Hi everyone,

 

Simba is sick and injured from an infection caused by an unknown bite while exploring our backyard. I usually preface my pleas for help using a little humor and brevity to ease the embarrassment of asking others for help, but I can't muster the energy nor trivialize how awful things have been for my cat lately.

Initially, he was very tired for the first few days and I only noticed a line of displaced rough fur which he didn't want me to touch. This alarmed me, so I kept a close eye on him. A day or so later I noticed he carved out his hair in that spot where it was revealed there was a deep skin abrasion and an inflamed area, which absolutely made me panic and go to the vet. The vet just gave him anti-inflammatory/antibiotics to combat the area.

However, over a period of 24-48 hours, the area started showing much more severe signs, including a deeper abrasion, blackening across the area and a much larger irritated and elevated area of infection. The area became extremely sensitive and he would cry in pain if I even brushed my hand around the area. Naturally, a cause for even greater panic.

 

I just got back from the vet an hour ago, and they told me that it needs to be dealt with-- they'll need to sedate him/cut the wound open/potentially drain it/inject him with more meds and a bunch of other stuff that honestly feels like a blur to remember. After that, I've been told at best he's going to need future checkups and potential special treatment for the future.

I honestly don't want to ask, but at the same time, my own serious COVID infection early this month has been a high financial strain since most of my work is freelance and side-business dependent.

The vet bills are stacking up and initially I was just going to eat the bill and be done with it, but it's starting to get a little crazy. At this moment, the bills are around $650 (depending on how today goes) and I am estimating it will be around $1000. But even if this entire thing raises like $20, I would be extremely grateful-- anything would be nice.

I want to be completely clear and reinforce that if push comes to shove I'll pay every cent on my own if it means giving my cat every single treatment he deserves, and I will through one way or another find the way to self-fund it. Whatever you could donate, even if just a dollar or whatever the minimum amount is, to this cause would be extremely appreciated. We're both very, very tired. I'm incredibly sad beyond words to see him hurt like this. Thank you for reading this essay, and honestly sorry to ask again.