My sweet cat Jerry suddenly became very sick this past Sunday. His right cheek and the area under his eye became swollen, he struggled to eat—dropping food because he could only chew on one side—and he grew unusually lethargic. He kept pawing at the right side of his face and overgrooming it, and he cried whenever he moved. I knew something was seriously wrong, so I took him to the vet as an emergency appointment.

Jerry was diagnosed with a dental abscess, and the veterinarian found a large pus pocket in his mouth along with severe inflammation in his gums. He will need at least one tooth extracted, but the vet believes several additional teeth may need to be removed once they can fully examine him under anesthesia. He was started on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, and bloodwork was done to ensure he can safely undergo surgery.

The costs have become overwhelming very quickly.

* Emergency visit: just under $600

* Pre-surgical chest X-rays: $485

* Dental X-rays, extraction(s), deep cleaning, and required rabies vaccine: estimated $2,000–$2,500

Total expected cost: $3,085–$3,585

This was completely unexpected, and asking for help is incredibly difficult for me. I live with multiple sclerosis, and Jerry is not just my companion—he is my emotional support animal and my heart. He has always been full of energy and love, and anyone who has met him knows his gentle, joyful spirit. Seeing him in pain has been heartbreaking, and I’m terrified of not being able to give him the care he urgently needs simply because of financial hardship.

Jerry must have this dental surgery before his 14-day antibiotic course is finished. The vet would like to get him scheduled for Tuesday, November 25th. Unfortunately, the veterinary clinic requires full payment up front and does not offer payment plans or hardship discounts.

I am reaching out in hope and prayer that with the kindness of friends, family, and compassionate strangers, I can get Jerry the treatment he needs to be healthy and pain-free again. Any help—whether through donating or simply sharing this fundraiser—means more than I can express.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me help my Jerry. ❤️