Hey Ray, I can agree with your statement that if one can't afford to
take care of the pet perhaps they shouldn't take on the
responsibility, especially since critters are at the mercy of their
caretakers and usually will take whatever they can get, even if it's
not adequate or healthy care.  But taking the kitty back to a shelter
probably means it will be euthanized since kitties are less than "a
dime a dozen" in terms of their sheer numbers because of lack of folks
who are responsible about critter birth control (spay/neuter).  A sick
animal will be one of the first to go, so going back and trying to
pick up the same kitty (and pay more adoption fees) when "Kinda" might
possibly have enough unknown amount of $ for for a vet bill just isn't
a reasonable option if she wants that same kitty back.  Most critter
pounds have a vet on staff; however, they don't have the time, $ or
reasonable "need" to explore the cause of and address/treat sick
animals' needs.  That kitty will be quickly gone (euthanized) if they
know it's sick and perhaps even if it's healthy.

I like the suggestions to offer/request a service trade or "payment
plan" option for vet services.  Most vets are truly compassionate
folks and are also in need of folks to help w/less glamorous aspects
of the vet business...like cleaning out critter holding cages, mopping
floors, walking/excercising animals, etc., especially around holiday
time, but usually all of the time.  Another option would be to see if
there are any "pet rescue" agencies in the area, as there are lots of
folks who take animals on for a while to care for them (w/out $
compensation), and might adopt a "Kinda"/kitty combo to help it get
better....in other words, services could be traded with "sponsor(s)"
for vet bills for the time being.

Meanwhile, as a bonafide critter-care person (not a vet, but do
"barefoot critter medicine" w/degrees in zookeeping and nursing and a
lifetime of wild and domestic critter care and rehab on a very
personal level), I've loved reading all the diagnostic or treatment
suggestions as well.  However, I can't say I'd follow most of them w/o
a bit of savvy regarding the pet.  "Kinda" probably has some intuition
about what's going on, but if not I personally wouldn't indiscrimately
treat based on lovingly-offered long-distance suggestions.  Bottom
line, whatever "Kinda" does, it should be remembered that all the
interest, love, compassion and all that is felt and done for the
critter are worthwhile, and even if it dies in spite of or because of
what is (or not) done, something positive happens to all involved just
because of the positive input/effort.  Relationships with critters are
sometimes the most uncompromising, unadulterated, undiscriminating,
unconditional and natural love relationships we humans will ever
experience, and so worth any effort we put forth to maintain them
because the love exchanged multiplies immeasurably as it ripples forth
to all aspects of our lives....and love definitely and exponentially
grows where (positive, loving) attention goes.

Blessings to all, Shar-on