is this where i go to post??? I need help

honestly, I don't care. I need help
I have a cat named Minnie. She's almost a year old and we've had her since this september. She's an indoor cat, and the only cat we have.

My problem is that I think she has a UTI, but I can't take her to the vet. She drinks a lot of water but doesn't pee very often, and when she does, its always outside her litter box, and in little dribbles. She can't meow or vocalize her pain (my sister thinks its because her vocal cords are messed up) , but she always books it right after she pees. She does poop in her litterbox though. All day, she sleeps, more than usual, but she does play and eat like normal. She's also lost 3 whiskers this month, but idk if that is connected to anything.

My mom refuses to take Minnie to the vet because she's convinced Minnie is just being spoiled, and every time I present her with the facts, she shouts at me for making a big deal out of nothing. She just "disiplines" my cat by sticking her nose in her pee, hitting her (not hard, but still), and putting her in the litter box. Also, her paychecks haven't been good lately, and I don't think my dad will help me out because he never wants anything to do with taking care of the cat, he just wants to play with her and that's it.

I'm willing to give up all the money I have if it means I get to take my cat to the vet. I'm even trying to find a job, on top of doing an IB course in school, but my parents won't budge. They can't afford it even if I do convince them. I won't ever be able to forgive myself if my cat dies because of this. Please help me

It sounds like a UTI for sure. I don't think that there is anything that you can do other than take her to the vet. Is there anyone who can lend you money to take her? She isn't being spoiled, she's in pain. 

Hitting a cat and rubbing her nose in urine is not a good way to discipline a cat in any case. 

I agree that this does sound like a UTI issue.  One of my cats was treated for a UTI a few months ago.  Once he was on antibiotics for the UTI the peeing outside the litter box stopped immediately.   I am sorry you are stuck in a tough situation.  It stinks that your mom does not realize that the peeing outside the box will stop if the UTI is treated.  Is there any way you could mow some lawns or do some gardening for your neighbors or family friends to earn some money?  What about looking into baby sitting.  Could you ask your dad if there are chores you could take on around the house to earn extra money?  Do you have any friends you could borrow money from?  If you are taking college classes perhaps you could offer to tutor people or offer to help people type or proofread papers for their classes.

Also perhaps if you could post some more information about where you live someone may be able to help you find a lower cost vet in your area.

This was not an expensive issue to treat and only required two vet visits.

Awww, I'm so sorry. I can't tell how old you are, but, do you know how to search for vets in your area? I just searched "inexpensive veterinary care" on Google and a bunch on local options came up for me. A lot of pet stores have low cost clinics attached to them or the ASPCA and Humane Society usually have local clinics. Also, when I searched, VCA Animal Hospital came up as having a free first exam. Many vets do this so I would also try searching "free first veterinary exam." It is also good to call a few clinics and price shop, ask them what they charge for an exam, rabies shot, or a spay to get an idea of how expensive they can be.

I'm so sorry about your mom, maybe try your dad after you have been able to call around some places. If not, maybe another adult will be able to help you out. Taking care of your cat isn't spoiling her at all. It is really good that she is eating and drinking.

Wanted to add that it would be best to have her on canned food, when you can do it. Years ago one of my female cats got a UTI, but after I switched all of the cats to canned food only, she hasn't gotten one.

Also, there is a thread called "My poor Ace has a UTI, home remedy experiences or suggestions please?" on this site that looks like it has lots of great information in it.

Hi everyone, just thought I'd give you all an update. I called my dad, and although he doesnt believe that my cat is sick, I think with some convincing he'd be willing to take her to the vet. It's saturday though, and so I'd have to wait until monday to get some vet help :/
Tomorrow, I'll start calling around and seeing what local vets/SPCA's would be willing to negotiate a price with us. I live around Portland, OR.
For the most part, my cat actually eats homemade food! My mom boils meat (usually chicken, turkey or fish) with a few potato and carrot slices and serves that to my cat. Sometimes she gets wet food. Dry food is really just for grazing!

Thank you all so much for your help!
:heart3:

I'm glad you can get your cat to a vet! She really does need to go.

Is Minnie spayed?

I would also speak to the vet about whether she is getting enough taurine in her food. It's very dangerous for her to have a shortage.

honestlyidk said:

Hi everyone, just thought I'd give you all an update. I called my dad, and although he doesnt believe that my cat is sick, I think with some convincing he'd be willing to take her to the vet. It's saturday though, and so I'd have to wait until monday to get some vet help :/
Tomorrow, I'll start calling around and seeing what local vets/SPCA's would be willing to negotiate a price with us. I live around Portland, OR.
For the most part, my cat actually eats homemade food! My mom boils meat (usually chicken, turkey or fish) with a few potato and carrot slices and serves that to my cat. Sometimes she gets wet food. Dry food is really just for grazing!

Thank you all so much for your help!

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This whole situation makes me very sad to read.

