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Original poster

Injured cat, but we can't afford the vet.

19 replies

TippexTheCat · 22/04/2010 10:40

My healthy 7 year old cat has hurt his foot, and it's swelled up. He is limping and in pain.

Unfortunately we had to cancel out pet insurance last year as we couldn't afford it.

We are going to take him to the vet, but will not be able to afford any medicine, tests or operations. Basically, if they cost more than £80, which is how much it costs to have a cat put down, then we are going to have to put him down.

My husband has contacted the RSPCA to ask if they can help, but of course they only help people on benefits.

I really don't want to put him down. What would you do?

OP posts:
EccentricaGallumbits · 22/04/2010 10:41

ask the vet if you can pay with installments?

TulipsInTheSunshine · 22/04/2010 10:46

vets will usually bill you and you can pay later, either all at once or in installments.

try the blue cross as well, they often have free clinics as do a few other agancies... whereabouts do you live and we might be able to find one near to you?

all that being said from the little you've said it sounds like a relatively minor injury, i'd bet money on an absess which will be cheap to get sorted... my cat had one that went right down to his spine on his back, huge amount of swelling and couldn't use his back leg it was so sore and the vet only charged 45euros for the medicine and to check him over.

Original poster
TippexTheCat · 22/04/2010 10:49

Ok, hopefully it is minor and won't cost too much.

I live in Swindon.

OP posts:

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glacierchick · 22/04/2010 14:40

I do suggest you take him early though. At around the same time our cat and my sister's both suffered nasty scratches in fights (not with each other as we live in different countries).

We took ours to the vet straight away, a good clean up and a few antibiotics and he was right as rain a couple of days later, for about 30 quid.

My BIL (sister was away) tried to clean it up himself, cat developed enormous abscess and required a lot more treatment for a total cost of EUR 250! (This was in a different country though where everything is much more expensive).

Bottom line, get it looked at early. Most vets are pretty sympathetic when it comes to animals suffering and difficulties paying, so do try for installments if it's going to be expensive.

You could also try contacting the PDSA (people's dispensary for sick animals) to see if you're eligible or if they have other suggestions

Joolyjoolyjoo · 22/04/2010 14:44

Depends really what area of the country as to how much vet treatment will cost. It could well be a bat bite abscess which would be consultation+ painkillers/ anti-infalmm inj + antibiotics. Up here would be about £30-£40. Most vets do ask for payment at the time of consultation but as long as you can pay something they may allow you to pay the rest up.

as a vet I would be HUGELY reluctant to put an otherwise healthy cat down for this reason, sorry

Joolyjoolyjoo · 22/04/2010 14:44

Obviously meant cat- bite abscess, not bat-bite

LadyBlaBlah · 22/04/2010 14:45

Think the PDSA are often better

RSPCA are a shower

FabIsGoingToGetFit · 22/04/2010 14:46

I can understand if money was tight you cancelling insurance but it is one of those things you should consider you can't aford not to have.

You need to phone the vet now as the cat is probably in pain and explain that you may not be able to pay the bill all in one go and will installments be okay. Hopefully the vet will not turn away a cat in pain.

Goingspare · 22/04/2010 14:49

I though bite abscess too - very painful for your cat, but not a massive job to fix. Please take him to the vet.

Original poster
TippexTheCat · 22/04/2010 15:42

We're taking him this afternoon.

OP posts:
FabIsGoingToGetFit · 22/04/2010 15:59

Good luck. I hope it isn't serious or expensive.

Is he called Tippex?

OrmRenewed · 22/04/2010 16:03

Abcess due to bite. I'd put money on it. Which will probably cost less than 80.

Fingers crossed that it is anyway.

TulipsInTheSunshine · 23/04/2010 14:55

any news Tippex?

mummytosquidgies · 30/04/2010 19:53

Any news? Hope the cat is ok.

ConnorTraceptive · 30/04/2010 19:56

I thought abcess from a bite too. Cost us about £30. Hope cat is ok tippex

LaurieFairyCake · 30/04/2010 20:00

Mine got stung by a bee on the foot and it swelled up HUGE.

Vet looked at it and said it would go down of its own accord - £17.50 consultation.

So hopefully your puss is ok

Latootle · 03/05/2010 16:51

Blue Cross is the answer my extremely rich friend only take her cat there as she refuses to pay vets bills for her dog.!!!! but worth a journey for you to get free treatment for you cat. Have you tried to see whats wrong yourself and gently bath it hust as a temp measure poor thing must be in pain and wondering why you wont help.!!!

shimmerygoldglitter · 03/05/2010 16:56

Are you on any kind of benefit, if you are then Blue Cross.

If not then as far as I am aware Blue Cross will not treat.

lou031205 · 03/05/2010 17:06

PDSA will only treat if you receive qualifying benefits ie. Housing benefit/council tax benefit

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