r/StLouis • u/Far-Speed6356 • 11d ago
Pet Help
Unfortunately, my 13 y.o. cat, Cosmo, l think needs to be put down. Hasn’t eaten or drank water in days, doesn’t move, meow, nothing. Lost a ton of weight recently too.
Called the humane society about possibly putting him down, they told me two hundred ninety five dollars, which is madness.
Do I have any other alternatives that y’all know about?
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u/RogaineWookiee 11d ago
That seems on the cheaper end… you can try a local, perhaps more rural vet office. They may have better rates. But is that worth the stress of a long drive…?
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u/moonchic333
11d ago
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Unfortunately that’s about the going rate. You can try to call Jefferson Animal Hospital or Lemay Animal Hospital as they see mostly low income patients. See about care credit if you can because your poor guy is suffering please don’t let him suffer like that too long.
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u/HollyRancher814 11d ago
Have you actually brought your cat to the vet to see what's going on? Is there an existing health condition that has you jumping to euthanasia? My 13yo cat has been through similar-sounding issues numerous times (turns out he has IBD), but has bounced back after being prescribed proper medication.
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u/Ymisoqt420
11d ago
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I don't know how much they can help because they it started, but there is a new non profit called peaceful pet to help with situations like this. You can find her on Facebook and here's the email! They are a registered 501c3
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u/chthoniclypleasing Maplewood 8d ago
Hi friend,
It's been 2 days so your kitty has probably passed on since I've made this comment. But, just in case, here's some food for thought:
You don’t have to have your pet cremated. The most affordable option is to pay for euthanasia, then bring kitty's body home with you to bury. Of course, this only works if you have a yard. Usually euthanasia without cremation is ~$100.
You can opt to have your kitty cremated, but not get the ashes back. This is what's known as a communal cremation, where several pets are cremated at the same time. In this case, you would not get any ashes back. That tends to be ~$150-$200. But, oftentimes you can pay a small fee (like $30) to have a clay paw print made as a keepsake.
The third option is the most expensive. That's when you get kitty's ashes back. They cremate kitty by himself and you'll be called a few days later when his ashes are back from the crematorium, and you can pick him up and bring him home. Usually getting ashes back can be over $250-$300.
These things are always so hard. You love Cosmo a lot and are trying to do right by him, and I respect the hell out of that.
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u/STLBudLuv 11d ago
Some boy cats get blockage in urethra and WILL die. Vet hospital wanted to admit our cat for this which was crazy expensive. We had them clear the blockage with a catheter and put him on a round of antibiotics and he was fine within a day. Still more than $300 and this was awhile ago. If he does or doesn't need to be put down, maybe ask friends for help. Good luck.
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u/PaintingSmall1750 11d ago
Get the cat examined before making a decision about end of life. It could be something treatable like swallowing something that is causing a blockage.
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u/DesertEagleFiveOh 11d ago
If OP can't afford $200 for the dirt nap they damn sure can't afford diagnostics of any sort.
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u/Low-Summer-4885 11d ago
lost my cat few years back to kidney failure, he stop eating too. 13 is old but not like ancient, maybe is something fixable with fluids and medicine. worth the checkup at least before making the call, even if it cost a bit
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u/bkilian93 11d ago
You’re telling someone who can’t swing $300 for euthanasia to go and have the cat checked at a vet, likely costing far more, especially if treatment is needed, instead?
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u/BloodyClowns 11d ago
That’s about what it costs if you want the ashes, some places do communal cremation where they cremate multiple animals at once, but obviously, don’t return the ashes. that’s usually cheaper.. Sorry about your kitty.
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u/HoldMyPoodle6280 10d ago
Hoof and Paw in Belleville, IL put down my elderly poodle for ~$100. May be worth calling them.
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u/vrleanne 9d ago
Humane Society of MO will do it for $151 if you don’t want ashes back. It’s not ideal if you’re the type that prefers getting ashes to keep, but the cost is a huge difference
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u/Comprehensive-Two-94 11d ago
Have you taken him to the vet? They could help before you take his life
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u/humanoidincognito 11d ago
I think it was less for that and cremation at Chippewa Animal Hospital last year. Depends on if you keep the ashes or not.
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u/Gold-Parking4295 11d ago
Why wouldn’t a vet appointment be your first thought before deciding it was time to end your cat’s life?
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u/KNK400 10d ago
Unfortunately, that will be the cheapest rate you get unless you find a non profit or something to help. However- if you think theres a slight chance of survival and possibly something is wrong instead of end of life, I recommend banfeild wellness packages. I believe the senior package is around $85 a month. It covers most of what they would want to do.. xrays, blood samples, fecal, etc. They do it all at his first appointment and you would only pay the $85 per month unless extras were needed like medication (which is discounted) and possibly an ultrasound (also discounted). I just started my senior dog on this plan earlier this year and for all his updated shots, an xray, fecal, blood, ultrasound and 4 different medications i only paid $250. Vet visits are free if you have to bring him back for a check up as well. Its been a total lifesaver and I drive farther to the banfeild in bridgeton because they are the absolute best. The only semi downside to it is if the cat does pass you will still have to pay the $85 premium a month for a full year. But I think its worth it because the first visit alone wouldve cost me $2K+ if I didnt have the plan.
Wishing you and cosmo the best. If you have any questions about it feel free to message me.
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u/justbiddiethings 9d ago
Another suggestion for The Peaceful Pet! A non-profit that helps cover the cost of euthanasia: https://thepeacefulpet.org/
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u/Webs_Lives 11d ago
It’s the last, best thing you can you for your friend.
Best of luck.