Sick bloody cat?

Question

My son has a beautiful cat that he found about 1 yr ago as a kitten. Multi colored orange, black and auburn colored. He named it Gizmo. Well Gizmo has had its shots and has always been a healthy cat until the last two days. My son called me saying that Gizmo had thrown up blood and doesnt want to eat, just sleep. Gizmo has always been an indoor cat, so she cant get into anything. However, she got outside for about an hour, the other day. My son found her on the porch.
My question is, what could cause her to throw up blood? Its not alot of blood, but enough where he is concerned. Unfortunately he cant take her to the vet (no money), so he is trying to get her to eat, and keeping an eye on her. I am unemployed so I dont have the money for the vet either. I have this really bad feeling about this. Any ideas? As I said, she was perfectly healthy until 2 days ago.

I have called some vets around here. They dont take payments, its full payment at time of treatment. The Humane Society will take her, but put her to sleep. There are no free vets around here.
To those idiotic people who said my son shouldnt have a cat if he couldnt afford to take of it. That cat is the most spoiled loved cat and WAS being taken care of. It went to the vets, got her shots, etc. I lost my job and my sons hours got cut in half due to Michigans economy. Quit assuming everyone that has a pet and cant afford a vet right now, has always been that way. I myself have a dog and an exotic bird. I cant pay for vet services myself right now. That doesnt make them any less important or loved. Get off your soap box and think about helping come up with an intelligent answer instead of berating someone because of financial circumstances. Are my son and I suppose to give up our beloved pets because of a set back in our financial status?

Answer 1

Throwing up blood could be many things. If she got outside, she could have eaten something that didn't agree with her and in throwing up irritated her esophagus and or stomach, thereby causing some blood in the vomiting.

If she's not eating and is lethargic, that could indicate something a bit more problematic which may require a trip to the vet. He could take the chance and wait it out, but a call to the vet telling them that she's threw up a bit of blood and is there something that can be done at home is free, and worth a shot.

I am surprised that the humane society would take an otherwise healthy cat that you would surrender over and put it down, unless that shelter is just bursting at the seems with animals waiting for adoption. That would be the first place I would turn to, unfortunately it sounds like the one you contacted can't be of much help to you.

If Gizmo doesn't eat and is still lethargic after another day, your son will have to do something. He should watch to see Gizmo is going to the bathroom, especially bowel movements. If he continues to throw up blood and it gets worse, he will have to tend to the problem immediately, meaning going to an emergency vet which will cost him even more than a regular vet.

If there is absolutely no way that the animal can be brought into the doctor to be seen, your only other option would be to bring him to the shelter.

Sorry, good luck to you.

Answer 2

no vet will take payments over time here in california. They all require at least 30% of the estimated cost up front and you have to pay the rest off before being seen again. But even just to get the estimate you have to get evaluated which is between $40-$60 plus usually in the interim they have to start at least giving support care or pain management or both which costs $200 or more for the day and there's no payment plan. You can apply for a credit card from a bank made just for pets called care plan but you have to have perfect credit history ( basically be rich). Once an estimate is drawn up by the vet then and only then can you usually apply for emergency vet financial aid with local organizations. So many people are so ignorant to the harsh business environment our pets have to wait on for care. It's all about money for the vets whether they feel bad about it or not. Insurance won't cover a pet for what's already happened it's called a pre existing condition.

Answer 3

First, if you cannot find a caring vet that will let you make payments, you live in a very uncaring area. I find that surprising, but very believable. Gizmo may have injested something poisonest. If you have a vile or small animal bottle, get and keep putting as much water down Gizmo as possible. DO NOT let her dehidrate. That will finish her off. Look up 'Cat Fancy' magazine on your computor, and look around. There was an article last year or so about a web site to go to for those who truely could not afford to take there animals to the vet. I guess some of these people who claim to be animal lovers would have rather you left Gizmo on the street to starve long ago. Thankyou for loving Giz to the point of seeking help to keep it healthy.

Answer 4

How many times has the cat thrown up? have you offered her wet cat food to get her to eat? if she hasnt eaten anything for the last 2 days i would call the animal shelter and tell them of what happened and that you dont have any money and they will tell you where you can get free veterinarian help! But i would do this ASAP! If she did digest something not for kitties if could already be through her system so I guess it will pass within another day or so.. but theres no guarantee that she wont be harmed fatally from this... So please call an animal shelter or a local vet office and they will lead you in the right direction of where you can go since you don't have any money. I hope this helps!!!

Answer 5

I know that you are concerned for Gizmo, why did you take the cat in if you cannot afford the veterinary fees!!? This cat is in absolute need of a vet, no matter the cost! If you really care for Gizmo you will get her treated asap. I'm sure the vet will not see a cat suffer even if you do not have the cash. Poor poor Gizmo. :-(

Answer 6

I'm sorry to have to weigh in with the others, but your son has a moral obligation as a pet owner to see that his cat gets treatment from a vet. To let Gizmo suffer when she might have a serious injury or illness is unconscionable. Tell your son to get a loan and co-sign with him if necessary, or sell something on eBay to raise the funds.

Answer 7

I know how you are feeling. I have two cats that are my life. i do not make much money so if something detrimental happend I don't know what I would do. The best thing that you can do is pray for your son's cat. Search some websites to see if there are any antibotics that you can get with out seeing a vet. Good luck.

Answer 8

It could be anything from a poisoning to a tumor- with everything in between being an option.

Tell him to suck it up and take the cat to the vet. The vet will most likely set up a repayment schedule as they'd rather have the kitty get treated then left alone.

Answer 9

I understand this is heart breaking.....
Continue to try to keep the kitty comfy... I think that you should discuss this situation with the vet (if you don't go in) and see if this could be food related....
Good luck.... perhaps the humane society is in the cats best interest. My thoughts are with you.... I hope kitty gets better

Answer 10

I would call a vet and see what they have to say about what's wrong. If they say that she needs to come in to the office, explain your situation and they may be able to see her for free or at a sizable discount - your local humane society can probably recommend someone that offers discounted or free services.