Accepted Answer

Thanks for the information. Being a feral cat, there are many things that could be causing the emaciation. It could just be undernutrition or malnutrition, but intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites are very likely as well. The fleas may be causing a severe anemia or transmitted an organism called hemobartonella that is causing anemia. Fleas can also transmit Bartonellosis (cause of cat scratch fever). The moisture around the eyes and nose can be an upper respiratory infection. Feline parvo is possible, but not the first thing I would look for. It is not like parvo in dogs. Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS is definitely possible. There is not much you can really do besides feed him until you can get him to your vet. I would limit interaction with him as much as possible until then. Especially true with your son. Intestinal worms, ringworm and bartonellosis are the biggest worries for transmission to humans. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope this helps.

Expert:	Texas Veterinarian
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/29/2009

Cat Veterinarian

7 years of clinical veterinary medicine and 17 years experience caring for household pets.