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My senior cat is very sick, losing weight, and I can't afford a vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

My cat is 10 years old is throwing, up loss of weight, listless constipation then diarrhea. I've dewormed her and she has had her shots. She eats well and drinks enough water. What can I do I can not afford to take her to a vet we are on a fixed income. I have had her for 8 years and she is my constant companion.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 9th, 2017

CJ really needs a vet visit when you can manage it. In older cats hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease are possibilities and require bloodwork to diagnose. The good news is many of the conditions can be treated or managed but you need a diagnosis in order to determine the best treatment. Some areas may have low cost clinics or many vets accept Care credit http://www.carecredit.com/apply/
I would contact local humane societies to see if they can offer any suggestions. Some have programs that may help with vet bills.

Good luck and thank you for using PetCoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 4th, 2018
I'm quite concerned that Kiki has lost weight from this diarrhea, and in a senior cat, diarrhea can have serious causes such as hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, intestinal tumors, or bacterial infections. At this point in time, especially because she is losing weight, she absolutely has to see a vet. Immediately would be best, as she may also be dehydrated from the diarrhea and that can be severe in an older cat. At this point in time, there is nothing you can do at home for her. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford a vet, and I can give you some resources that may help. 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/

I hope one of these resources helps you. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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