Hello!

My name is Sharna but I am actually here to tell Bagheera's story.

In September, I went to help a cat which was reported to me a lady who had been feeding him but was becoming increasingly worried about the cat getting sick and clearly living out 24/7 in all weathers. She noticed he was beginning to struggle and told me he had actually lived on the street for years. In the picture below, he was showing signs of issues with his eyes and was in overall poor health.

I took him in and got him neutered, microchipped, flead and wormed. A local charity sponsored his FIV test and very kindly paid for and arranged it as he was showing symptoms (Thank you to Never give up rescue) which showed that he was indeed sadly positive for FIV. This means that he heals slower than other cats, and has a weakened immune system. They also helped me get eyedrops for his eyes.

Bagheera was absolutely petrified of me when I brought him home and started getting him sorted, and hissed every time he saw me. Let me tell you, getting a cat that does not trust you and has lived on a street for years to let you give him eyedrops three times a day is no walk in the park. But little by little. all those walls came down. He clearly had been hurt by people in the past, and it took him a long time to accept that me carrying anything in my hands was safe (my theory is people have thrown things at him). He is missing one of his fangs and has 100000 percent been through it. He then played with a ball for the first time, and had the energy to move around and then suddenly... he became my shadow! he followed me around like a dog, purring every time his eyes see me instead of those hisses from before. He is the MOST affectionate, loving cat I have ever met, he just needed a chance to feel safe..

But then, he started to show signs of swelling and infection in his feet, and was diagnosed with pillow foot and placed on antibiotics and steroids. This seemed to help, but the infection then began to worsen - so I went back to the vets and another course of antibiotics. Still, no luck. (start of infection below picture)

The infection and overall state of his foot can be seen in the pictures, both at the start of infection and as it has progressed despite the antibiotics. Today, after another consult with the vet they have advised surgery to take place on Monday morning. The infection is so bad that you can now smell it, Bagheera is clearly struggling with it and the infection is progressing. The vet has advised that until they cannot be too sure of the extent, but they may need to remove the toe altogether and biopsy and culture for targeted antibiotics. The vet even mentioned there is a possibility there is a tumour, but ultimately without investigating further as part of surgery, they cannot be sure.

They have given an approximate cost, and he is tentatively booked in for Monday. I am going to be really honest- I have spent about £350 on Bagheeras vet fees, in addition to obviously his food and litter etc. I know I have taken responsibility to get him help and I will do everything I can for him, but I really did not plan on this! (who does!) but then how could I say no? He needed help, winter was on it's way and I don't regret a thing. At first I thought, it will be fine I will rehome him, temporary foster... but it is becoming more apparent that with his complicated health, he is unlikely to find a home anywhere else and I think he has earned his retirement with me after being on the streets for multiple winters.

I will do what I can, but if you can help with the vet fees of an old, stray rescue cat then I would appreciate any help I can get for him. His surgery is currently booked for Monday, fingers crossed!

Thank you for reading. ❤️