What do you do if your pet needs care & you simply cannot afford it?

I look at my pets as my family and I refuse to not give them the health care they need. I would start saving a little bit each month, sort of like an emergency fund. You will come up with the money soon enough. If it's something more urgent some vets will allow you to keep a balance at the clinic, to pay off slowly. Depending on if you trust the other veterinarians in your area you could look around and see if a clinic is cheaper. But be aware if the cost is that much cheaper there may be a reason as to why. You might in the long run end up paying more at the cheaper clinic if something goes wrong than you would at the other one. Hope it works out for you :)

If I was not willing to go into debt and my pet was suffering and I could afford no more treatment, I'd try to re-home her or get in touch with someone like Best Friends. If it could wait a month or two, I would cut back on things (no out to eat, cheap home cooked meals, etc) and try to save up some money.

To the point though. What's going on with the kitty? If she is itchy here are some things to ask your vet about if you haven't. A hypoallergenic diet is a good idea to rule out food allergies. Something like Natural Balance or a prescription diet from your vet is best. If you haven't yet, you can use something like Benadryl but get the proper dose from your vet. Also your vet can perform allergy testing even if not a specialist. S/he would need to draw blood and send it to a lab that does allergy testing. In the meantime time, fish oil is a good thing to add to their diet. Can buy the stuff for pets from a pet store or can buy the human kind from Wal-mart or whatever. A grown cat can have 1/3 to 1/2 of a 1000mg softgel squeezed onto the food daily. Also they make some good anti-itch products. Look for cortisone spray, wipes, or shampoo.

If she's not itchy, maybe your vet can consult with the dermatologist. Maybe there's some tests or procedures your vet can do at a lower cost, and then share the results with the dermatologist. Good luck!

I'm having the same problem with a rabbit I bought. It has seizure disorder but I can't afford to take him to the vet. I think I'll just get him put down. Growing up, we had many rabbits & never had a problem with diseases except for one that had malocclusion. We clipped the teeth ourselves. So this seizure thing came as a surprise to me. I later learned epilepsy is common in this breed of rabbits. There might be some charities that can help you pay for the office visit & meds. Other than that, the only thing I can suggest is rehousing. It'll be difficult to find a new home in this economy--people can barely afford to feed themselves. There might be home remedies you can try. Look up what you think it may be & how it's treated in humans. I treated a dog that had dermatitis by giving him the supplements recommended for humans with the same condition--I lowered the doses, but they were only vitamins anyway. It worked! Cats are harder though 'cuz they're pickier in what they'll eat.

YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAD A PET, IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD VET BILLS.

I suggest:

You get the cat treated, and pay by instalments. OR borrow the money. OR, cut down on your food/drinks/cigarettes/nights out/anything you can cut down on, and pay the vet.

Failing that, sign you cat over to an animal shelter, and pry that they treat it and don't kill it

In future, get pet insurance.

If your pet needs care and you can't afford it, you either re-home the pet or find a way to earn the money (part-time job on weekends, get a paper route, sell some possessions, etc.)

How did you even afford a cat if you can't afford medications?

If this happens, you may want to get a job that offers you more. :)

There is no cheap safe way. You will either go without it or decide to pay for it.

Good luck choosing :)

Damn thats allot of money,i guess it also depends on how much treatment your cat needs though.See if you can find another vet that will do the work for a better price

IT WOULD HELP IF YOU TOLD US WHAT THE DOCTOR WANTS TO TREAT YOUR CAT FOR. THEIR MAY BE HOME REMEDIES.

I HOPE YOUR NOT DENYING THIS CAT TREATMENT FOR A ONE TIME THING???? I COULD SEE YOU INQUIRING IF ITS LONG TERM CARE OR MEDICATION YOUR NOT WANTING TO GO TO THE VET ABOUT...THE DOCTOR VISIT IS ALWAYS THE MOST EXPENSIVE....MEDS ARE USUALLY CHEAP. HE WOULDNT MAKE ANY MONEY IF HE ONLY CHARGED FOR MEDICATIONS. USUALLY ANTIBIOTICS ARE ONLY 10 DOLLARS. HE HAS TO MAKE SOMETHING FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE. I VERY MUCH DOUBT YOUR BILL WOULD BE OVER $200.00.....SO 200 DOLLARS AND YOUR CAT IS HAPPY AND HEALTHY. JUST HELP YOUR KITTY.

Hi Forever,

Try the SPCA..They may help you,if not, put it on your charge card..That way you can make payments per month on your credit card..I had to do that myself..I Love my dog and I will do anything to keep him Healthy and buy good food for him...

Your Friend,

poppy1

You might inquire to a university that offers a veterinary program. Or a non-profit cat shelter might be able to help or advise.