Rescue Kitty Needs your Help

I set him up in the second bedroom so that my other 2 cats and dogs wouldn't bother him. I gave him food and a litter box. For the first few days, he was scared and skittish. He hid in a corner. Eventually, he warmed up to me and let me hold him, give him pets, and show him love. He showed his appreciation by purring.

Over the past week, I have fallen in love with this beautiful boy. I named him Algernon, after one of my favorite characters from my favorite play "The Importance of Being Ernest" by Oscar Wilde.

Algernon seemed ill- he was sneezing and coughing and he didn't have much of an appetite.

This week I took him to the vet. First I had the vet check to see if he had a microchip. He didn't - so of course I decided to keep him. He is such a sweet boy and I know that he will be happy with me:)

Yesterday he went back to the vet to get a check up. He has FIV (which is HIV for cats). Most male stray cats get this. Because of this, he has a weaker immune system and can get sick more easily.

The vet assured me that even though he has FIV, that he can still live a full and happy life:) And it can only be transmitted to other cats via deep bite marks (feral male cats fight a lot), so my girls are safe.

Algie has an upper respiratory infection and has to be on meds and quarantined for a week in his room.

Hopefully once he's feeling better, he will be more active and have a better appetite. And then I will have a better indication of his personality. Right now he's been really lethargic and docile - but I have a feeling that he's a little spunkier when he's healthy.

In a couple of weeks, he will go back for his vaccines. And then he will be neutered a few weeks after that.

He is an expensive kitty up front. The vet even asked if I wanted to keep him after she told me his diagnosis. I already love him. And my pets are my babies and my family and you don't give away your family members just because they are sick.

If any of you are willing and able to contribute/donate to his vet fund, I would be so appreciative. I didn't plan on getting another pet anytime soon, but I feel it's my responsibility to take care of him and I know I can give him a loving home. Money's tight right now, even while I'm working 3 jobs and I want to make sure he gets the medical treatment he needs. Once I'm over this hump of expensive vet bills (approx $500 total), then providing his basic needs will be quite manageable. 

Thank you so much for all of love and support.