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How can I afford vet care for my sick cat with fur loss?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 5 lbs

Hi I adopted a cat off Craigslist I love her to bits I later found out that the owners would get the cat high on marijuana, she's losing fur like crazy and i thought she was just cuddly but my boyfriend pointed out she loves her ears rubbed they're continuously bugging her, she sleeps almost all day and at night time demands to go outside just to eat grass n come in please help me I don't know what to do n I'm very low budget

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2017

Oh wow, that is so horrible that Tank was made to get high on marijuana. That poor kitty. I wold have her seen by a vet as soon as possible. There sounds like there is a lot going on with her at the moment. She could have fleas, mites, allergies, or ringworm causing the loss of fur. She could have an ear infection causing her ear symptoms. She needs veterinary attention for her problems, and I can give you a list of resources that may help you afford a vet for her. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.

The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.

Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay.

I hope one of these resources helps you!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 19th, 2017

    I am so sorry Punkin isn't feeling well. Unfortunately I highly recommend a veterinarian. I would recommend blood work on her and a urinalysis to make sure there is no kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infection. Cats can show subtle signs for diseases but it concerns me that she is lethargic and vomiting. She could also have a foreign body or even a case of pancreatitis.

    Here is a website that may have options to help with the cost:
    http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/

    I would also look into low cost clinics. I would ask neighbors and friends. The SPCA also has some low cost clinics in certain areas of the country.

    You can also apply for care credit which is a 0% interest credit card.

    If you can't get her to a vet then you can always try a bland diet and make sure you add water to it to keep her hydrated. The concern is with her vomiting/diarrhea she may just vomit the food up. A bland diet consists of boiled chicken and white rice.

    I hope she feels better soon and thank you for using PetCoach.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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