Panda is my 15-year-old female domestic shorthair cat and my much-loved companion. Until recently, she was managing well for her age, but over the past 1–2 weeks she became lethargic, stopped eating properly, and began collapsing at home.

Blood tests showed a severe inflammatory response, with her white blood cell count initially extremely high and then dropping very low. This pattern is consistent with a serious infection or inflammatory condition.

X-rays revealed a pleural effusion, meaning a dangerous build-up of fluid around her lungs that was making it difficult for her to breathe. Emergency chest drainage was performed, removing 100ml of infected, foul-smelling fluid from the left side and 45ml from the right, followed by another 50ml the next day. This intervention likely saved her life.

Further imaging showed Panda is also constipated, and an ultrasound revealed a very full stomach and a possible mass near the liver, which may be related to the infection.

At this stage, the vets believe the only way to identify the underlying cause is an urgent CT scan. Possible causes include:

• Cancer spreading to the lungs

• A foreign body lodged in the chest

• Severe infectious pneumonia

Unfortunately, the hospital currently caring for Panda does not have CT facilities, meaning she must be transferred to a specialist veterinary centre. If surgery is required, the estimated cost is £8,000–£10,000.

Costs so far:

• Emergency appointment (Sunday 8th February): £280

• Follow-up appointment at local vet clinic (Wednesday 11th February): £670

• Current outstanding hospital balance: £3,000

The CT scan is urgent, but the cost is far beyond what I can manage alone.

Panda is a gentle, loving soul who has been by my side for many years. I am doing everything I can to give her a chance, and I am asking for help to continue her care.

Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and supporting Panda!