Shrubs is my two-year-old rescue cat, and he’s been a source of comfort and joy since I brought him home. Recently, Shrubs started having trouble moving around, and after several vet visits, we learned that he needs surgery on both hips and both knees. The ball of his hip joint is separated in both hips, and he has luxated patellas in his knees, which means his kneecaps don’t stay in place. This wasn’t caused by an accident, but rather a medical condition that’s left him in constant pain. Right now, Shrubs can’t jump, move around, or even get into his litter box—he spends most of his time lying on his side, clearly uncomfortable and sad, and completely not himself.

The vet has recommended a series of surgeries, starting in two weeks with one hip and one knee, followed by about six weeks of recovery. After that, Shrubs will need surgery on the other hip and knee. The funds raised will go directly toward the cost of these surgeries, which are essential for Shrubs to have a chance at a pain-free, active life. Any support will help give Shrubs the care he needs to recover and get back to being the playful, loving cat he deserves to be.