Declawed Gray and White Tabby

For the last seven days I have watched a white and black tabby cat go into my greenhouse to eat from the feral cat food bowl.  I assumed the cat was visiting my feeding station to get a snack and then going back to his home because the cat wore a leather collar (not a breakaway) with no tag.

My neighbor informed me that the cat was crying and that it was coming from the woods.  She said that something was wrong with the cat and it looked like its paws were hurt.

We  watched for the cat, hoping it would come to the feeding station so we could learn more about its ailment. No sign of the cat throughout the day, but in the evening we did see the cat and it was being chased by another cat.  

The lost cat tried to climb a tree but fell and with that the other cat was on top of him.  Se then realized that the lost cat had no claws so my husband went out to break up the cat fight.  When there was an opening the lost cat ran in my direction and leaped into my arms. 

The cat suffered a bite wound to the tail and on his leg.  The cat was shaking like leaf and meowing loudly  We checked his paws and realized the cat was declawed. 

Ear tip torn - side face and collar

I examined the cat and found it was declawed all four paws.  No way to defend itself, no way to hunt and no way to be safe in a forest full of coyote and other wild animals. 

 I took the cat to our cat shelter.  Gave it a bed, litter box, food and water and turned on the light.  The cat is obviously lost and does not know how to go home.

Side view of lost cat

My veterinarian told me that 93% of the house cats that go outdoors get lost and do not know how to find their home.  I think this is true especially if they are not accustomed to going outdoors.  I am glad that I was at the right place at the right time and able to rescue this cat from harm.