Soot is a neonatal kitten with a cleft palate - we are fighting the odds to get him to his repair and the ability to live a normal kitty life! Unfortunately, that repair costs a LOT.
8/17: Updated info!
We have learned that Soot Sprite has a cleft palate! What does that mean? It means that we have to tube feed him until he is able to get the surgery (or surgeries) to fix that palate.
Today we will be hearing from the vet for more information about getting him examined/next steps, but according to PetMD this is a pretty severe secondary palate (soft and hard palate).
These can cost anywhere from $900-$7500 per surgery depending on the surgeon/how many surgeries are needed.
It also means that will will need to tube feed until he is able to withstand anesthesia - typically around 4 months old.
I updated our goal to cover the high end of the non-specialized/board certified range ($3000).
-----------
----------
Original Description
On August 1st my husband and I found a feral stray black cat (Moxie) in the Kroger parking lot. We didn't want to leave her out, especially as the fall season approaches, so we caught her. After a quarantine period we took her to the vet on August 7th and found out that she was pregnant!
The vet said she would give birth in the next 1-2 weeks, but she decided sooner was better than later and gave birth August 10th to 3 kittens. Because she was so young, she ended up shunning her first (Soot), killing one (named Ember posthumously), and wounding her 3rd (Ash).
We took them in the the vet hospital and confirmed no more kittens in her, and that we would need to tube feed Soot because they wouldn't suckle, and hand feed Ash.
August 11th Ash was not eating on their own and incredibly lethargic. I rushed them to the vet hospital and they found that they couldn't stay warm enough and had low blood sugar. While Ash fought hard, they devastatingly passed away August 12th.
Today, August 14th, we are back at the vet hospital for discharge from Soots left eye.
The vet/cremation bills alone have amounted to $2000+ not counting what I will spend today, and we still need to get Momma Moxie spayed, plus any other visits we may have as things arise.
We have been pulling from our savings, and every cent has been worth it, but I am concerned there will be a point where we hit the bottom of the well. We also would like to get Ember cremated if possible.
Whether they lived for hours, days, or will live to old age, each one of these little kitties are so insanely loved. Anything you can give to help us make sure they get the very best care is greatly appreciated.
