Help with cat question PLEASE!!!!!!!

[kittycat1164]

Bertha's not answering my PM, she must not be around tonite. My Cinders came in from outside with some blood (not bleeding profusely, just some blood) on her front leg. I can't find exactly where it's coming from. My girls are useless when an animal is in pain and Brian's not much better. I'm down to one arm so I can't do a hell of a lot alone. She's so long haired and black it's hard to see where it's coming from. Anyway, she's cryin alot when we touch it and even occasionally when she's curled up on the couch. She's not putting any weight on it at all, but I don't think it's broken. It's not bad enough to rush to a vet (weekend emergency rates and all that) but she's obviously hurting some. Is there anything I can give a cat for pain relief? Thanks!!!!!

[Lorien]

1. Despite the rates, it may be cheaper to take her now

rather than risk infection and thus a higher bill (plus more danger to your cat) by waiting. Check the yellow pages for home vet care, too; sometimes vets that make house calls are cheaper than the vet ER.

Cats are good at hiding pain, so if she's visibly in pain, it may not be anything minor (don't try aspirin or Tylenol-those can kill cats). Good luck!

[sleepyhead]

2. Yes, see if you can take her now.

If she's been bitten by another animal, she will need to be cleaned up and given some antibiotics and perhaps a rabies shot. If some other type of injury, or poisoning, a prompt diagnosis will allow quicker (and less costly) treatment. Best to get her started on medication before she develops a nasty abscess or systemic infection. There is nothing in your medicine cabinet that you can give her that won't be toxic to her, so you'll need to get appropriate pain meds from the veterinary hospital. Hope she feels better soon!

[radfringe]

3. get thee to a vet

cat is in pain - I know emergency rates on weekends are expensive -- but if it were you or your kid would you wait until Monday?

[RadicalMom]

4. She needs the vet, no question, no excuses. Just bite the bullet.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. I concur! The kitty is obviously suffering, and it's dangerous to wait

Also, NEVER give a cat aspirin. Dogs can tolerate it over brief periods, and in the right dose, though there are much better meds out there, made for dogs, but cats cannot!