Help Honey Bunches of Oat Get Life-Saving Surgery

Honey Bunches of Oat is a sweet 8-week-old kitten who came to us three weeks ago with his mama Cap’n Crunch and two siblings, Cookie Crisp and Fiber One. Sadly, Cookie Crisp passed away early on despite days of round the clock care—so we’re doing everything we can to make sure Honey Bunches gets the care he needs to thrive.

From the start, we noticed something was off about his behind. Like everyone else in his little family, he had diarrhea, so we took them all to the vet. They tested positive for coccidia and were treated—but once his poop began to solidify, we realized something more serious was going on. Every time Honey Bunches tried to poop, it would get stuck to his bottom, and he’d strain in discomfort.

Another visit to our primary vet confirmed that his anus looked abnormal and would need further imaging. We then took him to Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) in Plainview, where the vet suspects atresia ani, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition where the anus is malformed or entirely closed off. The exact type and severity can only be confirmed via CT scan, which will guide the necessary surgical plan.

We’ve scheduled Honey Bunches for a scan—and possible corrective surgery—on Monday, August 11. The current estimate for that visit alone is nearly $7,000 on top of the previous 2 vet visits and a consultation, which is overwhelming for a small rescue.

Earlier this summer, 10 Lives Rescue helped a kitten named Dune who was diagnosed with Atresia Ani Type 1. Thanks to surgery, Dune is doing great—and we hope Honey Bunches can have the same happy ending.

Please consider donating toward Honey Bunches’ medical care. Every bit helps us get him the care he needs to poop pain-free and live the long, happy life he deserves.