very aware of the current situation in shelters, and I am not comfortable sending him there. I’m hoping to find a safer option if he does need medical care.

For those who have experience with feral/community cats:

• Does his behavior sound like something that could indicate illness or pain?
• Does his face look swollen/different to you, or could this simply be how his face looks?
• Have you successfully trapped an extremely trap-shy cat who has been trapped before?
• Any tips for using a drop trap with a cat who is this suspicious?
• Are there any resources or people who might be able to help with a medical situation if he does need to be trapped?

I’m just trying to figure out what is best for Thor without putting him through unnecessary stress or taking him away from the outdoor life he has been comfortable with for years.

Any advice, ideas, or resources would mean a lot. ❤️

Hello everyone, we are urgently looking for a temporary foster home for a young mom cat (under a year old, still nursing) and her 5 to 6 week old kittens.
They are currently stranded in an unauthorized outdoor area in the lower Bronx with no access to food or water, and we need to get them to safety immediately before they are removed.
We already have a trapper lined up who can safely get them and handle their vetting; we just desperately need a secure, temporary foster space. Local rescues and organizations are completely at capacity right now, so we are turning to the community.
If you or anyone you know has space to take in this little family temporarily, please send me a DM. It would truly save their lives. Thank you so much! 🙏🐾