This is not an appropriate diet for a cat.  The food your mom is "making" your cat does not contain all the essential nutrients necessary for optimum health - most notably taurine.  Let alone cats do not break down vegetable matter as humans do; it's typically used in cat food as a filler - not for serious nutritional value.  She'd be better off just eating the canned food.  Unless one has knowledge of feeding cats homemade food they really should not  - it isn't as simple as just cooking up a piece of chicken or fish (which FYI can be related to urinary issues).  It might be part of the reason she is most likely suffering from a UTI.  

At least she's getting some other forms of food but "sometimes" isn't enough.  I'm hoping that you are able to get your cat into the vet asap, and that your mom comes with you so she can fully understand what the vet says.  

Try calling both Dove Lewis and Orgeon Humane Society...both are in Portland. I know Dove Lewis has a financial assistance program (I'm not sure what/how you qualify) and OHS has its vet school:

http://www.dovelewis.org/

http://www.oregonhumane.org/

If they cannot assist, either could probably save you time by directing to someplace that can.

Good Luck!!

I also found this link via Multnomah County:

https://multcopets.org/low-cost-services-0

Hello again!
I'll be sure to check with the check with the vet about my cat's diet, we all just assumed she was healthy and okay eating it! When we first got her, she was pretty malnourished, and her coat was dull, but now she's gained a good amount of weight and her fur is really shiny! I'll check with the vet and see what we can add to her food!
Here are some pictures:

(my other photo didnt load oh no)

sivyaleah said:

 
This whole situation makes me very sad to read.

This is not an appropriate diet for a cat.  The food your mom is "making" your cat does not contain all the essential nutrients necessary for optimum health - most notably taurine.  Let alone cats do not break down vegetable matter as humans do; it's typically used in cat food as a filler - not for serious nutritional value.  She'd be better off just eating the canned food.  Unless one has knowledge of feeding cats homemade food they really should not  - it isn't as simple as just cooking up a piece of chicken or fish (which FYI can be related to urinary issues).  It might be part of the reason she is most likely suffering from a UTI.  

At least she's getting some other forms of food but "sometimes" isn't enough.  I'm hoping that you are able to get your cat into the vet asap, and that your mom comes with you so she can fully understand what the vet says.  

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Omg, I agree with sivyaleah. This situation is making me so upset. I hate to say this because you obviously care about your cat, but your mother is neglecting your cat's needs by withholding proper vet care and nutrition - it's abusive behavior. Cats are obligate carnivores meaning they require an all meat diet. A cat doesn't metabolize food the way we do, and they need special essential ingredients beyond boiled chicken which is nothing but protein without any of the essential minerals, vitamins and amino acids that cats need. They also don't metabolize vegetables like humans or other animals who are omnivores. Carrots and potatoes are unnecessary empty calories that their systems can't metabolize and turn into energy. I REPEAT: you can't just make homemade cat food out of boiled chicken and vegetables. If your cat continues eating this diet of homemade chicken that has very little nutritional value for an obligate carnivore such as your cat, she will MOST DEFINITELY become malnourished. There's an entire forum dedicated to cat nutrition. Here are some of threads about homemade food for cats:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/263751/cooked-recipes-thread

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/317922/homemade-recipe-help

Also, your cat needs to be seen by a vet asap. Your parents may think it's unnecessary because she doesn't look sick, but cats hide pain and illnesses very well. She needs to be seen by a vet to make sure there isn't an illness or pain that could be worsening. Are you too young to drive or take her to a vet?

Furthermore to all of this re: your mom.

I went back and read the original post.  Your mom is basically training your cat to be afraid of using the litter box to pee in - this is an aside to whether she has a UTI or not.

Scenario:

Cat pees outside box probably because of pain while peeing due to medical reasons

Mom reprimands cat by hitting it (I don't care how lightly anyone does this it is absolutely abusive).  

Mom continues to reprimand cat by sticking cats nose in her own pee

Cat becomes confused and fearful

Mom places cat in litter box to make her point to the cat. Again, cat is confused and gets more fearful. 

Cat associates litter box now with not only pain but physical punishment as well

Not a good way to get a cat to use a litter box at all. 

honestlyidk said:

Hello again!
I'll be sure to check with the check with the vet about my cat's diet, we all just assumed she was healthy and okay eating it! When we first got her, she was pretty malnourished, and her coat was dull, but now she's gained a good amount of weight and her fur is really shiny! I'll check with the vet and see what we can add to her food!
 

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Well, you can feed a finicky toddler fast food like McDonalds and potato chips and ice cream and other sugar and fat ladened foods and the toddler will happily eat and may seem healthy but really is not getting the right or enough of the essential vitamins and minerals for growth and may develop stunted growth or various other health issues due to a poor diet.  Cats and other animals are the same way. For example, a taurine deficiency in cats can result in blindness. Please discuss diet with the vet and make sure one of your parents is in the room to listen to what the vet says. A cheap poor quality but complete balanced cat food is a lot better than the homemade diet your Mom has made up on her own. If your Mom is isistent on making homemade cat food, then it MUST be done correctly. Cocobutterlfy posted some links to how to make a proper balanced homecooked diet.

Please look into low cost vet clinics in your area. The fees are typically more easonable than at a regular vet office or hospital.

Hi  I hope your kitty is doing okay and that you were able to get her to the vet or will soon? She's very pretty and cute!