Cheeto's Medical Bills

Hi, my name is Katherine and this story isn't an easy one to share. This is for my kitty Cheeto. I have had Cheeto since I adopted him from a rescue 7 years ago when he was a kitten at 12 weeks. I even have the birth certificate they made for him when they had him named 'Toast' before Cheeto.

He's had a such a wonderful life. Spoiled rotten to his hearts desire, all the food, treats, toys, love and hugs he could ask for. He is a beautiful orange and white tabby with a heart of gold and gives the best cuddles. He's my little tiger, my boy.

Up until about a year ago, he’s been having some health issues. Bowel issues. He is deficating on the floor (as well as his litter box which is always cleaned every day and washed out every couple months). First vet appointment says his colon is backed up and very hard. So we thought it was constipation. After many visits, different laxatives and changing his food to a prescription diet, he started having bowel movements more frequently on the floor and started to vomit up what looked like runny stool.

Next thing was blood work which was completely normal, then X-Ray which showed something but not enough, then Ultrasound which showed an issue with the small intestine, inflammation and possible cancer.

He is currently on a steroid medication which was working but now after 3 weeks it is not effective anymore. He is also losing weight quickly which means he is not absorbing the nutrients effectively even though he asks for food constantly (He is fed the appropriate amount). He has urinated on the floor as well recently and I am scared that he's getting even worse.

Unfortunately, the vet cannot give me more information without a Biopsy of that area.

This is an issue that no pet owner ever wants to face. I know it should not be about money but I have spent thousands the past year working on his health and I just cannot spend $3,000-$6,000 on a biopsy because I just cannot afford it, it’s more than I have in my savings. The cost of living is outrageous and I’m going to further my education in September where my tuition will be over 8G a year for 3 years.

Im a nurse and it breaks my heart that I cannot give the care that my kitty needs because I cannot afford it. It would break my heart to not be able to give proper care to anyone for that matter.

Cheeto and I have been through so much together. He's helped me through my own struggles and heartbreaks, always being there for me, purring by my side.

I really didn't see this coming. I never imagined it would and now that is has, it's so much harder than I thought.

I refuse to put him down or bring him to a shelter because that’s abandonment to my own family. He’s my boy. There has to be another way and this is where I need to ask for help... which is something I am not good at doing, I'm too stubborn but I can't do this on my own anymore. God has challenged me and my faith and this is where we will prove it. Anything that can be donated will be accounted for Cheeto and Cheeto only. Every penny spent on Cheeto will be shown through receipts for the wonderful people that have donated.

I will include pictures of what has been spent so far on his journey including all diagnostic tests, medications and some food.

Please, enjoy the pictures I am about to post of Cheeto since he was a little kitten at 12 weeks old to now. I have posted a YouTube video linked as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any donations made.