Help me help Local Leo

This is Leo, a local stray cat I discovered looking for food while walking my dog late November on the trail in my neighborhood. I Immediately noticed his almost closed squinting eyes and knew he needed more help than just a meal. He also was holding up his front paw and had a limp. I learned he is a local tomcat that had never been spayed and had been in that condition around town for several years but looking worse. With the help of trap and release services, I trapped him, and he was taken to be spayed. That is all they do medically for them. They trap and release. It was now December and the holidays, I did not have the heart to release him in his condition. Especially with the cold winter setting in. I’d worry every day for him. He will never make it out there through this winter in his condition. His eyes and foot are painful. Leo needs some love and help. He needs to retire!

Leo is estimated to be about 6 years old. I have been trying to socialize him with not much success. I’m not experienced at this sort of thing just winging it with love and patience. He is feral, even though he looks like a big love ball. Sometimes he will let me hand feed treats but won’t let me pet him. He’s still afraid. Most importantly he needs to go back to the vet and have a procedure done on his eyes and his paw, which is causing him pain. I’m hoping when he’s out of pain he will be friendlier.

End game hoping to find him a loving home which is preferable or get him to a sanctuary, but the costs are rising and it’s taking more time and money then I was expecting. I’m a single mom and have pets of my own to take care of already so this is becoming a hardship, I’m in over my head but I don’t want to give up on him! I have already invested a few hundred but will need more for the surgeries. One of his toes may need to be amputated, and he needs eye entropion surgery. Please help me help this baby get out of pain, out of the cold and retire. Local neighbors say he has been around for several years with his eyes like that and limping! He was being feed but no medical care he really needs a break! Also, if anyone would be interested in adopting him or if you know of a cat miracle socializer, please, please reach out to me!

Thank you so much for listening to Leo’s story. All funds raised will go to Leo and his medical care.

Please send prayers for Leo!

(and me too‍♀️)

Connie