Since moving here just over a year ago, I’ve been helping stray cats in my backyard, building DIY outdoor shelters to keep them warm during the cold NYC winters. I set up heated beds and check on them daily with a cat camera, making sure they have food and a safe place to rest. That’s how I noticed a new cat started sticking around about two weeks ago, one I’d never seen before.

He kept his distance at first, but I could see on the camera that he was using the shelters and coming by for food. I soon noticed he had a bad abscess on his ear, probably from a bite, and his ear looked badly injured. He isn’t neutered and seemed so defeated by NYC winter outside that when I finally brought him inside today, he didn’t even try to run. He just let me help him, as if he knew he needed it.

He’s a big cat, and even though he’s only been with me for a short time, I can tell he’s been through a lot. At first, he would run when I came out to feed him, but over time, he started to trust me. Today, he stayed put and ate, and when I picked him up, he didn’t fight at all. I think he’s just tired and wants to feel safe and cared for.

All funds raised will go directly toward his urgent vet bill, medication, a full examination, food, and his neuter appointment once he’s healthy enough. The most important thing right now is to get him seen by a vet as soon as possible, because I think he’s in pain and needs help to start his recovery. Every animal deserves all the help they can get, and it would mean so much to me if people could donate toward his care. Outdoor cats have a rough life already, and I want to give this little guy a chance to heal and not have to worry about pain on top of everything else. If anyone in the community can help in any way, it would make a world of difference for him.