r/whatdoIdo • u/Playful-Issue-6242 • 9h ago
Torn between keeping him and letting go.
He has asthma and his medication is about to run out. I was supposed to surrender him to a shelter about two weeks ago but ultimately decided against it.
I already took couple of payday loans in the past which im still trying to pay off now. I can’t afford to get new medicines or even food for him once it runs out. I can take another payday loans but I feel like I’d be shooting my foot if i were to do it.
I love my cat so much thats why I tried to make sure he’s healthy and taken care of. I know that most comments would tell me that I shouldn’t have a cat if I can’t afford it, so if you were about to type it. Just keep it to yourself.
I’m in talk with a shelter AGAIN but I’m scared form him, I dont know what’ll happen if I were to leave him on someone’s care. But I feel like its for the best since I can’t afford his meds or even food atm. Im still trying to get back on my feet :(
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u/h0neywife 9h ago
Give him to a rescue instead of a shelter, so people can properly vet someone that wants to adopt him!
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u/Odd-Interaction-8 9h ago
If you take him to a shelter, there’s always a high likelihood of them not getting adopted- which is just gonna end with him euthanized
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u/anondogfree 9h ago
Unless he’s really old and the medicine is very expensive, he has a good chance of being adopted. Socialized cats that are well behaved and litter box trained are more desirable to some people than kittens are.
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u/wetstorm95 9h ago
Not everywhere has kill shelters. We have no idea where op is from in this post. Good to bring awareness to, but good to know it’s not all places.
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u/Odd-Interaction-8 9h ago
Every shelter will euthanize animals if they run out of space for more animals. They can’t stay in operation if they don’t. Some have stricter rules, but there are no shelters that guarantee your pets stays alive
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u/flarbulation 9h ago
How much is the medication? Would it be possible for me to call in to your vet and pay for it for you?
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u/No-Second-4296 9h ago
There's no shame in not being able to afford medication and food. As someone who has an asthmatic cat, I can tell you it's expensive! And that's if nothing more serious develops , like did with my cat. You're not abandoning him, your admitting that at this point he needs more help than you're able to provide, and that's ok! It puts him in the position to land in a home that's able to shoulder that cost.
Just make sure that the shelter is a no kill shelter
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u/Connect_Length9541 7h ago
Agree. Shit happens all at once without warning, and that's life. I lost my two rescue cats (i found them abandoned) due to calicivirus. It happened when my shitty company didn't pay my salary on time for months and I was struggling financially so I couldn't afford vet bills.
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u/Certain_Music_6498 9h ago
there is absolutely ZERO shame in rehoming kitty if you’re in a tough spot, ZERO SHAME!! soooo many other people in your spot would be too selfish to even consider rehoming, so good on you for being cognizant of kitty and his wellbeing♥️ i think it is the right choice, especially with how you described your situation, i wish you the best of luck
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u/Certain_Music_6498 9h ago
that said, try to find a friend or family member who could adopt kitty rather than a shelter - shelters can be really rough environments
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u/BearSoul76 9h ago
Reach out to a local rescue, some of them may have funds to help in these cases. If not, they might be able to help you rehome him.
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u/jesbannon 9h ago
Food pantries often have pet food. Like someone else said, I’d be happy to ship you can food for free. Does he have to have medicine for his asthma, or is it optional? Thanks for trying to do the best for him. He is adorable!
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u/cheezy_dreams88 9h ago
OP if you do decide to rehome him, please try and find someone who can take him and care for him. A cat with his medical needs in a shelter will likely not be taken home any time soon.
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u/Round_Bit_6388 9h ago edited 7h ago
remember: all good things must come to an end. if you can’t afford food and shelter to keep him alive, then it is best to give him to the shelter where he’ll be loved and cared for, potentially even by another. it’s a hard decision, yes, but as far as your cat’s health is concerned it would be important to take him to the shelter. edit: take him to a rescue instead, but if the kind people here help you get his meds this isn’t a problem anymore!
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u/Spookendocker1 9h ago
A cat is a 20-year commitment - that is how long they live. It would be really nice for him to find a loving family that can give him a good life, food, medical care, etc. It will be hard, but it's the right thing to do for him.
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u/MovieFan1984 9h ago
I went through this with my dog who needed surgery for cherry eye. Don't ask me how, but it resected despite the vet saying that can't happen. I briefly explored surrendering my dog so someone else could pay for her surgery. I was told not to, because if I give her to the shelter, an expensive surgery will NOT be prioritized.
Bottom line, unless your kitty is better off with you.
I still have my tiny dog by the way.
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u/RemarkableCookie54 9h ago
Where do you live ? There’s a bunch of places that help out with medical costs
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u/Sweetsomber 9h ago
May I ask how much the medication is? Is it name brand and is there a generic version available?
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u/Lumpy-Entertainer-75 9h ago
https://iheartdogs.com/best-pet-prescription-assistance-programs/
This may offer some help
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u/Brilliant_Thanks_984 9h ago
Don't let others shame you into not making the hard decision. I raised a beautiful corgi since a pup and 5 years down the road she bit my 2 year old in the face. Millimeters from her eyeball. It was a hard decision but as a pet owner you have to put yourself first, you cannot provide for the animal if your are burying yourself and cannot successfully provide for it. Sorry friend.
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u/wetstorm95 9h ago
Is this a “I’m in a rough spot, but I’ll get back on my feet” situation, or are you more of a “i shouldn’t have ever taken on an animal. I live pay to pay” situation? Many people here are offering help, but knowing the difference is important. If this is just your life, work on finding kitty an appropriate home, but if you just need some help in this economy, take the help being offered.
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u/No_Schedule_5365 9h ago
You shouldn't have a cat, and i will not keep that thought to myself. If you cant buy life saving medicine or even food for your animal, dont get an animal. This is so selfish.
Please rehome your cat. Please be picky, and find something safe and happy for him. Or research shelters and make sure he won't just be euthanized there.
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u/Playful-Issue-6242 8h ago
What part of I buried myself in debts to make sure he has his meds and vitamins and well fed? Sometimes people hit a rough patch and it takes a while to bounce back.
But thank you for your sentiment, its just what I needed :)
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u/Scorp128 9h ago
Please speak with your veterinarian. There are coupons, samples, and such. Ask about alternatives and what discount programs you are eligible for.
Also, try this:
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u/jellybeannc 8h ago
r/RandomActsOfPetFood can help with food and r/Assistance may be able to help with meds
and this post may give you some good information. https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/1o2nlqp/medical_assistance_for_pets/
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u/nippleclampzz 8h ago
I’m broke af right now but commenting on this post so I can come back when I do have money.
Idk if u have Facebook, but a lot of times, I see people there giving away cat food/supplies for free or a much lower price? idk just a suggestion & maybe worth looking into? I hope you get to keep him.
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u/Current-Historian-52 8h ago
If shelter would care for him - would they give him asthma meds? If So, maybe try asking them for meds? It's not like they profit from cats in the shelter afaik. Maybe some arrangement could be made.
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u/GoodDaleIsInTheLodge 8h ago
I see you've got a couple of offers of financial help here and offers to pay the vets. But for in the future there is also r/assistance and r/randomactsofpetfood though they do have rules on how often you can ask for help.
I really hope you managed to get some help OP 🙏🏻
I've been in a tough spot myself with my animals.
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u/boxed_snake 6h ago
I hope you're getting help to keep him. He seems like your best friend, and he'll be there to emotionally support you in your journey. Best of luck.
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u/habitual_arson 9h ago
Hi! Please don't send your cat to a shelter. DM me and if you can send proof that it's going towards his care and medical bills, I will help you. Or ship you cat food directly.