Cat Sick....Help!!!?

I am having a pet nightmare...Found 2 feral kittens outside, kept for 1 month, healthy and fine. I knew I couldn't keep them, as we already have a cat, and a dog. I have ALWAYS made sure when they have gotten sick to take the best care of them. Our pets are up to date on all shots, and are usually pretty healthy. I had to take our fox terrier in before because she had an allergic reaction to something. I am in between jobs right now, 3 kids, money scarce. After taking the kittens, once I tamed, and potty trained them, to the shelter, I found they had become ill, actually half dead.Calici virus...wicked!!! I only wound up getting one back, they claimed they had LOST the female. he was so sick, and I do, and did blame myself...would of, could of..thing..I, just last week took the kitten to the best animal hospital in our area. Many tests, treatments...up to $400.00. Had to force feed him for 8 days, food and water, he is now fine, playing. Now, ironically, our adult male cat is sick, but, not with the virus...His shots must be fighting that off. Instead, he has a urinary tract infection. I know it, researched it. He keeps trying to pee, is howling in pain, peeing all over every 5 minutes, only drops.And, constantly licking his privates. He's trying to go in every box he can find. Our usual vet, even though we've been going for years won't help me work out a payment plan. I cannot, will not let, an animal suffer like this...He's not a friendly cat, and we got him from a kill shelter one day before they were going to put him down for not being nice, he was only 2 years old, is now on 5. He hisses and growls at some, not our family, he's used to us. I have NO money left since the sick kitten, and i'm not stupid, I know he needs a vet. I'll feel like an idiot, but, i'm going to have to call every vet in our area, and beg for help. We have absolutley NO money left. I was going to start back to work today...but, can't leave him. My daughters are so upset, saying" Wait for your first paycheck, mommy", but, I know it will be too late. My husband hates cats, and is very angry about him peeing everywhere, and howling. He said he'd only help if our dog got sick. He wants me to just go get rid of him. I am so upset, have always had money for our animals. I just got the kitten better, spent a ton, and now this. The animal hospital won't help either without money up front. Will I sound really foolish if I call every vet? I can tell them to please set up a payment plan, but, will they do that?My husband said they won't because they only care about the money. And, is there a chance any will help in an emergency? From what i've read he needs an antibiotic. Please don't be mean, I love our animals, they have always had the best care. We are just stuck in a rut right now...Any suggestions? Please help in any way for my beloved Salem. Thanks in advance!!

Your cat is BLOCKED. He has a stone blocking his urethra and is in danger of dying. If he doesn't get medical care IMMEDIATELY he will die a very painful death. Take him to the vet and have him euthanized. You can't afford another huge bill, and to save this cat may take surgery. Either way, it will cost several hundred dollars, AT LEAST. Call your regular vet and explain the situation. They may charge very little for the euthanization.

Edit: I'm glad you were able to work something out with your vet. Many times, with clients that have hit a rough patch, but have otherwise always paid their bills on time and taken good care of their pets, like getting vaccines on time, the vet will bend over backwards to help the pet. Contrary to popular belief, vets are not just out to make money at the expense of the animal. They truly want to help, but they can't give their services away for free. They'd be broke in a heartbeat.

Isabella- I am not a vet but - i know it is my responsiblity to take care of my cats so... being in a similar situation myself once and with six cats- I did some research- I found that many feed and grain places sell a "combotics" for cattle- I know that they sell it without a prescription but I never went there- I just know that they have it- you would have to do some extensive research to determine if its safe for kitty-also- if it is a urinary tract infection- they will almost certainly prescribe amoxicillin- 50 mg- I found antibiotics in the fish department of the pet food store - used them myself even- I had a bad tooth- the package will say not for human consumption but thats something they have to put on there by law- they are the same medications that we are prescribed- if by chance they don't have amoxicillin- look up the different antibiots that are availible there - and see which one are

SAFE to give cats, not all antibiotic are so if the search at the online pet pharmacy doesn't produce a match- than its likely not given to cats- they are generally assigned to specific infections and an online pet pharmacy will have the dosage your cat needs- antibiotics are also lumped together by several other factors- some are simply "revisions" of a medication so be sure to keep that in mind- while others are assigned to infections based on gram positive or gram negative bacteria- - urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection typically and may be cleared up by a change of diet- what are you feeding him??? wet food I hope- also, some cats and males especially, have a tendancy to develope crystals which are very painful- none of my cats have had crystals but you may want to reseach that too. The Merrick's Vertrinarian Manual is free online also- good to know in times like these- DO get wet food for your cat if you are feeding dry-

thats a lot of words

If you call the ASPCA they will help you !!

Call them tell them the problem I'm sure they will work with you.

He needs more than an antibiotic and he needs it quick, not to scare you, but my sisters cat died within 24 hours of having what your cat has...it could be a uti and it could also be urinary tract blockage...I dont know how good your credit is but there is an option called care credit they will advance you instant credit that most vets will accept...if he has a urinary tract infection all it needs is the antibiotic but if it is blockage the cat will need to be catherized to open the blockage...my cat went through this its not fun I know...whatever you end up doing he needs a vet QUICK...and dont buy any of the food the vet will offer you just get him some Purina One for Urinary Tract Health once he is cured and keep him on that forever...email me if you have any further questions...but take the poor cat in asap...you can apply for the care credit at carecredit.com

You are going to have to contact your local animal control or state run shelter..where there is a will there is a way..call the ASPCA..

the cat needs to see a vet immediately. contact IMOM below and see if they can help you out financially. my vet lets me make payments when I need to. that's one of the many things I like about him. It is not often I have to ask. anyway, i would find a new vet. hugs to you and your furry ones.

You may think you know he has a UTI but this could very likely be crystals in his urine as well. These can block his urethra and kill him in a very short time. Who cares what you sound like, call every vet yes! I can't stress enough that you can't know this is a UTI and you may have a dead animal very soon (sorry not trying to be mean but I want to get across this is serious). If you call vets and tell them the symptoms and still no one will help (hard to believe) you must call shelters and explain the situation. I know you love your cat and don't want to do this but I stress he could die if you do not. It is MUCH more likely this is crystals! EDIT* Yes wet food is less likely to cause the formation of crystals but once they have formed they need to be dissolved by a special food and wet food won't do that.

You answered your own question: You know he needs a vet (SOON!), and you know you need to call around to work out a payment plan. Surely SOMEBODY in the area will work with you to help this cat, or you'll have to seriously consider finding him a new home that can afford his care.

Good luck in your search.

ADD: THANK YOU so much for sharing an update about your kitty! It's good to know he's getting treatment and is doing better!

Some vets will help work out a payment plan. Call them and tell them your dilema (close to tears.) If not, take him into an ER vet, and beg to talk to a doctor with the cat there. If they see him in pain, they may help you out.

It all depends on the vets around you. I really hope the best that you can find someone who is willing to do a payment plan with you.

Please let me know what happens! Mail me!