Cat is hurt but can't afford a Vet

Hi,

My cat is acting weird. She keeps crying all the time and appears to be in discomfort. She has trouble finding a shape that's comfortable to sleep in. And is just sitting their half the time with her head held straight up. her cries are weird almost like mating cries (she is spayed and hasn't been in heat for the two years I've know her). Also She hasn't eaten anything since yesterday whe she began acting this way. I tried her with some milk but she was holding her head funny trying to drink. I think some local yobs may have kicked her, possible hurting her Jaw.

She is asleep now which is good but she's hidden in the darkest corner possible. Earlier she tried to stretch and yelped and her jaw has a lot of gungey siliva coming out that I've wiped away.

I'm pretty sure she is not too damaged i.e. a fractured jaw or broken bones. I can't afford to take her the vet and I'm not sure what to do.

Shall I just let her be for a day or two and only worry if i can't get her to eat. I wonder if she has been poisoned...but she has not threw up at all.

Your cat needs promt Veterinary attention. Most Vets will be happy to work out a payment plan in accordance with your budget. Please get your cat the medical attention she needs, her life may very well depend on it.

I agree. Please take her to a vet now. I understand it might be hard to afford it, but she deserves to be given proper medical attention. There is nothing you can really do for her unless you take her to a vet.Soetimes our animals cost a lot of money but we are responsible for them so we need to properly care for them. Please go as soon as you possible can. Cats can't last for very long without eating or drinking.

Your cat is giving out clear indications she is ill/injured. It is obvious that you love her, or otherwise you would have never posted about her. Find the means necessary and get her to the vet, unless you are prepared to lose her. Not acting promptly may cost you dearly and I am not talking about money here.

http://www.thecatsite.com/Health/76/...erinarian.html

Thanks for the concern, I'm sick to my stomach to be honest. I got her to drink some water but I will take her the vet tomorrow. She just did a yawn and her jaw creaked almost like it hasn't quite clicked into place, you know how cat's do those huge yawns. It of course was followed by a cry.

She's all curled up on the bed right now sleeping soundly. I think a vet visit isn't too expensive is it, like it will only be a big bill if surgery is needed or watever treatment is required.

I have somebody who will ensure she has water tomorrow daytime which is lucky because it will have to be after work that I take her.

Originally Posted by Peter_Delane

Thanks for the concern, I'm sick to my stomach to be honest. I got her to drink some water but I will take her the vet tomorrow. She just did a yawn and her jaw creaked almost like it hasn't quite clicked into place, you know how cat's do those huge yawns. It of course was followed by a cry.

She's all curled up on the bed right now sleeping soundly. I think a vet visit isn't too expensive is it, like it will only be a big bill if surgery is needed or watever treatment is required.

I have somebody who will ensure she has water tomorrow daytime which is lucky because it will have to be after work that I take her.

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You really do need to take her now. Cats can not go long without food. And if she is in that much pain she is suffering, and needs at least a pain medication. If shes not drinking much, she could also be dehydrated (sp sorry its late) and could need fluids. Please take her right away. Do not delay.

Please take her to the vet asap because you wouldn't want a human to be in pain let alone a cat

Well, I've gotten back from the Vet. I took the morning off work to take her. Turns out there is nothing wrong with her jaw she instead has a nasty mouth infection caused by several cuts. He wasn't sure how she got it but informed him she hunts a lot of Lizards and maybe one scratched her - reptiles have terrible bacteria on their teeth and claws. Just a possibility.

Main thing is she has had some shots and is on mouth drops. I guess she just wont eat because of the infection, the Vet wasn't worried by this.

I'm sure she just didn't know how to react so it looked like a head or neck injury. When animals are injured they always seek out a dark place to rest so that's why she was doing that. I'm glad I went though, $120 later and at least I have peace of mind. That infection could've became an abcess. I've been dripping water into her mouth because it's so hot here in california she can't go without drinking a little. Her food is really mushy so I guess she just afraid to eat.

Thanks for the help, I'll stick around on these forums because I like cats. I had one for twenty years! She died last September.

So glad that you took your cat in! What is her name? How old is she? I'm still concerned about her not eating and drinking. What did your vet say about that? Prayers are sent for her.

I'm so glad you took your precious kitty to the vet and it's nothing life threatening
Vet bills can be such a worry, espescially unexpected ones, I had one at the weekend. Do you have pet insurance for such occasions? Also, I have a credit card which is solely for vets bills. It hardly has anything on it but I made the decision to own cats, therefore I have to make sure they have medical care.
I hope your cat is feeling better soon and eats properly

Thank goodness you took her to a vet. Can you sell something to make up the expense? One time when we were really strapped for cash we sold our VCR to get the cat to the vet.

I'm so relieved that you've pinpointed the issue that is causing her to feel so poorlyl You did such the right thing by getting your little girls prompt medical attenton, and how, you're so lovingly giving her her antibiotics. Bless you and your little one.

I'm so glad to hear you have been able to get medical help for your cat .Do make sure you keep her inside untill she is fully recovered.

I'm glad to hear you took her to the vet and that it's something treatable.

Please consider keeing her indoors only in the future if there are that many dangers from lizards, etc. out there. Especially if vet bill can be a problem for you. By letting her out, you're raising the chances of her needing vet care more often. Inside she'll be a lot safer.

As far as food does, try mixing some warm water with some of her wet food, and then puttling it in a blender. She might lap that up, and if she's not eating that, add more water and drop some of that in her mouth too. You can also do it with some meat baby foods (make sure there are no onions).

Good luck!

Thanks for all the replies, i was worried about the food. I fianlly tried her on some Brine (can of tuna). She drank the lot, may not be the healthiest thing but at last she has something inside her. I then mashed the tuna up with warm water and she ate that too. I guess it's warm water with food from now on until her mouth heals.

I will keep her indoors because not only do we have lizards we have possums and racoons, not to mention some pretty nasty squirrels

She's an outdoor Cat and once she's healed I feel the need to let her be free. She came to me as a stray scavenging through the trash cans. I befriended her and next things she turned into a good friend. I've only had her two years but she looks about 4. Her name is Gilligan, she is white with bright blue eyes and tips of ginger. I heard this type can be deaf but she hears just fine

Make her up a gruel using baby food (chicken or turkey) and some KMR Kitten Milk Replacer- this will give her strength and it will be easier for her to handle because of her sore mouth. Thank you for really caring about her-

Cats can get used to being indoors. They don't need to be "free" like some other animals do, especially once they're spayed or neutered.

If it's safer for them, especially since there are so many dangers in your area, please think about keeping her indoors. This time you were lucky, she might not be so fortunate the next time.

Thank goodness you got her to a vet before the scratches/cuts abscessed. I'm glad to hear that Gilligan is eating a bit, and feeling a bit better.

Gilligan sounds like a very lovely cat. We would love to see a picture of her. Please keep us updated on her progress.

I really admire you for taking her to the vet even though you couldnt really afford it.

So many people make similar posts but dont get their cat the vet care they need so its really nice to read a story with a happy ending like this.