We adopted Pangur Ban and his brother Lorcan on New Year’s Eve 2023. Their litter (5 boys) was found in a parking lot when they were less than a month old and taken to a local rescue. We adopted them when they were 8 months old. They live with me, my wife, and a third cat, Teagan, in our rental, where Pangur gets to bird watch to his heart’s content.

Unfortunately, Pangur Ban ate “upwards of 15” (quote from the vet) hair ties and needed an endoscopy to remove them from his esophagus and stomach. The procedure went well, but at some point he aspirated and now has to be in an oxygen cage in order to breathe. The vet is hopeful about his recovery, but it could be a long process as they monitor his oxygen levels, treat him for infection, and watch for pneumonia.

We live on one income, and unfortunately I will be losing my job at the end of May. Even if that hadn’t been the case, the bill is currently $7000 and counting, which is more than a 10th of my annual income.