Hi reddit. I need help.

My 14 year old cat is acting like her gums are hurting her. Has been for the past 3-4 days, maybe longer. She tilts her head to the side when she eats which she's been doing less. She still eats, but not nearly as much as she used to a few days ago.

I'm trying to get a job to earn at least $400 to get her to the vet. It cost $75 for a check-up and an average of $300+ for anything else. The thing is, nobody in my area is wanting to hire me. I'm 18, I have some volunteer experience, and that's it. They've been choosing the ones with more experience/older.

I don't know what to do. I need at least $300, with no way to earn it. Any tips? I need all the help I can get as this cat, Bianca is her name, is extremely important to me. So, please help.