On Sunday, March 15th, our beloved cat Leo had a seizure for the first time. It was one of the scariest moments we’ve ever experienced. We rushed him to the emergency vet in Maumee, hoping they could tell us what was wrong and help him feel better.

At first, we were told it might be a “wait and see” situation. Seizures can sometimes happen for unknown reasons, and we were hoping it was a one-time event. But when we decided to run bloodwork, the results revealed something far more concerning. Leo had an abnormally high red blood cell count. The vet explained that his blood was so thick it was almost like sludge moving through his body.

Both veterinarians we’ve seen said they’ve never encountered this condition in a cat before. In true orange-cat fashion, Leo seems to be making up his own rules.

To help him, the vets had to perform a procedure similar to bloodletting to remove some of the thick blood from his body while giving him fluids to stabilize him. They also ran tests for feline leukemia and took x-rays, but everything came back normal. Despite all of that testing, we still don’t have answers about what caused this.

Leo stayed overnight at the emergency vet where, thankfully, he had no additional seizures and even ate food like his normal self. The next day he was transferred to our regular vet for further testing and monitoring.

Because his blood clots so quickly, it has been difficult for the doctors to even draw enough blood for testing. However, with the small amount they were able to collect on Monday morning, March 16th, we learned that his red blood cell count has gone down slightly, but it’s still not within a safe range.

Depending on how today’s tests go, Leo may need to be referred to Toledo for an ultrasound or possibly even to Columbus for more advanced testing.

So far, we have already spent $2,154.89 at the emergency vet, and we are currently facing an additional $700 for his stay at our regular vet in Napoleon, not including any further testing or specialist visits that may be needed.

Anyone who has met Leo instantly falls in love with him. He’s the friendliest orange cat you’ll ever meet and honestly acts more like a dog than a cat. He greets us at the door when we come home from work, proudly carries his favorite toy string around the house, loves sunbathing in the window, and spends his evenings making biscuits. Most of all, Leo loves to eat and have long “conversations” with us.

Leo turns 4 years old on Friday, March 20th. I had even planned a little birthday party for him. Right now, all I’m hoping for is to have him home with us again, healthy and safe.

Leo is my baby, and we’ve only had him for such a short time. I’m praying we get many more years and memories with him.

Any support, donation, or share means the world to us during this incredibly stressful time. Thank you for helping us give Leo the care he needs.