The cat I saved is ill and I can’t afford a veterinarian
About 22 months ago an elderly widowed woman, a neighbor of mine, who’s as poor as me and who had a stroke, and who lost her husband not so long ago told me that since she is not in any position to take care of her cat could I take it.
The alternative was Pasadena, S.California’s “humane society”. She might not have been aware that it was not a ‘no kill’ type of shelter and most likely within 5 days or so that cat would have been euthanized. Without any hesitation, I agreed in spite our our mutual similar state of poverty and disability as the shelter idea is unsafe.
I’m still feel like an average pet owner ‘clueless’, in spite of my continuing self education. Although, I am not exactly a ‘newby’. I have had cats before. I lost my last favorite kitty after 7 years. Possibly the blame was a genetic defect but this time around I am try my best to do all the right things, to the best of my knowledge.
I don’t allow my ‘new’ cat to go wondering and I hope I feed him the right cat food. I’m extremely attentive to his favorite foods. Dry foods like ‘The Good Recipe’ and ‘Dr. Hills’ (‘Science diet’) and wet food like Purina’s Fancy Feast and Fancy feast ‘Elegant Medleys'(very recently).
Yet since I received this cat (an orange tabby) about 21 months ago (it was 4 or 5 Years old according to previous owner) over time I noticed that the cat lost weight (now he’s 9 and a half pounds). I don’t know his original weight.
I saved this cat from being given to the pound (and you know well what it means in California, a certain death). Anyway to be brief, a few weeks ago he was in an area that had previously been sprayed against pests (at least in the vicinity) also he chewed on a plant leaf. This I could tell from checking one of his regurgitated stomach contents.
Recently he vomited 5 times. It was the worst. Next day 2 or 3 times a day and later once, then no more. Occasionally much later on he vomited once.
If I had the financial resources,long ago I would have taking him to a vet. Since I’m on an extremely limited income I can’t afford it. However, I’ve been in contact with many pet vet assistance funds, to no avail. Reasons: no funds. Unqualified (funding only rescue org.) etc.
As a last resort, I started to appeal to churches in our area, so far no results. But I keep hoping. And also started my own website that I’m also promoting:(hopefully).
http://web.archive.org/web/20100616115430/http://saveacatlife.webs.com:80/
Today the cat after a warm wash with a towel regurgitated (vomited) all his ‘Medley’ favorite. Prior to that he had another vomit. I’m almost at the end of my rope. I was very careful not to let this cat run loose and yet he losing hair (bald spot on his hind leg close to the tail,and a small one almost unnoticeable near his ear).
A vet I called suggested ‘not to worry’ the cat is still happy and alert and playful. Any proper advice, especially a competent one might help.
For additional details, please visit my website. Thanks In advance.
note: this post comes from an email sent to me, Michael (Admin) which was unsigned so it is currently anonymous – could the author please reveal himself and his place of residence?
The cat I saved is ill and I can’t afford a veterinarian to cat health problems
