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My 16 yr old cat hasn’t eaten in about a week. Horrid breath. Was chewing on one side. Any home remedies until I can afford to get her to a vet?

My 16 yr old cat hasn’t eaten in about a week. Horrid breath. Was chewing on one side. Any home remedies until I can afford to get her to a vet?

Updated On April 5th, 2020

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 15 years and 8 months old | 10 lbs

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

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No home remedies as this is now a medical emergency. When a cat goes 72 hours without eating, they develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment. Freya has not eating in a week, so she likely does have a fatty liver and I suspect terrible dental disease causing the bad breath. You have no choice but to take her into a vet now. 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/

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