Many male cats come in with fight wounds and we see many abscesses. Another reason to spay and neuter cats. It will decrease roaming behaviors related to mating that results invading other cats territories and fighting. It's why many male tomcats contract FIV but luckily Neko lucked out and tested negative for the virus.
Neko's abscess had burst resulting in a large open wound around his neck. The infected flesh had to be removed.
Weeks of disinfecting the area and medications was a challenge with such a feral cat but we succeed. During this time, Neko gained a good amount of weight and his general condition improved so much, we decided that he would not be released back to that hard life. He fit in well with the other cats in the room he is housed and has become a HEART rescue.
We don't know if he will ever get used to humans, so we give him space and work at his pace. We know that his quality of life has greatly improved while with us compared to the life he had outside. It's a commitment, but worth taking once we see a cat recover and thrive under our care.
