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Stray kitten has swollen, draining eye. How to get affordable vet care?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 18 days old | 8 lbs

I have a stray kitten that showed up a couple of months ago. One of his eyes constantly drains brown fluid with a real slight oder. His face is now starting to swell around the entire eye area but not bad. We have grown attached to each other but I can't afford a vet visit at the moment. I do clean it with a warm damp cloth. What can I do to help my little guy?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 19th, 2019

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/
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