Help with an Old cat?

I've had (bred) Siamese cats for many years, and that breed seems to get cold easily! I've found that if I put a cat bed beneath a lighted lamp, they'll sleep there all day. It's warm, but not hot (not too close over the bed), and if they get uncomfortable, they can get up and move for awhile. My cats will pile on each other to get under that lighted lamp! At your cat's age, she needs to see a vet ASAP. That gland may be a tumor that's growing and restricting her breathing. Or, it may not...but she needs to be seen. Call and ask your vet if you can "work something out" for payment, since you don't want you cat to die, just because she's old and you can't afford to have her to a doctor. You'd want your parents to make sure you got doctored, if you were ill, wouldn't you? Or, if you're an adult, you'd get your kids to a doctor if they were sick! Anyway......try the lamp, and get her some meds ASAP. Good luck..............

Like you, I am in a similair situation. I have a 13 yr old cat who has upper respitory problems, which unfortunatly the vet can do nothing about. But, like you cat my cat needs special care. If you can not afford the care to ensure your cat has a comfortable life in her last years, then perhaps you should give her away to some one you know that has the money to properly take care of the cat. If you and your cat are too close and you couldnt deal without her [like me and my cat], then you can go to your local animal shelter and see if they or any other shelters they know, can sponsor your cat. Sponsoring means that they would basically pay for some of the vet fees. If your cat just has a swollen gland under her jaw, then you really just need to take her for a checkup, which cost around $150. But first, you may want to find a low cost vet in your area. I have on in my town, and I only pay $40 for a check up. But best of luck, and remember to keep your cats health in mind while making your decision on what to do.

Chenille and wool reflect the most warmth. Make her a cat bed she can curl into. If you can make more than one out of boxes and clothes) put them around the house and one or two in sunspots. The swollen gland is indicative of either an infection or possibly a tumor. Take your cat to a vet anyhow. Explain your financial situation. A decent one will still see you and offer payment arrangements - you can even offer to volunteer time there to pay off the bill. Antibiotic drops are only $10-20.

Sometimes cats can snuggle up with other cats or dogs to stay warm so if possible get her a companion. As far as the swollen gland under her jaw, she may have an abscessed tooth which would need to be extracted by a vet.

Hi

put the hot water bottle under aold pillow for her to sit on that is how my cat stays warm in the winter.

regarding the swollen gland, i don't know what to say, it sounds like the cat may be in distress from it or even in pain. I think the cat needs vet treatment, are there no animal welfare groups that can help with treatment costs where you live?

I too have had a siamese cat for 20 yrs, and currently have one as well. From your description, I think she has likely developed a tumor (esp at her age), or an abscessed tooth, but there are other possibilities that can be leading to the changes in her breathing which you have described. This can be an extremely painful condition, and treatable if abscess/infection is the etiology.

You may be surprised to learn that a vet visit may not be as expensive as you think & many vets allow payments to be made toward a visit over time if finances are tight. I think that you should see one ASAP to have this investigated, as it is unfair to the pet for her to suffer.

I would strongly recommend that you get the swollen area on her jaw looked at by a vet sooner rather than later. Good luck.

you should get some money together to bring her to the vet to get the lump checked out. It needs to be looked at by a professional. To keep her warm, get her a bed that is closed in and made from fleece, that will keep her really snug.

get a heated blanket and put it where she usualy sleeps and set it at a good temp an i know you said you dont have the money for the vet but try and save some up and take her in for an exzam

Your very lucky that your cat has lived so long and maybe age is just getting to her.

To help keep her days happy, try heated blankets that they sell in Pet stores. I know they sell them at PetsMart and might be worth a try