Hello, my name is Val Rabb. I’m a caregiver for my 87-year-old mom and a lifelong cat lover, having had feline companions since I was 15.

My longtime family tabby, BJ, was with us for 18 wonderful years before passing away in 2020. He was more than just a pet—he was family. He welcomed my children when they were born and was a constant source of love and companionship.

In 2021, when I took on the role of caring for my mom, I decided to bring another cat into our home. I wanted to add joy to our lives, but truthfully, I also missed BJ. So, I visited an adoption center—and that’s when Milo found me.

Milo is a vibrant, talkative, and endlessly entertaining cat who amazes me every day. He has a knack for disappearing, only to magically reappear the moment I call out, “Where’s Milo?” He’s been a wonderful addition to our home, filling it with laughter, energy, and love.

On 2/27/25 I cleaned Milo’s litter box and while it was empty he peed and I saw blood. I immediately called the vet the same day and we were seen. They gave me the possibilities (UTI, stones and/or blockage). We started with antibiotics. After a week I still saw blood. I was told - “We need to do a urinalysis. That was done. 2 days later the results showed elevated white and red blood cells. The vet says- he has a UTI. 

Again with the antibiotics. After another week passed, he peed on the floor and again- there’s blood in his urine. I called the vet and was told a urine culture is needed to determine the exact bacteria that’s causing the UTI because some meds will not work on them. That’s when I realized - my vet is stealing my money and not trying to resolve the issue. At that point I paid $450.  To have a urine culture, the would be another $300. 

I kindly asked for his med recs and went to a different vet the following week. They reviewed the records and gave me a rundown on what was needed. It involved Xray, ultrasound, special urinary food with a grand total of $1500. 2 days later I went to a vet a coworker suggested. I gave them all the info and simply said- I need to know exactly what he has and how to resolve it. 

The vet said let’s do an X-ray and bloodwork. Which required anesthesia. I said okay. That was $950. The results came back that he has 2 bladder stones. And his bloodwork is good. Bladder stones come from the cats own metabolism. It starts as crystals, then become calcified into stones. Surgery is the only option , however the doc said some people used prescription food to assist with the stones. He personally has not had success with that option. He says the prescription food is best after the stones are removed as prevention going forward.

The next steps are to have surgery which will cost $1900. They will also need to do an analysis on the stones to determine which food Milo will need. That cost wasn’t included.

I’m reaching out today because I am on a limited income and I don’t have pet insurance to cover the cost of this surgery.

He’s been suffering with this condition for almost 2 months due to the back and forth with the first vet. I’m not sure how much time he has and the cost is more than I can manage right now.

Anything you can give—big or small—will go directly toward his surgery and recovery. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to me. Milo is still so young, and with this surgery, he can get back to his happy, mischievous self.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support. Milo and I are beyond grateful!