<div>On January 7th, 2025, I brought my 3-year-old cat, Hobbes, to the vet because he was having trouble using his litter box. His vet tentatively diagnosed him with FIC--a common condition in cats that veterinarians are still striving to understand. It's linked to stress and diet, and common symptoms include irritation of the bladder and urethra. (It's a very mysterious phenomenon.) This diagnosis didn't surprise me, because though Hobbes has lived a sheltered life, his been an anxious lil guy since he was a kitten. At its worse, FIC can lead to complete blockages, leaving the effected cat unable to urinate. Particularly for male cats, a blockage is life-threatening. It can lead to kidney failure and/or bladder rupture.

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<div>To try and relieve his symptoms and prevent future flareups, Hobbes was prescribed a pain medication, a special diet, and anxiety medication. (Me and my cat take our anxiety meds together at 10AM.)

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<div>She set me up with the meds and an expensive bill, and we both figured he would improve. Before I left, his vet told me to watch for bloody urine or a complete inability to produce--if I saw either, I was to take Hobbes to the emergency room immediately.

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<div>The following night I observed both. His condition was worsening. Hobbes was taken to the emergency vet on January 8th. My partner and I remained at the there with Hobbes until 4AM. Again, new medications and a renewed sense of hope, again an expensive bill.

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<div>However, on January 9th, Hobbes' urethra became fully obstructed--a potentially fatal condition for male cats. The kind veterinarian at the emergency clinic deemed his condition a life-threatening emergency, and he was kept at the emergency veterinarian clinic for what was supposed to be 1-2 days. Again medications, again some moments of hope, and my sick cat's bill got larger and larger.

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<div>Now, it's January 16th, and he still hasn't come home yet. For the last seven days, Hobbes has been fighting tooth and claw. His initial blockage led to a kidney infection. Hobbes' temperature rose, and he stopped eating. He's been on IV support, received his sustenance through a nasal feeding tube, and has been adjusting to an ever-shifting cocktail of medications and different-sized catheters.

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<div>His veterinary team (who all adore him) have been incredible in their support for Hobbes, and they've tried everything under the sun to heal my cat and get him back home to his brother, Alabaster. (This has resulted in many attempts to treat him, and many treatments that need to be paid for.)

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<div>Ultimately it was decided Hobbes would benefit from a "perineal urethrostomy" surgery. (In short, they created a new opening for my cat to relieve himself through. This surgery <em>should</em> ensure he never has problems with blockages again.) Yesterday evening, January 15th, a surgeon at the emergency clinic operated on Hobbes, and it went well.

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<div>Hobbes is eating of his own volition again, and his fever has gone down. He seems to be winning this fight, though he will need time to recover from surgery. His veterinary team(s) hope to have him home to me by the end of the 16th, though time will tell. I will provide updates as able.

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<div>The funds raised here will primarily go to covering Hobbes' extended "vacation" at the emergency clinic. A week-long stay in the hospital, surgery, and multiple emergency treatment plans are <em>wildly</em> expensive. Should his care be covered in full, as is the hope, any remaining funds will go towards purchasing the anxiety medication and special diet Hobbes will need to be on for the rest of his life, as well as medication to help him manage pain during his 2-week surgery recovery.

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<div>There are a lot of causes to contribute to, and I know throwing money at someone else's cat isn't the most appealing idea for everyone. But Hobbes, and his brother Alabaster, are truly members of my family and I love them wholly and unconditionally. Everyone who has met him says he's the sweetest cat on earth, and he deserves a second chance at life. I don't come from means, and I couldn't even <em>remotely</em> afford his care, but I believe in exhausting every resource available to care for those you love.

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<div>Any contribution will help, as will sharing this fundraiser widely. Thank you for reading Hobbes' story, and considering contributing to his care and recovery.

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<div>With love and gratitude,

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<div>Ty

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Help Ty Bring Hobbes Home Safe and Sound

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Help Ty Bring Hobbes Home Safe and Sound

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