Help Me Save Bugs, the Wonder Cat!

Final update:

Bugs was brought home last night and is happily resting and recuperating from his ordeal. The vet reports no significant internal issues, so he was given a 2 week course of AB's, neutered, and the wound will be left open to heal on its own. HUGE thanks from me and Bugs to everyone who made this possible!

Bugs has just come out of surgery, within the last hour. He's doing fine. The vet reports no major internal problems. Bugs's belly is now closed up and he's been neutered. He'll be boarded for a couple of days before returning home later this week. To everyone who helped him get there, no matter how big or small the effort, Bugs & I owe a HUGE "Thank you!" We appreciate everything y'all have done! (Special shout out to Meow Dog Animal Rescue!) Original story is below.

Hi, all. My name is James.

Allow me to introduce Bugs, the Wonder Cat. In 2016, when he was a freshly weaned kitten, he and his brother were dumped on a dead end street. Luckily, the sole resident there took them in and cared for them. Sometimes, I would stop by and bring them food, milk, and lots of love.

Unfortunately, the man passed away in July 2022, leaving Bugs and his brother to fend for themselves. I've been caring for them since, stopping by to check on them, feed them, and give them much-needed love and affection.

Lately, Bugs and his brother have been VERY stressed, leading to unusually vicious fights between them. As a result, Bugs's belly has been torn open twice since February. It healed the first time, but was reopened over a month ago.

After posting about it on Twitter (now "X"), a friend kindly donated money to get him to a vet for stitches. I went to the nearest one - Hanahan Veterinary Clinic, on Yeamans Hall Rd., in Hanahan, S.C., which refused to take the case. Instead, they immediately recommended I take him anywhere else. There are no others within walking distance. I don't drive, can't take him on the bus (prohibited), and don't have money for a cab. I contacted a mobile vet, Saddleback, but got no response.

It's now been over a month. His belly is still open. The edges of the wound have thickened, so simple stitches are no longer an option. The wound is too large to heal on its own in a reasonable time. Surgery will be necessary to assess internal complications, if any, and close the wound. Thankfully, there's no sign of infection at present.

From what I understand from folks in similar situations, this will likely cost as much as $3,000+. I work day labor, so this is far beyond my meager means. So it is that I seek to raise sufficient funds to get Bugs to a vet for treatment and possible boarding for a few days. This will include transportation. Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.

If you want to see the wound and get more details about Bugs and his situation, you can find me on Twitter (now "X") and Counter Social: @Pooetryman. Photos of Bugs and his injury are posted there.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

James R. Malcom

UPDATE: Ladies and gentlemen, I have reached my goal! Thank you to everyone who donated and took time to spread the word. No matter how much or how little you gave, every single donation is HUGELY appreciated! Bugs and I thank you all!

Special thanks to Lisa Weismann over at ABC News 4 (WCIV, channel 4, Charleston, S.C.) for taking the time to talk with me and share Bugs's story on the air. Without her help, this fundraiser would not have reached its goal so quickly and Bugs would still be suffering, waiting for a vet.

UPDATE #2: Bugs was picked up yesterday by volunteers from Meow Dog Animal Rescue ( https://meowdoganimalrescue.com/ ) and transported to a veterinarian in Mount Pleasant (photo, above). The nice volunteers even brought me breakfast, so please thank them, as this wouldn't have been possible without their help.

All good news, so far; he's negative for FIV & feline leukemia. He'll be fixed up and neutered in the next couple days and brought home later this week.

Update #3: Bugs had surgery today and came through fine! No major internal problems to report. He's been neutered, his belly is now closed up and he'll be home in a few days.

Thank you very much to everyone who donated money and time to this important cause!

Sincerely,

James R. Malcom & Bugs, the Wonder Cat