Crowdfunding is something I’ve never really wanted to resort to, I’m always of the mindset that whatever happens-I’ll figure it out, and it will be okay.

However these past two years, and more specifically this past year, have been the hardest on me financially.

In October of 2024, Ben was diagnosed with diabetes. At that time he was prescribed Bexacat as an insulin replacement, and had been taking that everyday up until January 9th, 2026.

At the end of 2025, Ben was getting a UTI every month, sometimes twice a month. I had taken him to multiple vets and emergency vets. We kept asking why this was happening so frequently but ultimately just kept being prescribed antibiotics, anti inflammatory medications, and pain medications to put a band-aid over a much bigger problem.

In December I decided to take him to a new vet a friend recommended. From there we realized Bexacat, when taken for long periods of time, can cause chronic UTIs. It is suggested that once that happens to stop using it and switch to regular insulin injections. We were planning on switching, so I bought everything needed, and practiced to be prepared for his new normal. However once off of Bexacat, Ben’s blood sugar never increased to a point where insulin was needed. We determined after 2 weeks of Ben’s blood sugar maintaining normal levels on his own, he was misdiagnosed.

So after a lengthy back story of Ben’s health the past two years, it brings us to today. Ben’s last check up was on January 21st, at that time they wanted to double check that he was still stable without the insulin. We checked his levels and discussed switching over his food to normal cat food. Everything was looking up finally.

The following week on the 31st, Ben started to show signs of a UTI, so we took him to the vet. They advised it would be best to send him home with the necessary medication to help with the UTI, but to come back for extensive lab work to understand how he still is having chronic UTIs.

Monday February 2nd we went back to the vet. They did the urinalysis, bloodwork, and ultrasound to determine Ben has bladder stones that need to be removed and tested. This visit came out to $667.59. The surgery and all that comes along with it will cost $1,537.92.

Without the surgery, this not only could continue to happen, but also cause an obstruction that will lead to kidney failure.

I’ve been carrying the weight of every vet bill that Ben has had since 2024, and up until recently it’s been somewhat manageable. Except I’ve exhausted my savings, used credit, and have had to ask for help from family members. After the last year, and just this past week spending nearly $800- I am unable to afford this surgery.

When I go into how much money this journey has cost, people tend to tell me I’m doing too much for a cat.

But I truly can’t see it that way, I would do it all again if I had to. Ben is my first baby/pet, and easily the best thing that has ever happened to us. His presence makes our day-to-day brighter, and the hard times manageable. Not to mention he is very loved by his other furry siblings.

He completes our home.

Thank you for reading, and if you’re able to donate- Ben, Nick and I thank you endlessly.

-Mac