I've spent most of my adult life broke/poor/just getting by. I've also had a cat since 2015, I love him dearly and he's been my world. But being poor means I never really took him to the vet because nothing was "wrong" and he's an indoor cat so he doesn't experience much (I know, that's not responsible, but that's the American way). I have *some* financial stability at this point now and I want to take him in because I know it's long overdue. Most vets want to know past history, visits, appointments, etc. I don't have any of that stuff because this is my first time. I just don't want to be scolded or told off because I've been putting this off forever, I just want to try to do the right thing.

A side effect of being poor for so long is that any sort of bill skyrockets my anxiety and part of the reason I've put this off for so long is that I'm worried about looking at paying for it. Most day-to-day bills are manageable now but it's an ongoing process. Do most vets have a payment plan option? I know *something* isn't right with my cat (he's been pooping out of the box lately) but I don't know how severe it is and so the final $$$ makes me nervous.

Sorry this is all word vomit, I just need to get it out there and have some semblance of "you won't be yelled at."