If you can't find a program with a lower cost in your area, perhaps you can talk your vet into a payment program. Most vets, especially if they're your regular vet and know you'll come back, will let you pay some now and maybe $5 or $10 a week until after Christmas.

I know how frustrating it can be to have a cat in heat....the yowling....the backing up to company with their butt in the air....more yowling....but please try to wait until she's not in heat to have her fixed.

My parents had their Daisy fixed while she was in heat and it caused a personality change like I've never seen before. She went from a normal, playful cat to a scaredy cat. She's still loving with the family, but she's terrified of strangers. Even the doorbell will send her running. I've also heard of several other owners reporting the same reaction when their females were fixed while they were in heat.