Save this Stray Cat and her Kitten! (COVID SOS)

2 week update: this cat is PREGNANT! ALL DONATIONS to this fund will go to both mother and kitten! Kitten is healthy and viable, mother is thriving, due in 2-3 weeks.

I really need financial help to connect this stray cat the full medical treatment she needs. With it, vets anticipate a full recovery and long life! I have already paid for her initial emergency vet care, quarantined housing with care (in case she's contagious), and transportation, among other basics.

Your donation will go straight to her veterinarian/medication. I will happily provide photos, receipts, updates - whatever you'd like to see. Please reach out for any reason, and please PLEASE share!

here's the little survivor:
her head is way too big for her body and she is visibly malnourished.
she is covered in these bald spots.
her belly is completely raw.

***Disclaimer: I tried to surrender her before resorting to crowdfunding thinking they'd be able to treat her immediately, but I'm finding our shelters/SPCAs/humane societies aren't accepting new intakes/are shut down due to COVID-19***

I managed to lure a mangy, malnourished stray kitten as she was scrounging around for kibble at a dog park. I was afraid she'd get mauled by a dog, hit by a car (urban setting/big city), or starve to death sooner rather than later. 

I took her to the nearest animal hospital where they helped me to report her missing and put the word out to the community, but she is not microchipped and it appears as though no one is looking for her.  

Thus far I have purchased ear mite treatment, deworming solution, frontline, a flea/tick collar, flea and tick shampoo and a flea comb, as well as the basics (litter, food, collar, etc). I recognize that she needs professional attention and prescription strength treatment; this over the counter stuff is just a band aid I'm hoping will provide any amount of relief in the meantime.

I have secured safe housing for her to be temporarily quarantined while she gets treatment, medication, and puts on some weight. This is necessary since she can't live among other animals until we confirm that she's not contagious and spreading fleas/parasites/whatever she is afflicted with.  I have taken care of transport and provided necessary supplies. I can meet her most basic of needs, but she is clearly suffering. I paid her first week of housing up front, but the duration of her stay depends on when we can start her treatment. She needs to remain there until she is cleared by a vet, at which point she is safe to live with my dog or be re-homed as needed.

My problem is that I *just* pre-paid a few months of rent as well as wrecked my savings putting down first/last/security/fees for new housing literally THIS WEEK, hence looking for support to get her treated ASAP.  She is suffering, and I feel awful about having to prioritize her food/housing/supplies over critical medical treatment.  Thank you for considering.

To reiterate: I have tried my hardest to find any original owner, but no one is claiming her (I've posted her all over various databases, Facebook/social media, Craigslist, etc).
Because of this, I initially wanted to keep her - then recognized that if I did, she would have to wait until I was able to afford all her vet bills. I can't stand to keep her in such discomfort, and so figured the responsible option would be to surrender her to a shelter where she would receive treatment immediately. It turns out this is not necessarily the case: I have attempted to reach just about every open no-kill shelter between Georgia and New Hampshire, but they're full/can't treat her within a reasonable timeframe/shut down as non-essential services due to COVID-19. Some of them are operating by private appointment, but scheduling months away under very strict requirements. She and I have both been traveling and so usually rejected outright.

I took her to an animal hospital asking advice on a safe place to surrender her so she may receive care sooner than I could provide. They explained why all the shelters are closed and why a vet or animal hospital legally can't take her in. They begged me to hold onto her or find someone who could, so that she is at least fed - in all fairness, a significant improvement. They further advised me on critical care for her first 72 hours off the street. She seems to be doing well and is definitely getting stronger. I am doing my very best by her, but getting more attached with each passing day. I really want to see this through to her recovery and a safe new home.

I've now had a few people briefly asses her. Here is an idea of some of the treatment she likely needs. The general consensus is that:

-she is around 6-8 months old
-she is in pain due to the condition of her skin, coat, and ears. She needs to start treatment as soon as it can be funded.
-if she receives treatment in a timely manner she is expected to make a FULL recovery (so long as she is not FIV positive - highly unlikely, but I will have her tested regardless)
-she is not spayed, has no microchip, and no evidence that she ever was cared for
-because of this, she will likely need testing for feline diseases such as FIV, FelV, etc.
-she needs all of her core vaccinations as well as de-worming
-she may have ringworm, but it's difficult to tell due to the condition of her skin and coat
-she is starved and malnourished enough that her growth has been stunted, so it's possible that her age is being misjudged. We will have a better idea once she calms down and someone can examine her teeth/mouth.

I have been given an estimate ranging anywhere between $300-1300, depending on her test results, region, and what that particular vet charges. This is for future veterinary care and does NOT account for what I've already spent to get her stabilized (which I don't regret one bit). I fully intend to update this campaign with every vet trip to get more accurate pricing.

I will happily provide receipts, photos, recovery updates, or whatever you'd like to see from us. Here is an idea of what she needs and how much it MIGHT cost (based on consults + average costs in the US):

Mange/Scabies: $250-300
Ear mites: $40-100
Ringworm: $100 (UNCONFIRMED 3/24; waiting on test result)
Spay: $70-150
Rabies shots (3 week course): $60-90
General vaccinations: $60-180
De-worming: $20
Fecal testing: $20
Vet's service fee: $50-70

I have a lot of experience with dogs and virtually none with cats, so I'm researching and learning as I go. Any advice and support is just as valuable to me as a financial donation, so please message me for any reason! Finally, PLEASE share this anywhere and everywhere. I don't have a big support network, so any amount of awareness is integral to this wild adventure!

I am doing my very best for this little creature, so THANK YOU for taking the time to read her story. Wish us luck!


Thanks for your consideration,

Kirsten Wheeler
wheeler.kir_gmail_com