Expert: Becky - 12/14/2004

Question
Hi Becky.  I have two cats. One is over 14 years old.  He is so thin and eats such a little bit.  He barely moves around and when he does he has a hard time finding an easy spot.  I believe he has arthritis....He also seems to hurt when he urinates.  Now I can take my cat to the vet for a visit of $40.00 to start with.  Is there anything I can do, or buy to help my poor kitty.   I cant afford to go into debt to have him treated.  Surely there is something I can give him for arthritis.  If you call a vet they just say I have to bring him in.  Do cats have anything like Alleve.....I know you arent a vet, but please give me your personal opinion? Otherwise I will just have to comfort him as best I can...

Answer
Misty,

It sounds like your cat may have a urinary tract infection.  Males tend to get blocked up, and sorry to say, a vet is the only choice you will have.  This could be fatal, so you really do need to take him.  You might want to call first, tell them your situation and see if they will let you make payments.  Also, get a charge before you go... at least an estimate of what it will cost to examine him and some idea what the medicine will cost.  I know what it means to live on a budget too....
If he is in pain, then you may want to consider putting him down.  I know that sounds callous and I don't mean for it to, but I would rather put an animal to sleep than let him suffer.   If he stops eating and seems to be wasting away, I hope you will consider what is best for him.   It's so hard to lose our pets.  I have had to do the same in a very similar situation.  I had a male cat get sick rather quickly and I couldn't afford a vet either.  I had him checked, and his pancreas was not working at all.  I put him to sleep and I still miss him.  Sometimes we have to do what we don't want to , in order to alleviate their suffering.  Hopefully, your cat is not this bad off and can be treated with antibiotics.   As for over the counter meds, please do not give your cat anything, as they are very likely to become ill or even kill them.  Aspirin is extremely toxic to cats.
Good luck to you.  I hope everything works out ok.

God Bless,
Becky