On Wednesday my 18 month old black cat, Taro, started vomiting phlegm. He was bright, affectionate and completely himself. He ate normally, so at first it seemed minor. The vet agreed it was likely a mild stomach upset and gave him anti nausea medication.

By midnight everything had changed. He would not eat or drink, had not used the litter tray, and had withdrawn to a corner that was not his usual spot.

He didn’t want anything from anyone; apart from Colin, our Border Collie, who stayed beside his best friend all night.

The next morning we rushed him back. An X ray showed a mass in his stomach. We were referred for specialist care, where further imaging revealed something worse. A thread like material had passed into his intestines and they were concertinaed. He needed immediate open abdominal surgery.

His stomach and intestines were opened and the blockage removed. It turned out to be grape stalks and hair. We genuinely do not know how he accessed grape stalks. As far as we know he has never gotten into a bin bag. The only explanation we can think of is that somehow he managed to without us knowing.

Waiting for the call after surgery was one of the longest days we have had. Thankfully there was no permanent damage. He is now home, healing well, and very much himself again.

The total bill came to around £6,500. Our insurance covered £4,000, leaving £2,500 to pay immediately.

I have put it on credit cards and moved it to a six month 0 percent deal to buy time. Realistically, I cannot clear £2,500 in that window, and it will become long term debt.

We said yes to the surgery without hesitation. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

Now I am swallowing my pride and asking for help with the financial aftermath. I do not expect to raise the full amount, but anything genuinely helps.

Thank you for reading