Help Jiro's Recovery: Vet and Medical Bills

As my friends and family have described Jiro, he’s a very social, bright cat who loves talking to people and strangers whenever they visit. He's also witty and clever, always trying to sneak out and learn how to open doors. He’s been with me and my family for 11 years, and he’s my best friend since I was 18. I adopted him because he called to me, and I fell in love at first sight.

Unfortunately, while I was in Japan, my mom and sister noticed strange behavior from him. On October 9, 2024, at 10:27 PM, he was howling and crawling on his front legs, and it looked like his hind legs were suddenly paralyzed. My sister immediately took him to the ER at VCA Hospital. The vet told me he seemed to have Saddle Thrombus (a blood clot that hinders blood flow to the hind legs). They informed me he would need critical care with blood thinner medications for the rest of his life (with a low prognosis) or euthanasia. Just before I left, he seemed like his usual self. It was a sudden decision I had to make, but I chose treatment and hospitalization because I thought it was too soon for him to end his life so abruptly.

After more testing and examinations, they discovered there were no major clots and no heart disease, which is a good thing. Fortunately, after one day in the hospital, he was slowly able to walk again. However, they noticed his kidneys are getting weaker, indicating a potential for kidney disease.

As for the hospital bills, they were paid out of pocket, and with ongoing treatments, it estimates roughly up to $12,332.70. Luckily, I have enough savings for him; however, I recently quit my full-time job to pursue my business, and the vet bills has created a deep hole financially. I booked my flight back to LA to visit Jiro in the hospital and care for him after his discharge. His vet bills include blood thinner medications for life and pain relievers I need to give him. It's very difficult for me financially right now especially when I have to solely rely on my business for money, and I want to try to keep him alive as much as possible.

Anything would help. Thank you for all the prayers for Jiro and me. I pray that he’ll get better and have a playful life again. I truly appreciate all the support from my friends and family, as well as from those who don’t know Jiro but wish to help. I will provide updates on Jiro and answer any questions you may have.

His Instagram: @jiromeows

Thank you,

Teresa