Help Fuji Recover: Support for ICU Care

Hi! Whether you’re here to donate or not, thanks for clicking the link to learn more about my wonderful baby boy cat FUJI. I’ve had Fuji for a little over three years now, and he’s made a permanent impact on my and my roommate’s hearts and lives. When I got him, he was underweight—clearly not an issue anymore—and so stressed he would rip the fur off of his back from over-grooming. He quickly made himself at home with me and my other pets and is an irreplaceable addition to the Kendall and Poole household. He is highly empathetic, and will respond to “Fuji kiss” with loving head butts. We cannot imagine our lives without him.

Right now, Fuji is in the ICU recovering from a urinary tract unblocking procedure. He’s expected to stay for at least 72 hours total, receiving 24 hour care from the best team we could find—which in Boca Raton, FL is NOT CHEAP. My roommate and I were expecting $2000-3000 and the bill came to $7700.

On Sunday, June 8th, I noticed something was up with Fuji. I thought he was constipated, because he was hunching over and crying near the litter box. I ran out to the grocery store to get him some pumpkin and wet treats to use as a pet-safe laxative. I called and left a voicemail for my normal vet asking for the first Monday appointment available. I was expecting a $300 enema and a sad and embarrassed cat. I took him to the vet the next morning and found out it was much worse. A urinary block can be deadly for male cats his age and weight range, and I am SO grateful my vet sent me away to the emergency vet immediately. Six minutes later I was checking him into the emergency vet, signing a paper saying I acknowledge the starting rate for an emergency is $2,500.

This is the first time Fuji has ever been sick, so we were very scared and knew that we would do whatever it took to save his life— including maxxing out 9 credit cards—yes I have 9 credit cards. I do not speak much about finances publicly but I am currently a full-time law student, living off of 3 scholarships, student loans, and a job that I love dearly that, due to recent government budget cuts, severely underpays me.

We are hoping this will be a one-time event, as Fuji—other than being a big guy—is very healthy and is expected to live many more wonderful years. After this I will definitely be getting him pet insurance if this were to ever happen again. But for now, emergencies happen, and I couldn’t hesitate to spend all but $40 of the money I have to make sure he continues to be the happy boy we have come to love.

Donations are amazing and shares would help too. Free additional Fuji pics to all donators!