Mochi and her kidneys need your help

Hi everyone. My name is Jacqueline, and I've never done this before.

Our sweet 2 year old kitty, Mochi, woke up a few days ago, with what seemed like harmless vomiting and a bit of sleepiness. When it didn't go away in a couple days, we took her to the vet, feeling that something was wrong. She'd never been sick before, and we could tell she definitely felt off.

Mochi is a rescue kitten who wandered into our backyard during a cookout, and we've loved her ever since. She is an ESA, a light in our lives, and an absolute sweetheart.

They initially thought she had a bowel obstruction, as she's the kind of cat who loves to eat paper, plastic, and anything that isn't actually food. Her X-rays showed some inflammation in her intestines, and lots of backup, and it seemed that was the culprit. We were sent home after she was given some fluids and some anti-nausea meds for the vomiting and hoping for her to pass everything at home.

The next day, she had stopped vomiting but looked terrible - not her usual bright kitten self. She had yet to go to the bathroom, so we were advised to bring her back in for followup X-rays and blood work.

The blood work showed a completely different story.

Mochi was suddenly, and without much warning, almost in kidney failure. The vet's best guess was pyelonephritis, a severe kidney infection, that had started as a hidden UTI and traveled to her kidneys, causing systemic inflammation, fever, vomiting, and if not treated urgently, death.

She is heading to an animal hospital for a few days to be given round the clock antibiotics, fluids, and care - to give her the best chance of fighting this. Depending on how well she responds to treatment, this could cost anywhere from $3000 - $6000, on top of the $1700 we have already paid for her initial x-rays and treatment.

After the x-rays, bloodwork, ultrasounds, overnight hospitalization and treatment - we are left with a whopping bill that could grow exponentially depending on how the next two days play out.

We've never done this before, but are asking our networks for any help they can provide in mitigating some costs so we can continue to give Mochi, the sweet dumpster cat who wandered into our yard and hearts two years ago, the best care and chance at survival.

Our hearts are broken and heavy. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for anything you are able to give. We understand fully that it's not the best time for a lot of folks, so our appreciation is immense.

Please love your cats for us. Thank you for reading.

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If our estimate comes in lower than what is expected, the remaining funds, if met, will be donated to an animal sanctuary or shelter of our choosing. Hope to share an update soon.

UPDATES:

5/3/24

Mochi was admitted to the emergency hospital last night for round the clock care. So far, she’s doing well with rehydrating and the IV antibiotics. Today she’s getting an ultrasound to see just how much damage her kidneys have taken on, and if she has stones, lymphoma, or FIP that could be contributing. We should hear something soon and will post another update. Thank you all for your support so far!