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We let this cat come in for shelter sometimes, but we can't afford to adopt/own him. He also really enjoys being outside most of the time. He came in with a swollen paw today and I'm wondering what the problem is. There is some pink/irritated skin around one of his nails. I can't give more detail because he screams in pain and fights every time we touch the paw. What is wrong and what can we do about it without spending (much) money? We want to help him but have absolutely no money to spare

We let this cat come in for shelter sometimes, but we can't afford to adopt/own him. He also really enjoys being outside most of the time. He came in with a swollen paw today and I'm wondering what the problem is. There is some pink/irritated skin around one of his nails. I can't give more detail because he screams in pain and fights every time we touch the paw. What is wrong and what can we do about it without spending (much) money? We want to help him but have absolutely no money to spare

Updated On December 21st, 2019

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 4 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Gustavo. Without seeing him in person, I can’t say exactly what is wrong with his paw, but it may be he injured it, has a broken bone in it, or a foreign body. The fact that he screams whenever you touch it tells me he is in a lot of pain, and unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give him. Many human ones are toxi to cats, and are fatal if given. You don’t have a choice but to take him into 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/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you. Best of luck.

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