I found a stray kitten. She seems to have a cold but I can't aford to get to a vet until next week?

Question

She also seems to have ear mites, is there anything I can do in the meantime before I get her to the vet?

thanks

Answer 1

try taking it to the ASPCA and explain your financial situation. They'll help.

Answer 2

The ear mites are a small concern next to the upper respiratory infection. The cat needs to be seen by a vet asap. The stuffiness in the nose will prevent it from smelling and therefore prevent it from eating. (Think about how difficult it is for you to eat when you have a head cold!) Kittens especially have very low reserves to deal with problems like this. So you really need to get the kitten to the vet before it dies from this infection.

Now, how to do this: There are some rescue groups that can help you deal with a sick cat, but remember that every penny they spend on the kitten you "saved" is one that the rescue can't spend on a healthy animal needing a home. It's just a fact of life. There is not enough money in the world to save them all.

So if you are willing and able to keep the cat, the better choice would be to negotiate with your chosen vet. Maybe the rescue could recommend one that would work with you. Sometimes vets will take in charity cases like rescued homeless kittens. If not, perhaps he would take a post dated check so that he can treat the kitten now when it needs it, and the money will come out of your account next week whne you have it.

Good luck and thanks for helping out this kitty in need.

Answer 3

She most likely has an upper respiratory infection (very common in strays) you can run a hot shower and put her in the room w/the door closed this will help w/the congestion now for the mites gently swab the ear w/a cotton ball (not q-tips) do not wet the cotton ball w/any thing if you do it could drip into the ear and cause an ear infection try an get her to the vet as soon as you can though

Answer 4

I work in the local humane society clinic and we offer low cost vet services. You might try that avenue. Ear mites and a cold are not emergencies, but the longer you wait to treat the longer the cat will suffer. Ear mites are painful and a cold can be as well. GL

Please don't take the medical advice of anyone here. Some treatments suggested are actually deadly, such as Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, etc...

Please call a vet first and get a good diagnosis and go according to their recommendations.

Answer 5

Hi!
First of all thanks for rescuing a stray! There is a medicine for ear mites that you can get at Wal-Mart which is fairly inexpensive. Or if money is an issue, just take warm mineral oil and cotton balls and clean the ear out. Just make sure not to warm the oil to much. You can warm a water bottle for her and cover it with an old towel or blanket, as not to burn her. Slowly warm her, don't warm her to fast. Snuggle with her if she will allow you to. Also remember not to give a kitten/cat milk. Cow milk will make them sick. There is formula at Wal-Mart that is also inexpensive. Otherwise if she will eat try regular food, maybe soft to get her used to eating. You can also call the vet and explain the situation And sometimes they will give you a break on the bill, or delay the bill for a bit. Anyway good luck with whatever you choose.

Answer 6

Do yourself and the kitten a favor DON'T TAKE ANY MEDICAL ADVICE FROM THIS GROUP!!!!!! But do contact the humane society or the spca to see if they have low cost vet services. Don't stick anything in the kittens ears and there is nothing you can do for the kittens cold because what appears to be a cold could be upper respitory infection and could be really bad. If you have other cats, keep this one separated from them as it could be contageous. It most likely needs antibiotics. Also DON'T BUY ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICINE FROM WALMART, PETCO OR PETSMART. They don't have the weight of the kitten and can be very dangerous. The oath of a veterinarian is DO NO HARM< so I advise you to do the same.Keep the kitten warm and dry and try to keep him interested in food and water,

Answer 7

clean her ears gently with alcohol and a qtip. It will help get rid of some of the mites until the vet can give you something better if she needs it. There is nothing a vet can do for a common cold, but a good checkup is important! Good luck!

Answer 8

Call a vet and ask if you can get delayed billing, or make a deposit/down payment. It could also have an upper respitory infection and should not wait for a week. They are not quite like we humans.

Oh yes, try finding a local animal rescue - they may be able to help you. They cannot take in any more cats usually, but they may be able to advise a vet who will delay billing etc... Most pet rescues work with pet stores like PetSmart, PetCo and those stores may have a contact name & phone #.

Answer 9

Poor baby!

Try to keep her fed and comfortable. And get her to the vet. Many will try to work out a payment plan with you, if you can't come up with the cash up front.

One thing that comes to mind is that you might try using a very light oil to clean the kitten's ears. If nothing else, you'll be better able to see what you're dealing with.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Mix half Vinegar half alcohol in a container use an ear dropper and drip 2 drops twice a day in each ear. After putting the drops in massage the ear to help break down the wax and kill the mites. Once your done massaging let her shake her head then take a paper towel and just wipe the part of the ear you see.

Answer 11

Call the vet explain the situation they will give you a payment plan keep the kitten warm till it sees a vet....good luck ...your a nice person to take a stray cat in.....