9 yr old cat limping

My 9 yr old cat didn't come in like usual today. I found him crying in the bushes near our front door. He tried walking but had a bad limp. I picked him up carefully and he winced. I have kept him inside all day and intend keeping him inside until he's well. He has slept most of the day. I didn't see any blood or any swelling but his claws look pretty shredded. He's a large cat, 17lbs and is very docile and can't move too fast so my assumption is he got into a fight or fell from a tree. My problem is that I just had a baby and cannot take him to the vet for a couple weeks due to hospital costs etc. Is there anything I could do to help the poor animal? I hate it so much that I'm unable to bring him in to the vet.

He really does need to go to a vet but there are some options for low/no cost vet care out there that might work for you.
[article="32915"]No Money For Vet Care How To Find Help And Save Your Cats Life  [/article]
You can also check out the Humane Society of the United States - they've got a list of national and state funds that help with vet costs:  

http://www.humanesociety.org/animal...ry_care.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

If there is a VCA Animal Hospital near you, they offer a free exam to new patients.  You could at least get some feedback from a professional vet, even if you couldn't manage everything they recommended:  http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/offer   Click the box on the right of that web page to find a VCA near you.

Some vets will agree to a payment plan, which is really ideal.  If yours won't, contact CareCap for help working one out.  http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/offer

You might also consider getting a CareCredit card.  They have an interest free period so you might be able to pay off the vet visit without paying any interest:

http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

You might also contact one of the following funds:   (I'm not sure if they're listed in the above sources.)

RedRover - https://redrover.org/redrover-relief-grants

The PrinceChunk foundation - http://www.princechunkfoundation.org/veterinary-care-assistance.php

Best Friends - http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets

The Pet Fund - http://thepetfund.com/

I totally understand the financial issue, having been there myself.  However it does sound like your kitty is in pain and so he really does need medical attention.  In the meantime, try to keep him as quiet and motionless as possible.   

One last thing:  you mention his claws look shredded.  Could you post a picture of them?  One of our members might be able to give you some advice on some first aid.  

For help posting images, see:
[article="24985"]Image And Video Tutorial  [/article]
Please let us know how he does.  And congratulations on your new baby!