What to do for a cat that is over 16 years old and has an absessed tooth and I cannot afford a vet?

Question

Cat's mouth is puffed out on left side of face and blood and pus continue to run out, I've put anbesol on it to freeze and disinfect the area, very hard dealing with MY CAT!

I put a warm compress on my cat's side of mouth with the abcess and out came all the pus and crap. Then I read on the internet that someone else had used anbesol on their cat's tooth, so I did that and within ONE WEEK, she is WELL AND EVEN EATING hard DOG KIBBLES! So Im a pretty good vet, always wanted to be one but never had the chance. Anyhoo cat is fine and eating and chasing around as usual, she is 16 years old. Probably will live to be 20 I bet.

Thank you.

Answer 1

do you have any antibiotics at all? you could give the cat a little triple antibiotic ointment just put it right on the tooth i have done this with my dog. but if you have some regular antibiotics give the cat just a little every 12 hours

Answer 2

I would not put Anbesol on it, because it is propably burning the cat's gums if there is pus and blood. The only thing that you can do and I am not sure that you will be able to since you can't afford a vet. You need some antibiotics and you need to make sure that the cat gets them down, check your medicine cabinent, call friends, family and ask if anyone has any type of antibiotics. It doesn't matter what kind they are, but I would suggest only giving one every 8 hrs. and a total of about 3-4 pills. Good luck!!

Answer 3

Go to a health shop where they sell homeopathic remedies. Perhaps a tissue salt would be an idea...again a health shop or pharmacy. Yup cloves is good, hold your cat so it won't run, cloves can taste yukky, especially to a cat - they have extra good taste, smell, etc. :) I have 1x 17 yr old cat, 2x 16 yr old cats, and the other 2 are under 10 yrs. My homeopath has really been a star with keeping our older cats healthy. The second youngest has feline AIDS - snuffles, and we have an excellent rememdy that stops her from sneezing and getting sick. You need to go to a reputable homeopath.

Good luck. If you suspect a vet visit, get an extra job for a month to pay the bills. That would be my advice. Hebitane for the swelling. Dilute to 10 volume - ask a pharmacist what this is if you don't know. You don't need a lot. It may stop all the consequent infections.

Give your cat lots of love...he'll/she'll feel better. Mine respond! :)

Answer 4

You need to call a vet and see if they will see the cat on a pro bono basis. Maybe you can just pay for meds. Explain your situation and ask what options you have. Part of having a pet is being able to afford medical attention for it. If you can't afford to care for it you should find it a home that can. The cat is in pain and the infection can endanger the cats life. Also NEVER use human products like ambesol on a pet unless instructed to do so by a vet.

Answer 5

Check with your local humane society and SPCA to see if they will assist you with the vet bill. Also check around to see if there are any low cost clinics in your area. Where are you located? I know of several places in the DFW Texas area that may help you out.
If his tooth is bleeding then your cat is in severe pain and needs anibiotics at the very least. It is not fair to allow him to keep suffering that way. He needs medical attention ASAP! Do whatever you have to do to help this poor animal who has given you 16 good years. If left untreated the infection may move into his bloodstream, which could be fatal.

Answer 6

I would suggest contacting a local animal shelter or animal rescue.

That sounds unhealthy and potentially dangerous. Even if you can't afford a vet, get that cat medical attention. What you're doing, by not getting it seen ASAP, can be classified as neglect- you could be arrested in certain states!

I doubt you're sincerely trying to harm your pet, especially since you're asking for advice- you're clearly just in financial difficulty and are looking for a cheap solution. However, there isn't one. It needs to see a medical professional.

Some Vets have financial assistance programs, call your local vet to find out as you set up an appointment.

Answer 7

I have had that problem with my cat as a kitten. It was after hurricane katrina and i couldn't afford a vet. I was introduced to a payment plan called care credit. It is a credit card just for animals to get groomed and vet visits. So i would call a couple of vet asking do they take care credit and if so you also can apply for it there. It Takes only a few minutes to apply for and coverage is started right away.

Answer 8

my beloved dog had the same problem you are describing and it was not an abscess it was cancer.
A friend of mine took her to the vet for me because I could not emotionally handle it. Everyone in the vets office cried, the people in the waiting room cried, my friend cried ,I am crying typing this. But unfortunately putting her to sleep was the only option that would keep her from being in pain.

A cat typically lives about 17 years so wouldn't you rather she go in peace rather than suffer?

Answer 9

Contact your local animal shelter. If you can't afford a vet maybe you shouldn't keep the cat. I mean, it would be for the cat's best interests. Hand him over to the animal shelter and they will take care of him. A no-kill shelter is best.

Answer 10

I think you should discuss monthly payments with the vet if you care about the cat that much. I'm sure he will be willing to compromise. That's what my family had to do when my dog needed surgery....try that. Good Luck!