Cat Crazy People ~ iMOM is raising funds for this poor kitty. We've all been busy donating to get our own PT kitties to good homes, so I've hesitated to post Shy Guy's plight. If you can spare a few $$, his person would be eternally grateful.
His story so far:
Shy Guy is a beautiful, tall, laid-back 3 year old Orange Male Tabby. He is our pride and joy, our giant "tiger". (Everyone who sees him says he should be on a calendar) We aided in bringing him into this world, actually. Shy was born on Super Bowl Sunday: February 2nd 2004, during the game. He was the "runt" (the last of 6) and mom was so tired from birthing 5 others she wasn't able to remove him from his sack, so me and my roommate had to pierce it and lightly blow on him to bring him around. He was the one we kept out of the litter. The others went to happy and healthy homes. He's always been our little boy. He's always been big and strong, loving to absolutely everyone, healthy, and silly...even adopting a stray kitten as his brother, Maximus. Max and Shy have been as tight-as-blood for over 2 years now. He's constantly depressed that he can't play the way they usually do.
Shy has been diagnosed with a Diaphramatic Hernia. About 9 months ago we came home to find Shy curled up in a ball and bleeding from his nose. We rushed him to the vet to be told he was hit by something, which we'd already figured. The xrays showed nothing major wrong (bruised rib, chipped teeth, and facial swelling). They prescribed antibiotics and sent us home. He healed quickly and continued to live his normal, happy life. Then about 3 months ago he stopped eating as much as usual, and began hacking and coughing a lot, as if he was trying to dislodge an enormous hairball. We started him on a hairball treatment. To no avail, the hacking got worse. We rushed him to the vet and they took an x-ray that showed us he has a diaphramatic hernia. The accident caused a rip in his diaphram, causing all of his organs to slip and push their way into his lung cavity. The rip has gotten considerably large over time and his lungs are so crowded he hacks all the time and can hardly breathe. He's not able to function normally, having difficulty even sleeping. The good news is that the surgery will return him back to normal, because although its extensive, it's very remedial. Until then, however, if Shy is bumped the wrong way or jumps off too high furniture, he could dislodge his organs from the chest cavity and his lungs would collapse. He would die instantly. This is is our current situation. The surgeons, who are the best in town and even present at conferences nation-wide, cannot operate on him unless they receive payment first, which is $3933. As humiliating as it is to admit, we just don't have that kind of money, resources, or credit (but we're working on it) I currently work 10-12 hour days just to make the bills. And neither myself or my partner have friends or family who can help. Until then we live in a state of constant panic. He is now an indoor cat. Most cases of this nature do not go on more than 3-4 months before the animal passes . It's been over 6 months for Shy.But that's our boy, he's a strong soldier.
So far, because this has dragged on so long (and I lament over the pain he must be enduring all this time) his liver, stomach, a kidney, and some of his intestines have slipped into his chest cavity. If this continues, his lungs can become engulfed and he will die. We have just faxed all of the necessary materials to IMOM, and have completed our application. I am very fortunate to have heard of this organization and we'll be keeping everyone posted throughout Shy's process. Thank you so much for all of your generosity, concern, and support.
Comments:
This kitty has been in need of this surgery for 6 months.
Continued next post
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