Cat has a broken tail and I have no money!

[Catzparent]

Hey guys.

My little girls' name is Willow and she's 4.
Today, after petting her and her growling at me(which she never does!) , I found out her tail is broken 😭

Unfortunately, I really don't have the funds as I'm at uni and work part-time.
I know is irresponsible to have a cat and not have money to pay for injuries like this if/when they happen but she's honestly just help me get through life so I've looked past this.

Now, with her injuries, I've been quoted £700 for the Xray alone. Treatment will be additional to this.

Does anyone know of any pet insurers who cover these sorts of things? There is "preexisting issues" insurance but they're super vague with their terms so I don't know.

If anyone has any suggestions, please PLEASE get in touch. I honestly don't know what to do so if anyone can put me in the right direction, it will be MASSIVELY appreciated!

How stupid a system do we have whereas cat has a loving home but the best we can do is re-home it with all the trauma and lottery that involves -while private equity are making money from vets bills

It's not a stupid system - pet ownership comes with financial responsibility, which for most people involves paying for insurance - or if not, having access to savings or a credit card to cover emergencies and other vets bills.

Providing a loving home is only part of it. I'd love to own more animals but I can't afford to so I don't - because taking on animals I can't adequately care for would be irresponsible in the extreme.

@Halfemptyhalfling
"How stupid a system do we have whereas cat has a loving home but the best we can do is re-home it with all the trauma and lottery that involves -while private equity are making money from vets bills"
I couldn't agree with you more. I also think it's outrageous that 20% VAT is charged on treatment for sick animals. I must write to my MP about this.

How do you know her tail is broken if you’ve not had an X-ray?

I just will never understand people who take on animals and don't take out pet insurance, totally irresponsible in my opinion.
This poor cat is in agony and because of having no insurance is the one suffering.
Don't take on animals if you can't afford them!

PDSA don’t just allow someone to take a pet to them like that, as lots would probably do as you suggested purely to save on pet bills. You can have 2 pets registered with them.

Why don't you have pet insurance for this exact scenario?

planAplanB · Today 09:57
Why don't you have pet insurance for this exact scenario?”

Not helpful really, is it? Do you feel better now?

Hi @Catzparent i too am in this position. Except not an injured tail and elderly dog with an ear infection. so horrible isnt it? if the cat will let you, clean the area with salt water to prevent infection, and then cover it with a bandage or other soft material that can be secured easily.

I grew up with a cat who was missing the tip of his tail and it never affected him. Eventually, fur just grew back and he continued as normal with all feeling and balance.

In many instances, a cat’s tail can naturally heal. For less complex injuries, the primary treatment involves rest. Your vet might also prescribe pain relief medication. However, if the nerves controlling bladder or bowel function are damaged, your cat may need surgery. Additionally, your vet may provide medication, and some cats may require stool softeners and enemas.

For more severe cases, amputation is required. Your veterinarian may advise surgery if:

• The blood supply to the tail is disrupted.
• The cat is chewing at its tail, causing further harm.
• The weight of the hanging tail continues to damage the nerves.
• Urine and feces are collecting on the tail, increasing the risk of infection.

   if you have an RSPCA in the area, i'd phone and explain the situation.

Please be aware that PDSA is only free if you get the housing element of UC.

Otherwise it is reduced fees.

OP I think you're going to have to get a credit card or borrow off a friend or family. Do shop around for better value. Vets for Pets are often ok.

Yes this.

OP this is a horrible situation for you and your little pal.

A friend of mine recently set up a go fund me after their cat was attacked. They ended up with too much so once all the treatment and after was sorted they donated the rest to something like the PDSA. People will want to help so don’t feel bad reaching out.

If you posted the link here I’d be happy to help.

Also, it’s worth speaking to a few other vets just to get a rough idea on X-ray costs. £700 sounds high.

But make the charities your first port of call.

Just wanted to add my cat also looked like he had broken his tail - totally limp from where it joint his body.

When I took him to the vets they just felt it and gave me the option to have it x-rayed and kept in overnight, or I could take him home with pain killers and come back if it didn't improve in a week.

He was totally fine after a week at home, very glad as it didn't turn out to be a huge expense.

Just to add that my girl also had a tail that looked broken but it was just a bite. She had it checked by the vet who said that nothing needed doing.

Please do not commit insurance fraud. Rehome your cat to someone more responsible

Our cat, which had a very long tail, came home one day with the last third of it dragging along the ground. We assumed it was broken, but the vet found a nasty bite. He was given antibiotics and pain relief (no X-ray) and recovered in a few days.

Has OP's cat already been seen by a vet who has said it is likely broken or has OP assumed the tail is broken but has so far only phoned for a quote for an X-ray?

I hope she's been seen, cats have to be in significant pain for them to let you see it.

I recently paid 750 just for an xray of my dogs arm :(

If you earn too much for UC you should be able to get a credit card. I had to put my hefty car repairs on one recently. I certainly wouldn't have considered a go fund me! I think it ls pretty cheeky expecting other people to pay your vet bills, and it's highly immoral and illegal to try to commit fraud by pretending your pet belongs to someone else.
I would try and find a cheaper bet though as 700 for a tail x-ray is about double the average cost.

If you earn too much for UC you should be able to get a credit card

You need a decent credit rating to get a credit card though, it's not income based.

Also, a credit card isn't going to help as the cat needs treatment ASAP, not in 5-10 working days

I'd be getting a payday loan if it meant helping my pet asap in this situation. Then id get a credit card and suck it up. Not ideal no, but neither is having no financial security in the event of a pet becoming sick or injured. Not a chance in hell I'd let my pet suffer like this.

Get her sorted. I don't care if you can't afford it. Ask for a payment plan or get a loan. Anything.
But don't leave her in pain, poor little thing.
Drop her at a shelter if you have to, but leaving her suffering is fucking cruel.

May I ask, did it include the consultation, sedation/analgesia, hospitalisation as a day case and any meds?

Many practices dont. Possibly in the past, but we got screwed so often that it was unsustainable and very time consuming. They aren't loan companies. Loan companies exist for a reason, so that's where OP should be researching payment plans ASAP.