Help Us Save Zefir and Cover Over $10,000 in Vet Bills
Three emergency hospitalizations.
Two cats fighting for their lives.
A tiny kitten who survived more than most ever should.
I never imagined I would be asking for help publicly. I’ve always tried to handle everything on my own. But after months of medical crises, overwhelming bills, and ongoing treatment, we truly cannot do this alone.
We rescued Zefir from a high-intake shelter when he was only about a month old. He was tiny, vulnerable, and at risk — in many shelters, very young kittens without immediate placement face heartbreaking outcomes due to overcrowding. We could not let that be his fate. We brought him home, determined to give him
a second chance at life.
Zefir is gentle, affectionate, and full of personality. Our other cats — Otello and Karamelka — welcomed him into our family immediately.
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Emergency #1 — November 18, 2025 (Zefir)
Shortly after adoption, Zefir developed severe complications from an extensive intestinal parasite infection. He began passing blood and became barely responsive.
We rushed him to the emergency hospital, where he was hospitalized and stabilized.
Emergency bill: $3020+ paid out of pocket
Partial refund/adjustment: $687
Total paid: $2333+
Thanks to the veterinary team, Zefir survived.
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Emergency #2 — December 2025 (Otello)
In December, our older cat Otello accidentally ingested flea medication. He became critically ill — lethargic, vomiting repeatedly, and barely responding.
We rushed him to emergency care, where he required intensive treatment and monitoring.
Emergency bill: $3390+ paid out of pocket
Partial refund/adjustment: $989
Total paid: $2401+
Thankfully, Otello recovered, but the financial strain continued to grow.
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Emergency #3 — January 2026 (Zefir)
In January, Zefir’s health collapsed. He was diagnosed with FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), a life-threatening disease caused by mutation of feline coronavirus. Fluid began building in his abdomen, and he required emergency drainage and hospitalization.
Emergency bill: $6872+
Partial refund/adjustment: $1748
Total paid: $5297
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Insurance Situation
We had pet insurance, hoping it would help. Unfortunately, our claims were denied because the condition was classified as pre-existing based on earlier medical history. We received no reimbursement for these life-saving treatments.
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Total Out-of-Pocket Costs
• November 2025 (Zefir): $2333+
• December 2025 (Otello): $2401+
• January 2026 (Zefir): $5297+
Total: Over $10,000
This amount is overwhelming for our family.
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Ongoing FIP Treatment (January – July 2026)
Zefir is currently undergoing an intensive 84-day FIP treatment protocol. The medication is extremely expensive, and after that, he must complete an additional 84-day observation period to ensure the disease does not return. His treatment and monitoring will continue through July 2026.
Stopping treatment is not an option. He has already survived the shelter, three life-threatening emergencies, and countless challenges — he deserves to grow up healthy and live a full life.
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Our Commitment to Helping Others
We have always tried to help other cats in need. Over the years, we have:
• Donated food, supplies, and money to shelters.
• Supported people rescuing kittens from the streets or high-intake shelters.
• Provided food and care for outdoor and stray cats.
• Helped fund medical treatment for cats in critical need.
Now, for the first time, we are in a situation where we need help ourselves.
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Our Goal: $10,000
We are raising $10,000 to help cover the emergency veterinary expenses we have already paid and reduce the financial burden caused by life-saving interventions.
Zefir is not just a medical case — he is family. Any contribution — no matter how small — truly makes a difference. Even the cost of a cup of coffee helps us move closer to giving Zefir the future he deserves.
If you are unable to donate, sharing our story would mean the world to us.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you to the veterinary teams who saved Zefir and Otello.
And thank you to everyone who helps us give this little survivor the life he almost didn’t get.
