Our cat Rufus was supposed to be a feral barn cat when he came to us. Didn't take long before he was eating in the house with the other cats and then I awoke in the night to see him asleep at the foot of the bed. He lives in the house with the other cats, tolerates us humans but he's not a tame pet. In seven years I've stroked him less than a dozen times.
Anyway, some time back I noticed he had a sore eye. Unfortunately it didn't clear up and eventually looked really bad. Still took 3 weeks to capture him and that left my son-in-law bleeding profusely. So to the vet who sedated him, examined and prescribed. He's been kept in a dog crate in the bathroom for 3 weeks and hates prison - although the food is very good! (and dosed with 2 antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory). Twice a day we've applied an ointment to his eye which has been a nightmare battle. Never mind PPE, chainsaw gloves for starters!
Well the eye is not getting better. I'd decided the best thing we could do for him was to call it a day but the vet has persuaded me to have the eye removed. They're saying we can get away without needing to do anything much as aftercare and will keep him calm on a new drug. Since the only alternative is euthanasia, we're giving it a try but I reckon it's 50 / 50 whether it will be OK.
I just hope it goes well but..
I've said that if they hit unforeseen problems. best not to wake him after.
Funny how attached you get to a cat that doesn't even like you, although he admires my skill at opening a tin.