My cat's bite wound is draining. How to help if I can't afford a vet?

I am sorry to hear about your kitty. Unfortunately from these photos it does not appear that at home care is going to be appropriate anymore. I am concerned based on the picture that some of the tissue/skin around the wound could be devitalized/dying. He likely needs systemic antibiotics and wound care by a professional at this point. I would recommend looking at this site for info on ideas on affording veterinary care: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care . There may be a low cost clinic in your area associated with a human society or shelter that may be more affordable.

Poor kitty cat. Depending on what kind of snake it was, it may or may not require significant supportive care. As long as it wasn't venomous, the issue is just going to be wound care and avoiding infection. It is a little difficult to tell, but it looks like there could already be some purulent material coming from the wound site, indicating a possible infection. If this is the case, Toph will definitely require some antibiotics. You can try using something topically at first, but a lot of the times something systemic is required. You will of course need a veterinary visit to obtain such a drug. Otherwise, keeping it clean is the best thing you can do. I would stay away from things like peroxide, as they actually tend to delay healing. Use something like a dilute betadine or chlorhexidine solution. In an attempt to whet your kittie's appetite, feed something that you might not normally use that would be otherwise impossible for her to say no to. Hope this works out.

Unfortunately there is nothing I would recommend doing at home, other than keeping Panther warm and encouraging water consumption as much as possible. Treatment of venomous snake bites is usually focused on pain medication with injectable opioids, IV fluid therapy, and antivenom. Monitoring blood work is important as well. If there is any way to get Panther to a vet I would recommend traveling.

From your description, I would be concerned about an infected tooth root. I would start saving up for a vet visit and possible surgery to remove the tooth if this is the case. Antibiotics will help temporarily, but it will happen again until the tooth is removed (if the vet determines it is a tooth issue). If paying for a vet is an issue, 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. https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant.../ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary.../ www.thepetfund.com/

Poor cat! There are no photos attached so I can't see what this wounds look like but I can say that if there is pus, it's infected. This cannot be treated at home, he has to see a vet as soon as possible. If you can't afford a vet, I can give you some financial resources that may help help you. Your other choice is to take him into the local SPCA. They can treat him and find him a home. Best of luck. If paying for a vet is an issue, 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. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends. 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/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/

I am so sorry to hear about Fritz. It is an unusual presentation for sure, as we commonly see abscesses around this area in cats but it is unusual to see them symmetrical (if that is what you are describing), we would also worry about an infection in the root of the tooth, lymph nodes, or salivary glands. Unfortunately your cat require veterinary care, this is not something you can treat at home. You will have to figure out a way to get him into a vet. This may involve finding a clinic that is lower cost- some humane societies or animal protective leagues have lower cost clinics available. Some clinics work with companies such as Care Credit to allow you to charge your bill and pay in monthly installments, and there are some funds for cases where pets need care and owners cannot afford it, or some people even pawn belongings or borrow from friends or family in these cases. You can read this article for more ideas on how to afford veterinary care: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489 . I would also recommend keeping him indoors until this clears up as with these wounds he would be predisposed to getting fly strike/maggots.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You could try to keep it clean but aside from that, I am afraid that he will need veterinary care. Puncture or bite wounds can get infected rather quickly and result in a fever which may be why he is not eating. They can form abscesses that require local treatment and antibiotics. You could perhaps consider taking him to an emergency veterinarian who is open over the weekend. Good luck and have a great day!