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My cat swallowed string, needs surgery. What if I can't afford it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 years and 2 months old | 11 lbs

My cat Pumpkin has swallowed a string and not eating, drinking, or using the litter box. We are taking her into the vet tomorrow and surgery is the most common solution. My parents won't pay for the surgery and I don't have enough money to pay either. So if there is nothing to do but surgery, my parents said we have to put her down. What should I do? is there anything I can do at home to help her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 27th, 2019

I'm very sorry to hear this happened. Ingesting a string is an emergency - she needs surgery. If you can't afford surgery then she should be humanely euthanized so she doesn't suffer. I'm sorry but those are your only two options. This cannot be treated at home. I wish I could tell you something different but unfortunately I can't.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2018

    Oh my. Poor girl. Unfortunately if she has swallowed a string and it has caused her to have a string foreign body accordion shaped intestines, the only fix is surgery. : ( I would suggest reaching out to some financial resources on this one, and at the very least try to find out if she is blocked by getting some x-rays done on her first, so that you know where you stand. Here is a website with some financial resources that may be able to help. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html www.carecredit.com I do hope that your fur baby is going to be able to recover from this soon! Best wishes and take care.

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