Discussions

you could tell your family and friends from now this year you will not ge giving gifts to them or you will reduce gifts amount to them .

Which vet clinic did you go to? They don't all have the same prices for procedures and some are more flexible then others with payment options. My sister took her cat to the clinic on Pacific ave and they were great.

See if you can make payments,

Unfortunately a cough is a pretty generic symptom that could be caused from a wide range of conditions. It could be something as mild as environmental irritation, or as severe as cancer in the lungs. Each possible condition would require a different treatment, and treating something without knowing what it if can sometimes do more harm than good.  
If you cannot afford the diagnostic testing by yourself is there someone (friend or family member) you can ask to borrow from and arrange repayment with? If not look into medicard (www.medicard.com) which is a company that gives loans specifically for pet health costs.

This may sound a bit harsh but she is 17. If you cannot afford the tests chances are you will not likely be able to afford the treatments.  
 
Might be time to say goodbye and have her put to sleep before her health declines to much? What does the vet say?

go further if can't afford to pay longer. At this older age it isn't going to get better and want to face it or not you will have to reach the day to loose the cat.  
I lost my at very old age pet of a disease of cul-de-sac. It was devastating for me but there were no point to go further for my pet and didn't want to let go of my pet but had no choice.  
Not a picnic at all for that decision.  
Sorry but if you know you can't afford money I think why come here ask ebrandon people pay for it.

Waitn' for the weekend said " I have a 17 year old tabby and her name is Cleo. I have her since she was a baby and means the world to me. She had started to develop a nasty cough so we too her to the vet. This is the first time that she has been every sick in hard life. Unfortunately they are unable to tell me what is wrong with her unless I get $500 woth of tests done but unfortunately I am unable, etc to afford it as I am currently on disability. She was not even able to help us about giving a suggestion of what we can give her to ease the pain.     I know this sounds like a hand out but if there is anyone out there that may have any ideas or people who might think that they can help please and response would be appreciated.     "

I pm'ed you

i went through the same thing last year with my cat. Spent thousands of dollars I didn't really have trying to save my teenage girl. Unfortunately, I ran out of options of treatment and had to put her down. But at least I know that I tried everything first. It would have killed me to know that I could've saved her if I had the money. I would've done whatever it took to save her so I understand where you're coming from. I had to take out a loan to cover the costs. I hope you can save her. Good luck to both of you

Because I love my fur babies dearly, but maybe the best course will be to end her life peacefully. Even gifting her to someone who can take care of her medical needs right now might be worse, as it might stress her so bad.  
 
I am stuck in a similar position. My tabby boy is 17 years old too, he does not appear to be suffering but he is nearly blind, having serious balance issues, and the odd accident now.  
 
I am just stuck, because there is nothing we can do to help him - but he is not obviously suffering. It is a hard decision because he is just old not ill - but if I were to let him continue like this and he falls down stairs or something while we are away he might suffer needlessly.  
 
Certainly feel your pain and stress right now - best of luck finding a solution.

1 chance said "go further if can't afford to pay longer. At this older age it isn't going to get better and want to face it or not you will have to reach the day to loose the cat.   I lost my at very old age pet of a disease of cul-de-sac. It was devastating for me but there were no point to go further for my pet and didn't want to let go of my pet but had no choice.   Not a picnic at all for that decision.   Sorry but if you know you can't afford money I think why come here ask ebrandon people pay for it. "

Is that when a pet gets hit by a car twice? Once coming into your neighbourhood and then again when it leaves? Sorry, it's a joke. I agree with others in that if the tests are too pricey, then wait for the costs of the treatments. We got tagged with an additional set of test that cost us $300.00 that lead to nothing conclusive. But if we wanted more answers... They'll gladly do more tests on our old cat. I didn't even want the first series of tests, but was assured it would be beneficial to know. Not really. He's old and having some noticeable health problems, when I think he's had enough pain... I will decide what needs to get done, not them.  
 
Eighteen years is a good stretch. I would wait and see if things go worse and save up for when it time to end the suffering.  
 
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Not sure where you took your cat, but maybe next time try the Mobile Vet - Dr Liana Mewyer.  
 
I really appreciated the home visit instead of dragging my animals to a place they hate - and she certainly was not pushy about extra tests and stuff - especially with my old guy. I just hate the upsell you get at vets offices.

you a pm

I'm surprised that your vet even suggested running a bunch of diagnostics with the age of your cat. My vet has always been upfront about what is absolutely necessary and what is optional. She bases everything on the age of the animal and quality of life it will provide. I highly suggest Wheat City Vet Clinic.  
 
Best wishes for you and Cleo. Hugs!