Hi, I’m Brittany, mama to our 5-year-old male cat Buddha. The last several days have been a scary and devastating roller coaster for my family. On Tuesday, October 7, Buddha suddenly stopped eating, drinking, and urinating. Bloodwork revealed dangerously high kidney values (BUN 244, creatinine 18.9) and potassium at 8.4. The vet immediately recommended 24-hour hospital care, so we took him to Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital in Durham, where he is currently under intensive care.

Buddha has a kidney stone obstruction, which led to these critical values. He passed the stone from his kidney into his bladder, but may need surgery (a cystotomy) if he cannot safely pass it. If the stone blocks his urethra, it could become life-threatening again and further damage his kidneys. The estimated cost of his care so far is around $6,000, and the cystotomy would be another $850.

Buddha’s life has not been easy. He was found in the woods with a broken leg—it was later discovered that he had been shot. Naturally, he was skittish around people because of this trauma, but he really wanted to be loved. When we brought him into our home, he has been nothing but joy, love, and companionship. We could immediately tell that he wanted to be part of the gang and rubbed up against us and our cats, showing how very loving he is.

I have had to go through major medical struggles myself, including spinal surgery on eight of my sacral nerve roots in August this year, and Buddha has been by my side through it all. He is not only a source of comfort but also an inspiration to me—he survived months in the woods with a broken leg, and now he is helping me recover from my own challenges.

Buddha has made it through the initial illness that nearly killed him. This morning, Friday, October 10, he ate for the first time since Monday, which is a hopeful sign. He is getting better, but he still may need major surgery, and we are running out of funds.

If you are able to help us cover his medical bills, we and Buddha would be endlessly grateful. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you can’t donate, sharing this story also helps immensely. Thank you so much for reading and supporting our sweet boy.