Perineal Urethrostomy for Waffles

Hello, I’m Mataya and this is my cat Waffles. Waffles and I have been best friends since February 18th, 2023. We’ve shared some very cold nights and awkward days, but throughout it all, he’s been there for me. It’s time for me to be there for him.

Waffles has been having trouble using the bathroom—specifically peeing. He is suffering from recurring urinary blockages. Urinary blockages are extremely dangerous and cannot be ignored. Life-threatening illnesses can occur within 12 hours of a blockage, and death can occur in as little as 36 hours. Waffles has visited a veterinary hospital three times within the past month due to suspected blockages. Two of those visits have been for emergency care. He has had two surgeries to drain his bladder, both occurring at the emergency veterinarian clinic. As a result of these blockages, he has to have a prescription diet for the rest of his life.

To prevent future blockages, it is recommended a surgery is performed to remove a part of his urethra. This is called a perineal urethrostomy. This surgery would allow Waffles to use the bathroom easily and lower the likelihood of life-threatening complications due to a blockage.

The surgery comes with a hefty price. It is estimated to be between $3,000 and $5,000. As a college student, this amount is astronomical. So, I’m turning to my community for help.