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Expert: - 3/25/2009


Question
Our cat seems to have a bowel obstruction. I have been out of work and just started a job part time at much less income. Our credit has bottomed out due to our financial crash. How do we get affordable payments for help for our furry kid?

Answer
Bill,

Have you tried approaching Care Credit? This organization offers financing with affordable payments for veterinary care in instances where credit is bad or slightly bruised. Have you tried speaking with your vet about a payment plan? Some vets are great about understanding that an unexpected medical crisis is tough to plan for. I also keep an extensive list of organizations and charities which may be willing to cover all or part of the treatment costs for your cat. Due to the fact that there are so many resources it isn't practical for me to list all of them each time I'm contacted by someone who needs some extra help, if you would be so kind as to provide the state that you are writing from I can send off resources within your state immediately. Obviously this is a very urgent situation if the cat does indeed have a bowel obstruction - complications from this could potentially be fatal if not treated promptly.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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