Need advice on a 14 yr old Fur Baby (last physical connection to my late husband)

Hello, I am new here, and pray someone can help me with natural ways to help my Spooky. My husband and I got her in Nov 2002 as an estimated 7 mth old (adoption) - her previous owner abused her (the tip of her tail is bent to a 90% angle but vet said it didn't hurt her, to leave it. She is scared of anyone other than me & gets anxiety when I have to leave her). I moved to this home in mid May last yr, and since about mid Aug last year, she's gotten to were she sleeps only on a heating pad, and has begun wheezing when she is in a deep sleep. Unfortunately, I became disabled (lost use of my rt leg, and have seizures so...on full disability - tight budget). I know something is happening, and she is older - but she has become my world since my husband passed. (Even writing this, I feel selfish) I know I should get her to a vet...but unfortunately, I cannot afford to...does anyone have any natural possible solutions I can try to help her sleeping breathing situation and her age aches and pains? My husband passed 2/27/03, she is what kept me here, kept me from breaking - and I hate that I feel I am repaying my Fur baby by not being able to ease her pain...if that is what is taking place. I don't know if anyone can help, or has suggestions, but I don't know what to do. Maybe it's something in this house (I've had a lot of deep migraines since we moved here - looking to move when lease is up in May). I know I'm probably grasping at straws, but any suggestions are welcome. Thank you

Welcome to TCS!   I wish it were under better circumstances.  Spooky is really a beautiful boy - I hope you will share more pictures of him in the future!  

Addressing your questions:  First, Spooky really does need to go to the vet, but all is not lost.  You might be able to get some help with that.  Below is some information that might give you some ideas:
[article="29706"]When You Cant Afford A Veterinarian  [/article][article="32915"]No Money For Vet Care How To Find Help And Save Your Cats Life  [/article]
Also check out the following links:

Sources of financial help:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/302649/info-sheet-for-cant-afford-a-vet

The US Humane Society list of national and state wide resources:  http://www.humanesociety.org/animal...rding_pet.html?credit=blog_post_011416_id7852

Modest needs - a funding site on the grant principle:    https://www.modestneeds.org/     (People often post for help with vet care.)

Go Fund Me:  a personal request for help:  https://www.gofundme.com/lp/welcome-4?pc=fb_pp_ga_120115_atconq_w22&gclid=CN6YqfrP2coCFcwWHwodg4YOsA

CareCredit:  A health care credit card that covers vet payments:   http://www.carecredit.com/faqs/basics/

In addition to this, some vets will payment plans or post dated payments.  It does not hurt to ask.

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About the aches and pains.   Be sure not to give Spooky any pain killers meant for people.  Tylenol, for example, is highly toxic to cats.   Spooky's pain might be due to arthritis and there are some over the counter remedies for this.  However, it is very important to discuss this with a vet first.    There are several reasons for this, including that your vet can make sure Spooky doesn't have an underlying condition that counter-indicates use of any particular remedy and the vet can also give you correct dosing.   
[article="30225"]Arthritis And Joint Pain In Cats  [/article]
 Glucosamine is often recommended for cats with arthritis.  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/213758/glucosamine  

Some more info on arthritis remedies:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/265881/best-remedy-for-feline-arthritis

You can also make life style changes for Spooky.   Many cats with aches and pains break their litter box training because it hurts to climb over the wall of the box - getting a shallow litter box makes it much easier.   Also, if Spooky sleeps on the bed, make steps out of boxes or something similar, so he doesn't have to jump.

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For the wheezing, the only thing I can suggest is to set up a humidifier near Spooky's bed and to take him into a bathroom steamed up from running a hot shower.   He really does need a vet to be evaluated for asthma.  You might be on to something about the house being part of the problem, however.  My Milo developed asthma almost immediately after I moved to a new apartment and I always suspected there was a connection.

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There is one thing that might be worth considering.  Although I have never used any of the on--line vet services,  you might want to consult one just to get more input on Spooky's problems and possible over the counter treatments.   Here are a few that are free of charge:

Pet Coach:  http://www.petcoach.co/

Ask A Vet:  http://web-dvm.net/askthevet.html

Ask a Vet For Free:  http://www.vetlive.com/free-veterinary-advice-ask-an-online-vet-for-free/

Note:  I'm not endorsing any of these - these are just some sites I pulled up in a google search to give you an idea.  

And finally, I want to tell you how sorry I am about your husband.  It is so hard to lose a loved one, and then to lose the last connection to that person makes the pain so much worse.  i hope you are able to find a way to get Spooky the vet care he needs and that he will be with you for many more years.  

I just came across another possible way for you to get some free vet care, if you are in the United States.  VCA Animal Hospitals, which has locations across the US, offers a free first health exam.  

Their phone # is:  800-822-7387  and their web-site is:  http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/offer

I hope you can find relief for beautiful spooky. Please don't give her any medication without a vet's approval. Sadly many people have harmed their pets giving them pain killers. Many painkillers are extremely toxic to cats

Margd said:

 
I just came across another possible way for you to get some free vet care, if you are in the United States.  VCA Animal Hospitals, which has locations across the US, offers a free first health exam.  

Their phone # is:  800-822-7387  and their web-site is:  http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/offer

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Yes they do and we got one with Mook when we transferred her to her new vet there. It's a basic exam but it's really FREE

Kittens Mom said:

 
Yes they do and we got one with Mook when we transferred her to her new vet there. It's a basic exam but it's really FREE

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Thank you for confirming that.  I knew you'd had a good experience with them, but didn't know about the free part.  

Margd said:

 
Thank you for confirming that.  I knew you'd had a good experience with them, but didn't know about the free part.  

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I remember her mentioning that the first visit was free. I'd certainly make sure to confirm that in the appointment. http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/offer  . Same link. It does say you need a coupon and the link has the from to fill out.