PLEASE READ IN FULL FOR ALL DETAILS ON LUNA AND HER OPERATION

Hi everyone -

My cat Luna is an 8 month old Russian Blue Mix who is very independent, energetic, loving, and extremely curious! You can try your best to cat proof your home, but sometimes they still get the best of you...

Recently, I noticed that Luna had been eating far less and vomiting for the past week and a half or so, but I was alarmed today (January 5, 2022) when I saw that she had vomited up half of a hair tie. Naturally, I immediately took her to the vet where they did a body exam and some scans. When they showed me the X-Rays (attached in photos), my heart immediately dropped. Luna's stomach was completely filled with black hair ties - the vet expressed that her stomach was so expanded that it would be surprising to him if she could fit anything else in there.

Luna requires an emergency surgery operation (gastrostomy) which they will be performing tomorrow (January 6th, 2022) where they will be opening her stomach to empty the contents and remove the hair ties that are stuck in her stomach. Luckily, the vet told me that these operations are relatively low risk, but her case is unusual in the extent to which her stomach is full, and complications are always possible. Assuming the operation goes well, they will keep her for another two days in the facility to monitor her and ensure she is recovering well.

Why I'm asking for your help

I have been saving money from work and school grants for months for emergencies like this, but just a few days ago I had to use $11,000 to pay the balance left on my car and purchase it in full. The market is so bad right now that my only other options were A) Create a new lease on the car (which would raise my currently monthly payment of $199 to at least $450 and require a down payment of 4,000+ or more or B) lose the car. I couldn't even finance the car to purchase it because the my dealership was not financing for first time buyers. Losing the car was not an option as my commute to work is anywhere between 20-55 minutes and I rely on cash flow from work to pay for school, living expenses, and food, litter, etc. for Luna. I spent my entire savings + 3 months worth of school financial aid at once + loans from my family members to pay off my car, and I have been left with nothing as of right now.

Luna's operation is going to cost anywhere between $3,072.65 and $3,524.58 (itemized list attached in photos), an unprecedented expense which I cannot afford in full at the moment. I will be exploring payment options with my Vet including care credit (which I do not expect to be approved for given I am only just establishing my credit).

ANY amount of support would be greatly appreciated. Luna means the world to me and I couldn't imagine life without her. She gave me a reason to wake up in the morning and has brought so much more meaning and happiness into my life. Your donation will help tremendously with the vet bills and helping afford Luna's expenses in the coming months.

Thank you!

-Michael and Luna