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Original poster

Cat is ill

15 replies

ODFOkaren · 14/12/2019 10:16

Hi there,

I’ve got an old cat, he’s 13.

He’s recently got a bad eye infection and is very unhappy.

Still eating etc.

I had a major life change about a year ago and couldn’t afford insurance anymore. I also can’t afford to pay a vet monthly instalment and we don’t qualify for benefits so can’t get free treatment.

I don’t know what to do with him, it’s not fair on him.

I know I can’t look after him properly anymore. He needs treatment and I just can’t afford it. I don’t think he’d cope with being regimes he’s timid around other people.

Please don’t flame me. I took him in as a kitten being able to afford him and his care. But life has changed beyond my control.

OP posts:
cansu · 14/12/2019 10:18

Ring round the charities and explain. You would think they might be willing to help treat his infection for either no or a low cost as finding a new home for a 13 year old won't be easy.

Original poster
ODFOkaren · 14/12/2019 10:24

I have done. He’s had this infection for a couple of weeks. First port of call were the vets, then they put me in the direction of charities. Because we are not on benefits there is no reduction (we both work full time but the cost of rent is astronomical so we have nothing).

I feel awful for him. And it’s not like we are prioritising anything over him, we aren’t doing Christmas this year due to financial difficulty.

Last resort - would the rspca take him? I suspect they would put him to sleep. He’s getting on and he’s not good around other people or animals, just us.

I don’t know what I’m asking with this post really. I just feel so shit and I’ve let him down terribly.

OP posts:
Inforthelonghaul · 14/12/2019 10:32

Do you have any veterinary schools in your area? They often treat animals free or at reduced rates. There is a big one in Cambridge that I know of.

Inforthelonghaul · 14/12/2019 10:35

I find it so sad that a vet would not treat an animal clearly in pain and allow you to pay in instalments maybe. It could be something as simple as antibiotics that could clear it up quickly.

Original poster
ODFOkaren · 14/12/2019 10:38

They would allow us to pay in instalments but they do a loan type thing. We wouldn’t be accepted and honestly, we are living hand to mouth at the moment.

Desperately trying to save a deposit so we can move 200 miles north so we can afford to live.

OP posts:
Original poster
ODFOkaren · 14/12/2019 10:39

im Just west of London - Googling Vet colleges.

OP posts:
Mumof1andacat · 14/12/2019 10:44

Pdsa? There is a local vet one in my area which is cheaper than most vets also a company called the vet is cheaper than most clinics

Wolfff · 14/12/2019 10:44

Have you tried other local vets? Is there a cat rescue near you that you can approach. Otherwise can you borrow from a friend or relative and ask the vet about the ongoing cost or have the cat PTS. You mention savings. Can you not take money out of that?

Original poster
ODFOkaren · 14/12/2019 10:51

Sorry there are no savings - we are desperately trying to save for a deposit to move. It never seems to work out.

We don’t have anyone to borrow off, credit card maxed out when I was on SSP, everything that wasn’t nailed down was sold on eBay then.

It’s horrible but I can’t let him go on like this.

I’ve emailed two vet colleges, left a message at the local cat shelter to see if they can recommend anyone.

The only other thing would be to call rspca. Poor thing. I’ve had him since he was 14 weeks old and until last 18 months he was insured, had vaccines etc. Life is just shit sometimes.

I’ll try my best to get treatment somewhere, I won’t just leave it.

OP posts:
ScreamingValalalalahLalalalah · 14/12/2019 10:53

Have you tried the PDSA? Flowers for your poorly puss.

Original poster
ODFOkaren · 14/12/2019 10:53

Thanks to everyone, I know there is nothing anyone can say it’s just shit. I just needed to get it out. I promise I’m not an Terrible owner - just had a run of really bad luck and taken a hit.

OP posts:
SaskiaRembrandt · 14/12/2019 11:04

According to this page the RSPCA do sometimes offer reduced cost treatment, and the Blue Cross offer means tested reduced payments - it might worth giving them a ring:

www.vets-now.com/2018/02/help-with-vet-bills/

ViveLEntenteCordiale · 14/12/2019 11:17

You could bathe the eye in saline solution to try to keep him more comfortable while you look for help.

You need to boil 2 cups of water and add a teaspoon of salt. Sterilise a jar with boiling water to put it in in, then you can keep in the fridge for a day.

Drop into his eyes from a spoon and/or wipe v gently with clean tissue/kitchen roll.

He won't thank you for it 😾 but it's better than nothing. Hope you can find someone to treat him.

nakedelfscientistOfThigh · 14/12/2019 12:49

Chloramphenicol works on humans and cats fir eye infections. You should be able to get it fir £9 from Pharmacy First, in your pharmacy ( prescription fee) if you say it's for you.

Papergirl1968 · 14/12/2019 12:51

Contact thecatneuterer - she might have a suggestion. She’s a regular on the litter tray.

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