Free neutering?

I am a disabled cat lover in Tucson, AZ on a very limited fixed income. I recently rescued an adorable male kitten and he needs to be fixed. The humane society here is doing it for $25 but that is still a little steep for my resources.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Talk to a feral cat society. They'll be able to help you.

Originally Posted by fernstin

I am a disabled cat lover in Tucson, AZ on a very limited fixed income. I recently rescued an adorable male kitten and he needs to be fixed. The humane society here is doing it for $25 but that is still a little steep for my resources.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

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I honestly think that is probably the very best rate you'll ever get. I can't help but wonder though, if $25 is steep for you, what will you do if this kitty gets sick and needs medication or even just a vet visit? Is it fair to the kitty to bring him into your home if you are unable to meet even necessary expenses not even counting any emergency expenses?

I don't mean to sound harsh and I know having this kitty is probably a wonderful companion for you, but I'm also thinking of the welfare of the kitten.

Here is a link for some low cost spay/nuturing clinics in AZ.

There is one that states free for low income individuals

Good Samaritan Program
Tucson, AZ
520-325-1055
Free spay/neuter for pets of qualified low income residents

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http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html#az

Originally Posted by Yosemite

I honestly think that is probably the very best rate you'll ever get. I can't help but wonder though, if $25 is steep for you, what will you do if this kitty gets sick and needs medication or even just a vet visit? Is it fair to the kitty to bring him into your home if you are unable to meet even necessary expenses not even counting any emergency expenses?

I don't mean to sound harsh and I know having this kitty is probably a wonderful companion for you, but I'm also thinking of the welfare of the kitten.

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I have to agree. I'm not saying you are a bad pet owner, but what happens if your cat does get sick? If $25 is expensive, how will you be able to afford a $100 vet visit?

come on people, lets try to help this woman as best we can, not chastize her for not being able to afford things right now. I understand both sides, i really do.maybe there is a friend that can help you? How old is the kitten? If you keep him strictly indoors, then maybe you can save up for a few months, then get him fixed for the $25, it doesnt have to be RIGHT now, especially if he is very young, you have some time. Good Luck with him, and bless you for taking him in!!!


Liza

I agree.. save up.. and also keep saving in case of an emergency.. I know I was unemployed for awhile and was scared to death that I wouldn't be able to care for my pets... it's great to see ppl helping animals!

come on people, lets try to help this woman as best we can, not chastize her for not being able to afford things right now. I understand both sides, i really do.maybe there is a friend that can help you? How old is the kitten? If you keep him strictly indoors, then maybe you can save up for a few months, then get him fixed for the $25, it doesnt have to be RIGHT now, especially if he is very young, you have some time. Good Luck with him, and bless you for taking him in!!!

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I agree.. save up.. and also keep saving in case of an emergency.. I know I was unemployed for awhile and was scared to death that I wouldn't be able to care for my pets... it's great to see ppl helping animals!

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It's great to help animals, hoever would it not be more helpful to give the kitten to an organization that can pay for all of the cat's medical needs? Are you really saving a life when this person obviously can't afford the neuter, so what happens when yearly vaccines and check ups come up? Yeah it's really great that there is one less cat on the street, however if you can't afford to have a pet, you shouldn't have one. I wouldn't dream of getting another cat/dog/horse because there's no way I could afford it. I've had several opportunities to take in animals as the clinic I work at collaborates with a rescue... but would I give another pet a quality life if I couldn't afford to take care of it?

I kind of agree with those that are concerned with whether the OP can afford to keep this kitten. I don't want to sound mean as it was good of her to rescue this kitty and I'm sure she's a great cat mommy but cats do cost money to keep and it's something we all need to consider carefully before we take on any pet. Vaccinations and general health care dont' usually come free and I think it's important to think about what you'd do if your cat needs emergency medical treatment at any point. Sometimes there isn't time to find out where the cheapest/low cost place is when your cat needs a vet right away.

Originally Posted by Liza24

come on people, lets try to help this woman as best we can, not chastize her for not being able to afford things right now. I understand both sides, i really do.maybe there is a friend that can help you? How old is the kitten? If you keep him strictly indoors, then maybe you can save up for a few months, then get him fixed for the $25, it doesnt have to be RIGHT now, especially if he is very young, you have some time. Good Luck with him, and bless you for taking him in!!!
Liza

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WELL SAID!

Originally Posted by Plebayo

It's great to help animals, hoever would it not be more helpful to give the kitten to an organization that can pay for all of the cat's medical needs? Are you really saving a life when this person obviously can't afford the neuter, so what happens when yearly vaccines and check ups come up? Yeah it's really great that there is one less cat on the street, however if you can't afford to have a pet, you shouldn't have one. I wouldn't dream of getting another cat/dog/horse because there's no way I could afford it. I've had several opportunities to take in animals as the clinic I work at collaborates with a rescue... but would I give another pet a quality life if I couldn't afford to take care of it?

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you seem to cut up a lot of people,in a lot of your post,you need to sit back and cut some slack.Not everbody has a lot of money,who LOVE their cats,and have to save for er's.

Fernstin, I hope you can find somewhere that can help you. Why should we discourage someone who clearly loves their cat and wants to have him neutered (don't we fight that battle every day with people who have plenty of money to do so?) from having a cat because she cannot work? We don't tell people with no money that they can't have children, and that also is a responsibility and a choice...

Anyway, you should look into this organization... http://www.imom.org/
and hopefully the links concerning free s/n can help you as well. If you've come back at all, I wouldn't blame you if you haven't.

Yes folks give her a break ... If I didnt roomate with Mom( I do pay rent) I wouldnt be able to afford all the nessesitys of ER vet care ... If I listened to that my ferals would go hungry ( I have no vet funds yet for them )

you seem to cut up a lot of people,in a lot of your post,you need to sit back and cut some slack.Not everbody has a lot of money,who LOVE their cats,and have to save for er's.

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I fail to see how I am cutting anyone up, I'm being honest. The truth hurts at any point in time, however I am no different. I support all of my animals myself... in fact that's where my paycheck goes. I know how it is to spend a crap load of money all the time on your pet. My cat has had a million tests and things done to him for his food allergies, I've spent hundreds of dollars on food and vet care.

If I weren't able to give him the proper care he needed, I wouldn't have him. I understand people who have good intentions, but good intentions don't always mean a quality of life for the animal. I'm sorry if I come off as nasty, it's the internet, so voices are hard to read, however I'm not going to say that I'm wrong because I don't feel I am.

I hope we haven't scared off the original poster. I really don't want to sound mean or pass judgement on her financial situation or ability to care for a cat, but I think it's irresponsible to encourage someone to keep a cat without thought as to how they will pay for the care of that cat. Unfortunately that's how a lot of cats end up in shelters. Much as we might wish it otherwise, love and good intentions are not enough when it comes to looking after cats.