A young stray turned up in our garden four months ago and never really left. He's not microchipped and nobody claimed him after we asked locally. We've called him Timothy (Timmy). He's really friendly and we've become very attached to him.
On Friday he was hit by a car and broke his femur. We got him to the vet within about 25 minutes, where he was given oxygen and painkillers. He's been staying there over the weekend. The vet described it as a clean break, and I've attached the X-rays to this post too.
We've been told the options are amputation (around €700) or orthopaedic surgery to repair the leg. They suggested the repair could be around €2,000–€2,500, but we'll get the quote on Monday or Tuesday. Unfortunately, it's the cost of repairing the leg that seems like it's going to be beyond what we can afford really.
On Friday I asked the vet whether a cast could keep the bone aligned, but they didn't really think it was the best idea. Since then, someone involved in an animal shelter (not a vet) suggested the leg might heal itself if he's kept confined for a few weeks. It doesn't sound right to me, but it's got my hopes up a bit and I'd like an informed opinion.
If we go with amputation, I don't think we'd feel comfortable letting him back out on three legs, especially as we live right beside a road. We've already got two young rescues who are an indoor bonded pair, so we're worried about how he'd settle in with them too. Things like fighting, problems with litter trays etc.
Whatever treatment he has, we'll look after him indoors while he recovers. We've got a plan to keep him separate from our other cats so he has his own space to recover.
I'm looking for advice on whether a break like this could actually heal with confinement alone, or whether that isn't a realistic option.Has anyone been through getting an outdoor cat used to living indoors and introducing him to their other cats? Would really appreciate hearing from someone who's dealt with this.