Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How to help a stray cat with open wounds when vet care is too costly?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I found a stray cat and I don’t have the money to consult a vet, as I have 5 cats of my own to pay vet fees for. I’m trying to help this cat, but i don’t know what I can do for him at home. He has multiple lesions, one that looks like a perfectly oval shaped, small hole. I have photos. There is another on his back that was draining puss and blood. Now there is one on his chin, the hair is gone in the areas and they are open wounds.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2020

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/
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My cat's abscess won't heal. What to do 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.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat's leg wound won't heal. Can I treat it at home or get vet help?
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do anymore at home for Ace because it's been over a month. This wound could be infected, and it's concerning that it keeps reopening bigger than before. He has to to see a vet for this, it may be infected and it likely does need to be closed by a vet for it to heal correctly. I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. 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. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. Please take Ace into a vet first thing in the morning.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Found a stray cat, but I can't afford vet care. What are my options?
Oh that is a poor kitty. This could be an ulcerated tumor or a serious fungal infection. He really needs to be seen by a veterinarian. You may be able to get help here: https://www.pethealthcare.co.za/pet-services/animal-welfare-organisation-or-animal-shelter/western-cape/kleinmond-animal-welfare https://kaws.co.za/ I hope that helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My stray cat has swollen face, bloody eye. Can't afford vet. Help!
This is a medical emergency and Ismael has to see a vet now. He could have been hit by a car or injured a fight, and leaving this untreated can lead to vision loss. He will also be in a lot of pain from this, and there are no meds you can get online for him. If he won't let you touch him, you wouldn't be able to administer medication anyway. He needs to see a vet immediately for injectable medication. You need to set out a trap to catch him right away. 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/
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My outdoor cat has a burn-like injury. How can I afford vet care?
Oh that is really bad. Orangie could have injured himself or it could be a burn. This absolutely cannot be treated at home. He will be in a lot of pain from this, and there are no OTC pain medications you can give him. Many are toxic to cats, and are fatal if given. He has to see a vet now. 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. 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/
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat is injured, not eating/drinking. Can't afford vet, what to do?
Poor kitty! It does sound like he has suffered an injury, and it's quite serious that he isn't going to the bathroom, eating, or drinking. He sounds like he is very painful, and unfortunately he has to see a vet immediately. He will need pain meds, and you cannot give him any human ones. That's because many are toxic to cats, and are fatal if given. In order to treat him correctly, he has to be diagnose by a vet, and there truly isn't anything you can do for him at home. Attempting to self treat him without knowing the cause of his symptoms is never recommended, as you may accidentally do harm to him. I would see if you can find a friend to drive you into a vet now. 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
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
How to care for my cat's open leg wound when I can't afford a vet?
I am sorry this happened to your cat. This appears to be a very serious injury. Those are tendons showing. He should get antibiotics and this injury should be stitched up. If there is any way you can get him to a vet that is really the best option. I am not sure what products you have available for use in Brazil so I am not sure how to help you. I will try my best. If you can get Betadine solution I would make it into a dilution that looks like weak iced tea (light to medium brown). Do not use it straight. If the cat will let you I would soak that injury in that solution for 3-5 minutes a couple times per day. Discard the solution after each use and make a new solution. Do not re-use the same solution. If the cat won't let you soak the leg then you can just flush/wash the injury with that dilute solution. After that, dry the injury thoroughly, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and then bandage it (not too tightly). Keep doing that until it is healed. It may take weeks. If you can keep him indoors during this time that would be best. Again, a vet visit is the best option in this case.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Cat SuppliesCat FoodWet Cat FoodCat First AidVaccines and Shots for CatsCat MedicineCat AntibioticsCat Health & WellnessCanned Cat FoodPain Meds & Arthritis Relief for CatsCat Urinary Tract & Kidney MedicationPet PharmacyVeterinary Diet Cat FoodAntifungal Medication for CatsHeart & Blood Pressure Medicine for CatsCat Insulin & Diabetes MedicationHeartworm Prevention for CatsCat Eyedrops & Ear MedicationFlea & Tick Solutions for CatsElectrolytes for Cats
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button