This is the most desperate I've been in my life

amenelamb

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
4
Purraise
3
My cat needs x-rays and most likely surgery for a blockage. I am...so lost. I'm agoraphobic, living off survivor benefits, and just spent literally every last penny I had on taking him to the emergency room. He hasn't eaten or drank in almost 12 hours now. I'm afraid if i don't get his x-rays and if he needs it, surgery, within the next few days, he's going to die a painful death, or I will be forced to put him out of his misery. He's only 7. I have to save him. My heart feels so broken that every part of my body hurts. Even my bones. I need to find a way to save him.
 

therese

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Messages
116
Purraise
54
I am so so sorry, A. 

I just checked into the site and haven't been here  in a long time.  I don't know where you live, but how about calling some of the larger humane organizations in your area and see if they have a doctor who can see you?   Sometimes there are special cat rescue centers too, they might even be more sympathetic.  I will pray to St. Francis, patron saint of the animals for your cat and you.  I have had great miracles from this saint whose sole job it is to watch over all animals.  

I know that in some areas, they have special breed rescues for dogs where you can get money for medical care, like a small emergency grant and there are probably the same for cats.  

I googled resources for financial help for veterinary bills and came up with quite a few.

Animalemergencycarefund.org  ( animal emergency care fund.org )

redrover.org  ( financial assistance)

isfoundation.com

Best one seems to be to go on Facebook and search   Resources for financial help for veterinary bills

Hope this helps...

Tara
 
Last edited:

Columbine

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Feb 27, 2015
Messages
12,921
Purraise
6,224
Location
The kitty playground
I'm so sorry your boy is so sick A amenelamb :alright::hugs:

Check out this article. Hopefully you'll find something there that will help with the costs :cross: [article="32915"][/article] I really hope your boy pulls through, and is back to his old self very soon. Hang in there hun. I know just how scary this is, but you can bith get through this. Keep us updated :hugs::vibes:
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

amenelamb

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
4
Purraise
3
Thanks for everyone's concern! I will keep everyone updated. I looked into all the charitable programs, but none of them will work for various reasons. My state (NY) has nothing available where I am locally, unfortunately. But I was fortunate enough to raise money to get his x-rays done tomorrow morning, so I know what I'm working with.
 

catsknowme

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
11,457
Purraise
6,676
Location
Eastern California,USA
 I am adding my prayers to Therese's and am praying that the news is good. I am familiar with people who have various challenges, including agoraphobia; my own adult, disabled daughter's sole companion is a cat ( I recently drove 500 mi, round trip, one evening/night to get her a replacement companion cat - the former owner had survived cancer and currently is battling heart issues and needed to see her most-precious calico cat rehomed; my daughter needed a replacement, experienced companion calico cat to fill the void left by her 18yo Christy's passing). Not every pet has the aptitude to be companion cat/dog; although they don't have the training of a certified service animal, they fill a very necessary need for their person to thrive; I think that psychiatrists/psychologists can write  letter of recommendation that you have your cat; maybe having such a recommendation would allow churches and other charitable groups to be able to help financially.

      Also, if your veterinarian's office manager will allow people to make donations earmarked for your cat, that might help, too. I know that my vet allows that.  

      Please keep us updated - after all, here at TCS, we ARE family, furred or not !
 

therese

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Messages
116
Purraise
54
Thanks so much for pointing this out.  I am printing this out for my own self, too....very good resources.
 

therese

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Messages
116
Purraise
54
That is a great idea, to have the vet take in donations.  I don't have much, but I would be happy to give them something toward this cat's care.
 

catsknowme

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
11,457
Purraise
6,676
Location
Eastern California,USA
 
That is a great idea, to have the vet take in donations.  I don't have much, but I would be happy to give them something toward this cat's care.
 That is so generous of you to be considering that, Therese - may you be blessed many times over for your compassion and selflessness. You embody the spirit of family that I have found here at TCS.

I feel that contributing directly to the vet is a much more comfortable way to make a difference - it is easier to check on a vet thru the state's veterinary licensing board. 

