Expert: Jessica - 3/15/2010

Question
my cat started labor friday and produced only half a tail that still today (monday) is hanging out of her birth canal. she is acting weak, and very distant, her lower half smells of rotting fish, i have tried to feed her, give her specail cat milk, made a nest but she wants to be right by me... please tell me there is something i can do for her to save her... i have absolutely no money for a vet...

Answer
Hi Joel.  I'm sorry you and your cat are in this situation.  There is nothing you can do to save her without a vet.  She is going to die unless that kitten and any others are surgically removed.  I would encourage you to contact vets even though you don't have any money.  Some states offer grants or have programs for those who cannot afford vet care for their pets in these tough economic times, and many vets will offer their clients payment plans.  If none of these options are available to you, you should relinquish her to your nearest animal shelter, where they will make the kindest choice for her.  Even if she must be put to sleep, this is far better for her than the kind of death that is awaiting her if she passes away naturally from the toxins that are building in her body right now.

I wish you both the best.

Jessica