The short: Fern is at very high risk of a deadly urinary blockage, which can kill him within 24 to 48 hours. This surgery is his only chance to prevent that and give him a normal life. I’ve already spent thousands on emergency care and had to quit my job and leave college to care for him. Now I need help covering the surgery costs.

The long: Fern is my 1.5-year-old cat. Last winter, I went to a shelter with three simple rules: no male cats, no black cats, and no overly affectionate cats. Imagine my surprise when I immediately fell in love with a cat who had all three traits.

Fern had been surrendered for “aggression” after being thrown into a very stressful party with five other cats he had never met. He was scared and overwhelmed, and when he bit someone, his owners blamed him and gave him up. I don’t know what they were thinking, but I knew he deserved better.

Since bringing him home, I’ve given Fern the best care I can, even though I’m in a tough financial place. He’s never hissed, growled, or hurt a fly. He’s a friendly, gentle cat and such a cool little dude that six different people have tried to buy him off me.

A month ago, Fern started peeing outside the litter box. I took him to the vet right away, where he was diagnosed with anxiety-induced idiopathic cystitis.

One week later, he got into a dangerous plant and had to be rushed to the emergency vet. Thankfully, he was fine from that, but they discovered he has asthma and a severe urinary tract infection.

Another week later, he started peeing blood and sometimes couldn’t pee at all. Tests revealed he has a weak urinary system and an abnormally narrow urethra for a male cat, plus another flare-up of cystitis. This puts him at extremely high risk of a urinary blockage, which is fatal within 24 to 48 hours if it happens.

The surgery he needs will enlarge his urethra to a structure similar to a female cat’s, which greatly reduces the risk of blockage and gives him a chance at a normal, healthy life.

So far, vet bills have totaled $4,000. I’ve had to drop out of college and quit my job so I can watch him constantly—because missing a blockage even for a short time could kill him. The vet says a blockage is basically inevitable without surgery.

Without this surgery, the only other option is euthanasia. I can’t accept that for a young cat who’s never had a real chance, but I can’t afford the surgery without help. I live by myself and have no family to ask.

Every penny raised will go directly to his surgery and care. Even the smallest donation helps give Fern the future he deserves.

Please consider donating if you can, and share this story with anyone who might be able to help. Thank you so much for your support.