We no longer have enough income to care for our sick cat...
We think it may be time to have him put down. I do believe he is suffering. But we can't afford to take him to the vet. I am worried we will have enough groceries to feed my family until the next time I can afford to go to the store. My son is going to school with holes in his shoes. I have to make my first payment on summer camp March 1 and I have no idea where the money will come from.
Our cat has a chronic condition. A long time ago, our vet trained me to care for our cat at home to save us money. I have been doing that. We haven't been able to take him to the vet in many years.
I am so wrought with guilt.
What will happen if I take him to the humane society?
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The Humane Society will likely not take the cat and will advise you to take the sick animal to a vet and do what you must do and you must pay to have the cat put down if you indeed believe that this is what is necessary. 
Sad reality it is and it will cost you money. I would not advise dumping the cat which is what many people are doing these days. Shame on them.
As the owner you have a responsibility to care for the cat. Being you can't care for the cat any longer, I don't know what to suggest. A no-kill rescue would not take the cat being it is sick.
Who knows, maybe they will take your sick cat?
I know where I live they will not take an animal if the owner is known.
Hence, we have animals running around here that have been abandoned by their owners!
In fact, lucky me was driving home during a horrible storm at night and there were two dogs on the freeway that were emaciated and I hit one of them as I could not stop. Said incident resulted in one dead dog and $3,000.00 worth of damage to my car. 
As I said, shame on people that abandon their pets!
I'm not saying you are going to do this but believe me, with this crap economy we have now, you are not alone.
Maybe you should call your vet and see if you can make payment arrangements in small installments to pay to have the cat put down. The cost is about $50.00 per my recent experience.
Best of luck is about all I can say other than one thing.
I never went to summer camp as a kid and that was because my parents could not afford it. Maybe your son can do something else this summer, like attend summer school?
that has had kidney problems his whole life. He too has recently (last November) been diagnosed as being in the early stages of chronic renal failure.
In addition to fluids (currently we administer them every other day), there are a couple of non-prescription meds available for renal dogs and cats which our vet recommended.
Epakitin is a phosphorous binder which helps the animal feel better and slows the progression of the disease. It is a powder which I knead into a pill pocket and give as a treat.
Azodyl is a natural bacteria that helps metabolize and flush out toxins.
My boy also takes an anti-nausea prescription med which has significantly improved his appetitie. He's actually put on a few pounds since being diagnosed. He's always eaten a renal diet - now it is supplemented with people food.
My boy is still playful and happy and finds pleasure in a number of things. I hope to give him as much good quality time as I can. I will not make him suffer and I know that when it is time for me to let him go he will tell me. Every animal I have ever had has done so.
Best to you and your girl. Enjoy the time you have.
Her only symptom now is thirst. She will ONLY drink water out of a crystal rocks glass and ONLY if it's in her spot on my desk. She has a good appetite and has only thrown up a couple of times in the past few weeks. We also have a couple of feather-and-stick game sessions every day. I suspected CRF and took her to the vet very early. Maybe I'll call a different vet and ask about the meds. She just popped onto my lap for a cuddle. Thank you for your good wishes.
Oof- I just got headbutted. Penny is craving affection right nows. We adopted her four years ago on March 1 and they said she was 5 years old, but the vet said she was 15-16 easy. Wise. Now she nipped me! I'm so sorry your boy is so ill.
Sounds like your baby girl is a little farther along than my Penny. My vet said that feeding her 'people food' meats would be good for her 'if she would take it.' She won't. Absolutely feed her whatever she will eat. I poached salmon for Mr. Spitz every day in the final days. He knew how much we loved him. Your girl knows, too.
...is going to call the humane society tomorrow. Today we were too busy fighting about money.
I sympathize. I surrendered several cats last year to the county shelter because well, there were just too many. I was only able to place one kitten through advertising. But it did work out. They all found homes.
You might try a cat rescue group up there. At least it would be better than the county shelter.
I sent a note to the rescue group that we got our puppy from last year. They specialize on rehoming pets whose owners are too ill to care for them. I did ask if they have a sister org up your way. I'll let you know if they have any suggestions.
They already know you have financial problems, so ask them what can be done as far as payment arrangements or if they'll do it as a charitable thing. I know my vet wouldn't allow a pet to suffer just because of financial hardship and would either make very reasonable payment arrangements or even do it for free or a very nominal fee (like a few dollars).
I'm so sorry not just for your situation with your cat but because of your general financial situation. I've been dead broke most of my adult life and it's scary as hell.
I hope you find some help for your baby.
It is hard enough to decide on euthanizing a pet without the added burden of financial worries.
Please contact your vet and let them know your situation. They may have be able to help you- or if not, they may know of an organization who can.
