Cat in obvious pain

I lost my job so money is really tight so a vet visit involving a million tests is not really possible at this point in time.

My cat is clearly in pain.  She's not really grooming herself and brushing around her back legs and mat removal around her hips really bothers her.  We're at a new place and she won't go up the stairs, period.  She walks a little funny, her back legs and tail really stiff.  Yet she still jumps into chairs, she chows down like there's no tomorrow and she insists on pettings a lot when she's awake though she sleeps most of the day now.

Years ago she was diagnosed with arthritis in her hips.  They couldn't manipulate her enough to evaluate her back due to feline hyperesthesia syndrome.  I was told then that every pain medicine out there is toxic to cats and to try glucosamine.  Sprinkling that on her food made her stop eating, I guess she didn't like the taste.

Bit of history, she was probably 3 years old (according to the vet based on her teeth) when she walked into my apartment and made herself at home.  Mammary cancer at 10 years, reoccurance at 14 years.  She's now 17.  She's been slightly overweight most of the time I've had her.

What can I do to make her more comfortable?  Is there pain medicine out there for cats now?  And what signs will there be when it's at a point that I'm keeping her around only for my comfort?  I don't want to wait too long, I don't want to do the opposite and put her to sleep early if she's still enjoying life.

I know there are pain meds out there for cats although I couldn't tell you exactly what they are and you'd likely need the vet to prescribe it.   I work as a pet sitter for a side job and one of my clients has a 16 yr old kitty with a bit of arthritis.  They have a powdered pain med that they give to her simply but dipping a corner of a couple of treats into the powder.  She at least gobbles them right up and is getting along well!

Safe pain killers for cats have to come from the vet.  A cats liver works differently from ours so what is over the counter for us can be toxic for cats.

She is probably past being helped by the glucosamine now.  I have just started giving it to one of mine and he also didn't fall for the food.  I have to give him a pill daily for something else so I was already syringing a little water every day after his pill.  I started mixing the powder with the water that I was giving him by syringe.  The main thing with doing that is to use the side of his mouth and a little at a time.  A little gives kitty a chance to swallow then a little more.  Takes a bit of time but he is getting his glucosamine.

Yes, there are pain medicines for cats but they are prescripton only. Only a vet will be able to prescribe the correct pain medicine for your cat and the correct dose to give. OTC pain medicine for Humans are extremely toxic to cats so never ever give any of these.

Look into low cost vet clinics in your area. They are more affordable than a regular vet office. Also take a look at this article: http://www.thecatsite.com/a/no-money-for-vet-care-how-to-find-help-and-save-your-cats-life Ask family and friends if they can help you out. It stinks to have to ask for money but sometimes you just have to until you get back on your feet and are in a better situation

What about non-medication pain relief?  Is there anything, like trying to get her to sleep on a heating pad?

Even if I could afford a vet, I can't get anything but liquid medicine down her.  A vet tried to show me once the right way, and when the vet let her mouth go because she clearly had swallowed the pill, she spat out the pill with such force that it bounced off the wall.  Compounding medicines don't work either, whatever the pharmacy put in it the one time I tried, she foamed at the mouth.  She turns down all treats except canned tuna and is so delicate in eating that, she eats around pills.

Arthritis is very painful and sadly, creates a viscous cycle of not being active, which makes it worse. My female kitty, going on 17 this December has arthritis in her hips. I've put her on medicam (per vet's recommendations) and it's doing her a world of good. The drops go into the food. It's also not overly expensive. I would speak to your vet ASAP and get her to the vet so they can see if Medicam is right for her.

I have not heard that glucosamine works for cats. Horses and dogs yes, but not cats. Also, it is quite possible it's toxic for cats so please make sure you speak to a qualified DVM before trying anything holistic. 

Try to get kitty to move as well. Even if she hurts, movement is her best defense in getting even worse. Once my girl was on medicam, she was more mobile and thus, she wasn't limping as badly. Then you can decrease the dose---best wishes!