How to help a stray cat with open wounds when vet care is too costly?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I found a stray cat and I don’t have the money to consult a vet, as I have 5 cats of my own to pay vet fees for. I’m trying to help this cat, but i don’t know what I can do for him at home. He has multiple lesions, one that looks like a perfectly oval shaped, small hole. I have photos. There is another on his back that was draining puss and blood. Now there is one on his chin, the hair is gone in the areas and they are open wounds.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 16th, 2020
Poor cat! There are no photos attached so I can't see what this wounds look like but I can say that if there is pus, it's infected. This cannot be treated at home, he has to see a vet as soon as possible. If you can't afford a vet, I can give you some financial resources that may help help you. Your other choice is to take him into the local SPCA. They can treat him and find him a home. Best of luck. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 2nd, 2017
Oh no, poor Pete! Unfortunately, this does require a vet visit as it sounds quite serious that these open sores are progressing rapidly. He may have a severe skin infection or could have mange among other causes. In order for him to be properly treated, the cause of these sores need to be diagnosed by a vet. I have a number of resources I can give you that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information. Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet, please take Pete into one ASAP.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 29th, 2020
From the pictures, that looks like a skin infection and unfortunately this cannot be treated at home. Patty does have to see a vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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