Hello, my name is Megan and this is my cat Leo!

Sadly, he has once again required emergency care that is financially beyond both mine and my partner’s means. Seven months ago on July 10, 2025 Leo suffered from a dangerous urinary blockage, and unfortunately was symptomatic for a second time on February 14, 2026. 

For context, I adopted Leo in April of 2025 and a few months later in July of that same year he was in need of medical intervention. As detailed in my previous fundraiser, Leo was confirmed to have developed a severe urinary blockage. Urinary blockages, which are more common in male cats due to their anatomy involving a long, narrow urethra that can become easily obstructed, are primarily caused by Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC). This combination of inflammatory issues can be fatal within 24-48 hours if left untreated and immediate intervention is not initiated. While the exact cause of FIC is unknown which makes prevention difficult, certain measures like increasing fluid intake through a wet-food diet and providing multiple sources of water within your home can decrease the likelihood of recurrence. I of course implemented these precautions, but Leo still acquired a second blockage despite my efforts. Luckily, because of my knowledge from his previous experience, I was able to bring him to an emergency veterinary center in a timely manner that left him in a considerably better condition from his last visit. 

Even though I was able to identify his symptoms and intervene much faster, his most recent plan of care has encountered more complications than before. To begin, Leo had removed his catheter on the first night of his stay. This made me laugh at first because he is just as clever and cunning at home, but I was quickly heartbroken for him because this was from a place of fear rather than playfulness. This admission was particularly hard on me because I was advised not to visit on account of Leo’s tendency to be anxious, which would have delayed his recovery. Leo also had to remain in the facility for an additional day than previously stipulated as blood clots were present in his catheter. These new obstacles were just another hurdle in an already unforeseen circumstance.

As I have stated in the initial fundraiser for Leo, his first urinary obstruction occurred prior to finalizing insurance for him. Now, he is disqualified from coverage on most policies as urinary blockages are classified as pre-existing conditions. Because of the nature of this diagnosis, likelihood of recurrence, and because Leo had two obstructions in under a year, the veterinarian recommended a surgical procedure called a Perineal Urethrostomy (PU). This surgery involves creating a wider opening in the urethra, and essentially reconstructs the male feline genitalia to instead resemble the female anatomy. 

With the introduction of an additional hospital stay, and the strong suggestion for a PU procedure, I am overwhelmed with this monetary burden. Just as I was beginning to financially recover from Leo’s last medical emergency, a series of unfortunate events occurred in which I was let go from my job and began experiencing my own health issues involving my cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Even with numerous applications to new positions, which occurred long before Leo’s scare, I have yet to secure work or even an interview. The culmination of these events, as well as the pressure from my final semester of my nursing program, has been incredibly demanding. 

Leo is the best part of my day, and he has made such a positive impact on my life. He has helped me get through my hardest days, and I would do anything for him. I love him so much and I can’t imagine him not being in my life. Leo is finally home after a three day stay, which came to around $6,540. I am hoping to raise money to recover a portion of funds spent out of pocket, as well as to go towards a future PU procedure for him. Thank you so much for reading, sharing, donating, or even just interacting. Leo means the world to me, my partner, and my family and so does your support. I would be eternally grateful if you are able to give even a small amount, and I will continue to update on his condition, but so far he is back to his happy, healthy self!