Expert: Tina - 12/11/2008

Question
Hi, I know that you said that we should not ask about weather or not to go to the vet but I have a situation. My cat has not been eating for 2 days, drank a couple licks of water after i used a straw to pour some into her mouth. She has been hiding under my bed and couch also for 2 days, and acting as if she is very afraid. When I picked her up she kind of squaked as in pain. I called both local vets in my town and they will not see me without money up front. I am a single person living alone, my cat is my life, but I just dont have any money right now. What can I do to help my cat? How can the vet turn me away? That is like telling a human being no we cannot help you because you have no money, its just not right. Any help would great, I will do anything for her. Also just some more quick information. She had kittens almost 5 months ago. A month ago 4 kittens were given away to loving homes, but I kept one kitten, the only male. I have noticed that at least once a day he was nursing from momma. The past 2 days if he approaches her she growls at him. I have heard of possible infections from breast feeding but I'm not sure, just wanted to make sure you know everything. Also they do not go outside and I have not changed their food. Thanks so much for anything you can do to help me.

Answer
Bridgette,

You have to find a way to bring your vet to the vet. Not eating for 2 days and hiding means your cat is in pain and very sick, and she can get a serious liver disease if she does not eat for 2 or more days. Do you have a credit card? Now is a good time to use it. If not, call your local humane society and ask if there are any financial assistance programs. If your cat has something wrong and will need lifesaving treatment you can also check with http://www.imom.org for financial help.

I hope you have had the male kitten neutered and the mother cat spayed. You know that the kitten can get his own mother pregnant, right? That's why she doesn't want him near her. If your cats go outside, other cats could also mate with them. It would be very irresponsible not to have the spayed and neutered.

You can check with http://www.spayusa.org for low cost or free spay and neuter program.

You MUST find a way to provide proper vet care for your cats, having pets is a big responsibility. You should get a credit card and a savings account to put some aside for vet care.