Help Save Tegan!: Support Ongoing Care & Emergency Vet Bills

Update:

A lot of people have donated via CashApp and Venmo, and we’ve also raised funds through selling merch and baked goods. ❤️ Since I can’t change the GoFundMe total to include off-platform donations, I’m sharing the numbers here:

We’ve raised $3,000 out of our $5,000 goal — meaning only $2,000 remains to cover Tegan’s CareCredit balance and follow-up care, which includes an echocardiogram.

What happened?

After extensive discussion with multiple veterinary professionals, it’s most likely that Tegan’s symptoms were triggered by accidental ingestion of optical medication not intended for internal use.

There are currently no published safety studies on ingestion of this medication in cats, so potential adverse effects may go underreported. Out of the several opinions we’ve sought (including an emergency vet), three separate professionals have agreed that this is a plausible explanation given the timing and nature of his symptoms.

Because there were many unknowns, Tegan has had several follow-up appointments to rule out other possible causes. During this process, he was prescribed Amlodipine due to high blood pressure recorded at the ER. However, there’s no clear evidence he needs long-term treatment for hypertension, so we are currently doing a trial period without the medication. His next blood pressure check is scheduled for August 14th — if his readings are normal, that would further support the ingestion theory.

This has been a challenging time, both emotionally and financially, as answers have been slow to come and the situation is rare. Once hypertension is officially ruled out, I plan to contact the ASPCA, as well as report the incident to the FDA and veterinary medical board, in hopes of increasing awareness and safety for other pets.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and supported us. Tegan is my whole world, and your kindness is making his recovery possible.

Hi, my name is Vika, and I'm fundraising for my beloved cat, Tegan — my soulmate, my shadow, my heartbeat, my little love.

What happened

Early Thursday morning at 6 a.m., I found Tegan confused, stumbling, vomiting, restless, and in distress. When he involuntarily urinated on himself, I knew something was terribly wrong. I rushed him to the 24-hour emergency vet.

There, his blood pressure was dangerously high — 200mmHg — a level that can cause irreversible damage to his eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain. He was immediately admitted for 12 hours of intensive monitoring and treatment. Though the vets stabilized him, the cause remains unknown, and ongoing care is critical.

Tegan is not out of the woods yet — and every day, I fight to keep him safe and healthy.

Why I Need Support

Emergency care and chronic management costs have quickly overwhelmed me. These unexpected bills have hit hard. The recent ER expenses and follow-up vet costs add up quickly. Below is a current breakdown of expenses.

ER Visit itemized list & cost:

Emergency Consultation - $213

Blood Pressure 12-hour monitoring - $129

Amlodipine 2.5mg Tab - $6.73

Heart Health Evaluation - $83.225

Evaluation of UTI, kidney disease, & other health conditions - $111.25

Catheter I.V - $194

Full blood count (CBC) - $364.50

Thyroid Testing - $146.25

Radiograph 3 views - $382.50

Radiograph, Radiologist Review - $135.50

Gabapentin 50mg - $11.39

Nausea Medication - $83.60

12 Hour Hospitalization - $94

12 Hour Nursing Care - $186.75

12 Hour Fluid Therapy - $169

Amlodipine 2.5 tabs prescription - $19.38

Gabapentin 50mg Tabs prescription - $102.14

Invoice Total: $2,432.49

Estimate of future costs:

Tegan's follow-up exam is estimated at $71, which covers the basic visit. However, depending on how he's doing, there may be additional costs if further tests, treatments, or medications are needed.

Unexpected cost est - $200 (If they require further testing)

Blood test + ACTH stimulation panel - $400

Abdominal ultrasound - $600

Optometrist Evaluation related to high blood pressure - $300

We are also asking for a little help with rent costs ($763) as I have spent most of my finances trying to save my boy, and it is important that we are able to stay in a stress-free & comfortable environment to give him the best possible outcome for recovery and keeping his stress levels low.

All together this totals out to: $4,766.49

Goal: $5,000

This goal will cover current bills, follow-ups, medications, and give us a safety net if another emergency strikes — something I pray won’t happen but must prepare for.

Why It Matters

Tegan isn’t just a cat. He’s my world. We’ve been inseparable since I found him abandoned and near death in 2013. Together, we survived homelessness and hardship — his love gave me strength I never knew I had.

Every night, he curls up beside me — my constant companion and emotional anchor. He’s irreplaceable, once in a lifetime, and I cannot imagine life without him.

I’ve done everything possible to give him a safe, loving home. Now, I’m asking for help to continue giving him everything he deserves, and that includes a comfortable, happy, and healthy life.

If You Can Help

Even $5 makes a difference. Your donation helps keep Tegan healthy, safe, and loved. If you can’t donate, please share this campaign — it means more than words can say.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

With love and gratitude,

Vika & Tegan