My cat is ill, I can't afford a vet. Should I consider euthanasia?

I'm sorry to hear that your kitty isn't doing well. Before considering euthanasia, I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam and some basic lab work to find out what is causing these issues. Some problems, such as hyperthyroidism, are very treatable with medication once a diagnosis is made.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Mystic is so sick. Unfortunately there are no pain-free ways that you can perform euthanasia at home. I recommend calling your clinic, or the emergency clinic in your area. If you explain that Mystic is very sick and needs to be put down, but you don't have money for this, most clinics will euthanize at no cost so that the animals are not suffering. Try a few if the first clinic says no. You can also try a humane society. If you say that you know Mystic needs to be put down, and don't want a consult but he is suffering, they should be able to help you and Mystic.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m not sure exactly what can be going on with Gracie, but just like people, cats are more likely to get sick with age. Thinking about euthanizing Gracie is not wrong, and is a responsible, albeit difficult decision. There is no “right” time to euthanize a pet, and this is different for every pet owner. Some people consider euthanasia once an animal can not eat or drink independently. I recommend considering what makes Gracie herself to you - what aspect of her personality makes her unique? Is there a window she always looks out of, or a favorite treat, or a meal she won’t pass up? If these things start lacking in her life, it may be time to consider euthanasia a little more. I’m happy to answer any other questions you may have!

What a tough situation for you to be in! I would recommend running at least blood tests on your cat, specifically a geriatric blood panel. That would give an idea of how her organs are functioning, if there are any medical conditions present (such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease), and it will help your decision as to whether or not to let her go. She could potentially have an underlying medical condition that isn't treatable, or has reached a point where letting her go is the best option. Also, if her organs aren't functioning well, a dental will not be safe for her as the anesthetic risk would be too high. 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. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

Thank you for submitting your question. There are several options for an owner if treatment is cost prohibitive. Most veterinarians will work with you to offer less expensive options such as forgoing diagnostic tests and treating based upon symptoms. While this cannot ensure a positive outcome, it may work. Most clinics will offer financing options such as Care Credit as well. Otherwise there are rescue groups that will take animals and assume care for them depending on the condition. Finally, there is euthanasia if the condition is severe enough. If all of these options are ignored and the animal is allowed to suffer unnecessarily, then it may be considered abuse. I hope this information helps!

I’m so sorry to hear about Scruff :( unfortunately, she sounds serious enough that there is nothing I would recommend for doing at home. Keep her warm and encourage drinking. Consider carecredit.com - it’s a line of credit you can apply for instantly online and can be used for human or animal healthcare. It’s generally low or no interest for 3-6 months and is accepted at many vet hospitals. If you are approved, go to the nearest 24 hour ER clinic. Be warned that dependinf on her underlying condition and status on arrival, the doctor may recommend intensive measures (hospitalizing IV, etc.) or humane euthanasia. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no realistic “in-between” option. I’m so sorry again and hope for peace no matter the outcome.

I'm very sorry to hear about your kitty. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about something like this at home. If taking her to the vet is not an option, then please contact your local animal control officer and see if they can help you have her cared for, or humanely euthanized.