On Christmas Eve, a tiny kitten was spotted alone in a San Antonio parking lot, malnourished, covered in fleas, undersized, and clearly injured. About 3am Christmas morning, upon receiving details of where to find the little guy, we retrieved, flea-bathed, fed, and gave him his own VIP suite in the spare bathroom. Christmas day was when the hard work began.

While many families were sitting down to Christmas dinner, this little guy was at the emergency vet receiving bad news.

Our Christmas cat, now named Jack, has a complete fracture and dislocation of his right hind femur. The sharp broken bone is aggravating surrounding muscle tissue, causing significant pain and swelling.

Because it’s the Christmas holiday, local veterinary orthopedic specialists are closed or operating on limited hours, slowing access to definitive care. We are actively trying to connect with a rescue organization to help take over his medical care, but the holiday timing has made that difficult. Luckily, this is not our first rodeo with special and urgent need cat rescue, and we know many wonderful vetmed professionals to expedite Jack's access to what extent possible for this time of year. But that doesn't cover the exorbitant cost of getting Jack walking, running, and playing like a kitten his age should.

Jack’s treatment options are complicated:

We will pursue whichever option gives Jack the best quality of life.

Based on estimates and research, Jack’s medical costs are expected to range from $800 to $4,000, depending on surgical needs, imaging, hospitalization, medications, and follow-up care. We are happy covering all food, litter, toys, snuggles, and housing while he heals.

Every dollar raised will be used for Jack’s care. If a professional rescue is able to step in and assume responsibility, all funds raised will be donated directly to that rescue. Any funds not needed for Jack’s treatment will first be applied toward his neuter and kitten vaccines to get him ready for his furever home, then be donated to local veterinary patient assistance funds, helping other animals heal.

Despite everything, Jack is an active, curious little lovebug. He is eating well, using the litter box normally, and has already received a clean SNAP test and his first rabies vaccine. He is sweet, affectionate, and just wants to be held. Jack was found injured, hungry, and alone, but all he needs to thrive is everything this season's about: love, lots of food, some generosity, and a little cash meowny. With your help, he'll be ready to explore, tumble, play, and express his little orange self in no time.

Please consider donating or sharing Jack’s GoFundMe.