Help Cobain Walk Again — Emergency Vet Care

Hi, I’m Steph, and I’m fundraising for my kitty Cobain - my sweet, resilient ginger boy who’s currently fighting for his life.

A few weeks ago, while I was in hospital for a serious health emergency of my own, Cobain was attacked by another cat in our village of El Paredon, Guatemala. I rushed back immediately to care for him, and at first, his injury seemed manageable - it seemed like a simple bite wound and a limp, which cats tend to recover from quickly. For the first two weeks, a kind local vet, Maddie, who visits El Paredon on weekends, did everything she could to help me treat him. But then, things got worse.

The same cat (we believe) forced its way into my home through the roof and attacked Cobain in my bedroom while we were sleeping - twice in one week - despite my efforts to shutter every opening in my home. These secondary attacks staggeringly increased the severity of his injury, and I cannot express how distressing it was to witness. Shortly after, I realised I was now out of my depth in my efforts to heal the wound, and made the 3-4 hour journey with Cobain via shared shuttle to VetPro in Antigua, where he stayed overnight and underwent extensive testing.

The next morning we received the full diagnosis: a completely severed Achilles tendon injury, an exposed bone, and severe anemia caused by FIV - feline immunodeficiency virus - which was caused by the attacks. He was given a 2-week dose of antibiotics to prevent infection, which has so far worked, however, the virus Cobain was infected with during the attack has severely weakened his immune system, making it nearly impossible to treat him efficiently at home. El Paredon is humid, messy, and rough on wounds. Despite my best efforts to follow the vet's treatment instructions to a T over the past week, he wasn’t getting better (he can no longer walk properly and is in severe pain), so I took him back to the vet in Antigua.

My vet, JP, has said he needs at least one week in the hospital, which costs a minimum of 250 quetzales (about $32 USD) per day, not including the cost of medication and daily treatment. If Cobain contracts an infection in his exposed bone, amputation will be the only option to save his life. This is a devastating prognosis, as anyone who knows Cobain, knows how adventurous, active, and playful he is.

So far, I’ve spent around $500 USD with two vets, medical supplies and food specialised for his condition, and expect costs to double or even triple depending on what happens next. I am now watching every cent, skipping my own medication and appointments, because I’m too scared to spend anything that might be needed for Cobain.

*Update: after careful financial assessment, the amount required to care for Cobain has increased. If any leftover funds exist, they will go directly to a new fund to sponsor spaying/castration of local cats in el Paredon.

And here’s the part I haven’t shared until now: Exactly one year ago, I nearly died after a ruptured ovarian cyst caused catastrophic internal bleeding. I lost ¾ of my blood and had just 30 minutes to live when I made it into surgery. I survived, but it devastated me financially, and the PTSD, recovery, and several months of severe anemia left me barely able to work, drowning in debt, and I’ve only just begun to rebuild my health and income. Unfortunately, I'm now also grieving the death of my other beloved cat, Balu, and mourning a close friend who passed away suddenly last week.

Over the past year life has felt unrelenting, but Cobain has been my companion through it all. He brings me comfort, laughter, and love, and I want to give him every chance to heal and live a happy life.

I know it’s been a heartbreaking time for our community - the recent devastating fire in El Paredon destroyed many homes and businesses. It feels hard to ask for help with much of the community still struggling, but this situation with Cobain is urgent, and I would be deeply grateful for any support, no matter how small.

If you’re able to donate, any amount helps. Funds will go directly toward:

I’m happy to share a breakdown of the costs I’ve paid so far for anyone who’d like transparency. I'll also be sharing future costs, so that any donors can see where the money is going.

If you’re not able to donate, I completely understand - simply sharing this campaign would mean the world.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for helping Cobain fight for a second chance.

With love and gratitude,

Stephanie & Cobain