If you know me, you probably know Albert. He is my soul pet, my first born, my best friend, my pride and joy. I adopted Albert right after moving into my first apartment. He has been with me over a third of my life. I don't know how to exist as an adult without him.

Albert has had a hard go of it. He has already had two surgeries, one on each of his ears, for aural hematomas. Apparently, they are pretty uncommon in cats, let alone for one cat to have two independent occurrences.

Last week, I noticed a bump on Albert's tail that I wanted to get checked out. I brought him to our vet, and while she did recommend removing it (as it may be cancerous), she was more concerned about how his ears have healed over the years from his hematoma surgeries and referred us to a surgeon.

Albert needs bilateral TECA surgery - total ear canal ablation (removal of his ear canals) in addition to removing the mass on his tail. Right now, he is in constant discomfort due to the calcification of his ear canals. Depending on what they find, Albert may lose both of his ears, and his tail. He might look a little silly, but he will have a much higher quality of life.

I know times are tough for a lot of us. This vet bill is astronomical, but I can't live with myself knowing he is in pain. I am grateful for any help you can give to make Albert feel like himself again. <3