Hi,

Wow, what an awful situation LiteraryLark. Poor cat. Yes, if they've got rawness and funny smells, well, anywhere really, then yes, get her to the vet and the poor thing has only to endure one more day. The vet will fix it, don't worry.

Yes, you're right, a lot of people tend to forget that animals go through an awful lot in their lives, too. More hardships than people in many instances. Good on you.

You hang in there too, please, you're not being horrible, believe me. You're obviously a caring mom to your cat and, yes, make sure to keep her comfort and to let her go outside the garage sometimes as well, which I'm sure you're doing.

Hang in there, LL! Wow.