Hi Everyone,

This is Benji. He is about 4 years old. He was rescued from Northern California, in a place where they are "allegedly" poisoning and drowning stray cats to get rid of them.

Benji had a home and a mom. He was very much loved. His mom passed away back in January of this year. Unfortunately, her passing wasn't discovered for several days. Benji was trapped in the house until the local authorities arrived to do a welfare check on her.

When her family arrived, they didn't want him. They put him outside. After dealing with his mom's stuff, they abandoned him. He went from a loved pet, to losing his mom, to being an abandoned street cat.

Unfortunately, his mom didn't neuter him. It is unknown if he has ever had any proper vet care in his entire life. It's very doubtful he did. So an un neutered, probably un vaccinated, loving, cuddly, playful house cat was just put outside and left to survive on his own. He still had his collar on. They didn't bother to take it off.

When I first saw him, I knew he needed help. His nose was crusted over, his eyes were running, and swollen, he was very thin and filthy.

He went to the vet the following day. He was given a very basic health check, including blood tests for FIV, and the like. (All negative)

He was very nervous, but never growled or even try to scratch or bite. He was given antibiotics, parasite control, an eye exam, and as much of a teeth check as could be comfortably completed without sedation. We decided to do a more thorough dental exam when he was neutered. A more thorough check on his right eye as well.

His neuter was done, his vaccinations, and microchip, all completed with no problems. Then came the problems.

His teeth were checked. It was not good. We knew his front canine was broken, but we had no idea his mouth was in such a mess. He needs 8 teeth extracted. Some of them in the front are broken off inside his jaw. This is most likely from abuse. He was probably hit with a large object or kicked.

The vet also looked at his oddly shaped, very runny right eye. He believes someone tried to force it open as a kitten, injuring the eyelid. The vet is going to make an incision on the outer corner of his eye to hopefully alleviate the constant irritation his lower eyelid is causing.

Benji has been put through the wringer. He lost his mom, his home, and was completely abandoned. He is still the most loving kitty I have ever had in my care. Before he eats, he wants love, and a lap to cuddle on. He is very playful and has a fantastic personality. He deserves a chance at a pain free life with a family who loves him. I'm desperately trying to get him healthy enough to get him adopted.

I know times are tough, and money is really tight. If you can give anything, it will help. Every bit donated goes to his medical bills and medications. I had no idea his mouth and eye were in such a painful state. He really needs help. Please help me help him.

Breakdown of costs:

Pre operative needs: $467.00

Dental and eye corrections: $1159.00

Post op meds: $77.00

Thank you so much,

Benji and his foster mom, Lisa