What health and behavior issues do stray and feral cats face?

It would be best to just keep the strays and your pets separated from each other, especially as strays may not be vaccinated and may spread illness, parasites or other illness to or from your own pets. Trying to catch the stray cats so they can be spayed, neutered and vaccinated is a good idea as well, or contacting a local shelter to try and help you.

I don't think I can help very much. I can't really tell what is wrong with the skin. Thin, weak, poor appetite, those are things that more likely indicate internal illness. In a stray, unvaccinated cat, FeLV or FIV would be on the top of my list. There is no cure for these viruses. We also can't prescribe medications, even OTC, as it is illegal.

Your male cat would probably not get any diseases that need to be treated by antibiotics from touching her. The main conditions that can spread between cats are worms, coccidia, Giardia, herpes, fleas, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. If possible, I do recommend to have her dewormed, apply a flea prevention and checked for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus if you are going to let the cats interact. Monitor your male cat very closely for any changes in behavior, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes or nose, vomiting or diarrhea. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello, I would recommend using a feral cat trap to trap the cat and take it to an animal shelter. They will be able to examine and treat the cats under sedation. It often takes a very long time to socialize feral cats, and some may be wild animals forever no matter how much effort is instilled. I hope this is helpful.

Stray cats are typically cats that don't belong to anyone and live outside. They may also be feral (avoiding human contact) and live in colonies or groups of other cats. Cats that are not fixed may roam or fight with each other. Outdoor housecats are cats that are usually owned by someone but live primarily indoors. They may come insides for food or when it's really cold, and also typically receive veterinary care from their owners.

Hello, Oliver is likely just curious and wants to explore outside like normal kittens. I would make sure that all access to the outdoors is closed until you have tested Oliver of FeLV/FIV and have fully vaccinated him. He will always be at risk of contracting FeLV and FIV from stray cats, however, you may be able to prevent other disease if you vaccinate him fully. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Some illnesses can be transmitted from one cat to another from your hands or clothing. I recommend washing hands and possibly leaving shoes away from your cats if the stray sneezed on or near them. Basic good hygiene will help prevent disease transmission to your kitties. If you are able please take the stray into the vet as soon as you are able as it sounds like she may have a significant respiratory infection. Be sure that she is tested for feline leukemia and FIV before you ever let her near your cats to be safe.