I am very sad to have to tell everyone I had to help
Mr Stray Cat cross the bridge this morning. During the vet evaluation, it was found that he had lost all his teeth, except for his canines, had kidney disease (his kidneys were enlarged), mange, possibly FIV / FeLV and would probably waste away in the next 3 to 6 months even if he receives treatment (kidney damage is irreversible). In his condition, he would probably not survive the neutering procedure either.
The very difficult decision was made after a long discussion with the vet. The vets were very gentle with him and I stroked his head and spoke to him during the procedure. I am very upset about this whole thing because if someone had neutered their animal, this cat (and many others) won't have to suffer this fate today.
I will have to keep a close eye on Boomerang and everyone else for the next 2 weeks in case Boomer had any contact with him (that's how mange is transmitted). Any signs of mange and I'll need to get EVERYONE treated.
Please, NEUTER your animals. Living on the streets as a stray is very tough. Living on the streets as an unaltered stray is even tougher. So please, NEUTER NEUTER NEUTER.
Prayers for Mr Stray Cat to have made it safely across the bridge, prayers that Boomer and gang do not have mange and prayers that I am able to trap the other 2 intact males for neutering. Now, I need to wash and disinfect the porch before letting Boomer out (I had to keep him indoors with Meow-Me and gang last night).