It is wonderful to know that we are united in prayer and/or well-wishing for Amenelamb's precious kitty
 

Mother Dragon

Cat slave
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 17, 2006
Messages
1,514
Purraise
7
Location
Suburban Houston, TX
Sometimes vets will negotiate prices if they know you're really in need. Additionally, some will work out payment plans if your credit is decent. You're more likely to get reduced prices from a small vet than from one of those big businesses. I wish you were in Texas because I know a great vet who would take super care of both of you. 

Let everyone know what vet you choose (including address and phone number) if they will take donations. Maybe you could even set up a GoFundMe page. Remember, though, that they take 8% of what you have donated. 

I know how hard it is to see your baby suffering. You feel like you want to take the pain instead of them. If only it were possible. In the mean time, give your baby all the TLC you can and coax him to try to eat something, anything, preferably something wet to keep him from becoming dehydrated. Put tuna water on your finger and wipe his lips. Do the same with bits of wet food. 

Please let us know how it goes. We all care.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #13

amenelamb

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
4
Purraise
3
While good suggestions, there isn't s single vet in the area willing to do that. And for various reasons, other resources won't work our, either.

I considered several things, like donating my bond marrow and eggs, etc., but...because I had precancerous when I was younger, it's still considered cancer (stage 0), and I'm on various medications, etc.

However! fortunately, due to change of season, it was a hair ball that was an obstruction, if broke up on its own. His colon is stretched and absolutely full, but they gave him medication for motility. It's yet to help, There is one more dose; so hopefully that helps! There could still be issues, so I need to monitor him, but there is no obstruction! I'm SO thankful, but I most admit...

Now anytime one of my cats looks lethargic or sneezes, I'm terrified. I feel extremely uneasy, but i imagine it will hopefully pass. I'm dong my best to save for any future emergencies, but...between my roommate and I, there is four cats, so I always worry.

For now, I'm beyond thankful.
 

therese

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Jan 29, 2014
Messages
116
Purraise
54
So glad that at least you have a partial resolution....hopefully this will clear up and maybe they will suggest you continue giving your kitty something like Laxatone, weekly, to help with this in the future...still praying !
 

christine2

TCS Member
Kitten
Joined
Mar 27, 2017
Messages
2
Purraise
2
I know how you feel! I hope you were able to get your cat some help!

We just went through the same thing with our cat. My cat is a Manx and suddenly was not able to use his hind legs anymore and was not able to go to the bathroom. Long story short, I had to take things into my own hands after spending nearly $1000 on vet bills.

Here is what I did and what worked...I gave my cat an enema with Feline PetEma...I used half the syringe and the second half the next day, then again a couple days later another half of a syringe. The first couple of times, he only was able to excrete a little bit of stool, but by the 3rd time it came out easier. Also, by the 3rd. time, I started him on Lax'aire, which is an intestinal lubricant and laxative. He loved the taste of this. These 2 things combined finally gave my cat relief. These products can be purchased on Amazon. 
 

banbury

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
31
Purraise
41
Have you looked into Care Credit? It's a credit card that you can use specifically for veterinary care (where accepted). From what I've heard from other people, it seems to have a reasonable interest/pay back program.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #18

amenelamb

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
4
Purraise
3
I know how you feel! I hope you were able to get your cat some help!
We just went through the same thing with our cat. My cat is a Manx and suddenly was not able to use his hind legs anymore and was not able to go to the bathroom. Long story short, I had to take things into my own hands after spending nearly $1000 on vet bills.
Here is what I did and what worked...I gave my cat an enema with Feline PetEma...I used half the syringe and the second half the next day, then again a couple days later another half of a syringe. The first couple of times, he only was able to excrete a little bit of stool, but by the 3rd time it came out easier. Also, by the 3rd. time, I started him on Lax'aire, which is an intestinal lubricant and laxative. He loved the taste of this. These 2 things combined finally gave my cat relief. These products can be purchased on Amazon. 
after they gave him a motility medication, i incorporate pumpkin into their wet food and it seems to keep him regular. :) I know that megacolon is very common in Manx. I wonder how often it occurs in other breeds
 

catsknowme

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Messages
11,457
Purraise
6,676
Location
Eastern California,USA
I am glad to read that things seem to be resolving. And I am grateful to read Christine2's post - I did not know about Feline Petema & Lax'aire, which are probably excellent additions to everyone's pets' medicine chest.
 
Top