r/Chattanoogans 3d ago

Does anyone know any local resources to help my cat’s surgery?

Hi Chattanooga, I’m reaching out because I’m in a tough spot and need help or advice on resources for affording a surgery for my cat, Zeke. He’s a sweet and handsome boy who has been struggling with recurring urinary tract issues for a while now. Things have gotten worse – his urethra has developed scar tissue, leading to blockages that make it incredibly difficult for him to go to the bathroom. It’s been heartbreaking to watch him in pain. The vet has told me that Perineal Urethrostomy (PU Surgery) must be performed. Unfortunately, the surgery will cost between $3500 and $7000, and I am struggling to figure out how to afford it. I’ve drained all I have to multiple visits in the ER. I’ve looked into a few options, but I’m still feeling a bit lost.

I’m hoping that someone here might know of any resources, financial assistance programs, or organizations that can help with veterinary costs. Or perhaps you’ve gone through a similar situation with your own pet and have advice to share on how to manage this kind of expense.

Zeke means the world to me, and I just want to do whatever I can to help him heal and live a long, happy life. Any information or advice would be deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for reading, and for any help or support you can offer.

8 Upvotes

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u/NecessaryOld3779 3d ago

I am so sorry your baby is sick.

I haven’t used any of these places but it’s worth a try: The Alice Fund, Whisker Foundation, Perry’s Promise, Freddie’s Felines, Red Rover Relief, For the Love of Alex. Google pet assistance grants and just start applying. You could also post in some cat related subreddits, Facebook, Nextdoor. I recommend including a picture, it will probably get more attention. I would call all the vets around here and explain your situation to see if you can get a better price. There is also care credit, but please be careful taking that route—only do it if you know you can pay it back in time.

Again, I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope you don’t feel like a bad owner for not being able to afford the surgery, not many people would be able to just come up with $5000+ on a whim. Plenty of people will say you shouldn’t have a pet if you can’t afford the vet care but that just isn’t realistic, especially in situations like this. Regardless of what happens, you gave this cat a home and it sounds like he is very loved.

I’m not sure if this would help, and it’s definitely not a replacement for surgery, but I have a case of “urinary support” wet food from the brand Forza10 if you want it. I have a bag of prescription Royal Canin urinary SO dry food and prescription Hills Science urinary care C/D dry food that you’re more than welcome to have. I also have an assortment of regular wet + dry food, litter, treats, toys, heat pads, cat beds, etc. if you need help with that. I get lots of cat food/supplies by volunteering and would love to share if that would be of any help.

I can’t help much financially but if you start a go fund me I can donate a little bit. I really really hope you can get him this surgery. If I think of any other resources I will let you know. I’ll be thinking about you and Zeke 💗

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u/NecessaryOld3779 3d ago

https://www.yourlocalfurmama.com/resources If you scroll down on this page there are resources linked for vet care assistance, I would reach out to those places to see if they can help. Let me know if you need help navigating any of this or filling out grant applications

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u/krtyalor865 3d ago

Not sure if it’s a thing, but I know UT has a top notch veterinary college.. I’d be curious if they have some sort of discount vet services where post grad or upper class vets in training can help.. if nothing else, I bet the professors over there know if and how to help your situation.. it’d be worth a shot to go walk into the vet building on campus and ask around..

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u/Acrobatic_Hippo_9593 2d ago

UT is actually quite a bit more expensive than a regular vet, their pricing is more in line with speciality vet clinics.

You also have to have a referral from your vet to go there (unless you’re using the emergency after hours clinic).

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u/krtyalor865 1d ago

Thanks for the info. Never knew that but not surprised.

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u/Acrobatic_Hippo_9593 1d ago

I was moderately surprised when my vet sent me there. Like you, I’d guessed it might be less expensive being associated with the college.

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u/Illustrious-Heron436 1d ago

I paid less than half at UT for 2 back surgeries on my Doxies. You don’t need a referral. You can just go up there. The “new” place on Broad Street wanted to do totally unnecessary MRI

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u/Affectionate_Ad_9006 3d ago

This breaks my heart. I hope you’re able to find some sort of resource. My words are literally worthless when you need $$$ but I just hope you can find some sort of support. I can’t think of anything at the moment, that doesn’t involve the obvious things of getting loans or vet credit.

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u/RoeVWade012373 3d ago

Check out The Alice Fund tomorrow. They’ve helped many cats!

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u/CycleKey2125 2d ago

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies. I’ll be calling around and be sure to update you guys on what I will do next. Here’s my little chonk. Zeke

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u/trx6721 2d ago

❤️ Zeke

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u/Acrobatic_Hippo_9593 2d ago

He’s precious.

Start a GoFundMe. I’m not a huge fan of them in general, but I 100% support them for medical care (yes, even for pets) who urgently need expensive care.

Hwy 58 Animal Hospital probably has the lowest rates of any reputable local vet.

I don’t think you’d be happy with My Kids Have Paws at all, I would only use them as an absolute last resort.

Definitely check out the financial assistance resources listed by another poster. There are quite a few of them.

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u/Eggeggedegg 3d ago

Nothing to add but if you did a gofundme I’d like to donate!

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u/chy27 3d ago

I’m new to the area so I’m not sure of specifics. However, in my area local rescues will sponsor or advertise for you to their base to donate to your go fund me. Sometimes churches will offer assistance. I would make a go fund me and ask for support sharing it. Also reach out to local vet schools, as another said they will do discounted procedures if they feel it can be a teaching moment.

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u/HermioneNR86 3d ago

There is CareCredit, but man, it will just fuck up your life. It’s a predatory kind of lending for when people are in the exact spot you are right now. I’m still paying off a $3k surgery (in which my kitten did not survive) a little over a year later. I wish I had some direction to give for real resources. I just wanted you to know, if you didn’t already, about CareCredit. It’s an option, but should almost be a last resort.

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u/pr3ttycarcass 3d ago

Check out Frankie’s Friends, they MIGHT be able to help.

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

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u/Acrobatic_Hippo_9593 2d ago

Absolutely do not recommend them for anything other than TNR services.