Can you help us bridge the gap?

I very much do not want to be writing this post, but I don't know what else to do at this point.

My little cat shelter for elderly, disabled and desperate cats -- Holly's Merry Moggies in the midlands -- is not only out of money, but out of reserves too.

In short, a gorgeous old cat that we've had for more than a year was diagnosed with cancer, and his urgent treatment and sad passing cost in the region of £10,000. He is insured and we put our claims in promptly earlier this year, but it would appear our insurer ManyPets is having problems, because not only have they not even looked at any of the claims yet, they also haven't responded to our complaint (second one of 2024!).

In the months this has been dragging on, we've had absolutely no cash reserves to draw on when we have emergencies, like the little family of strays we're currently trying to save (we have pregnant mum, dad, and one tiny kitten -- but there are three more kittens to find and save).

When I say we're out of reserves, I mean not just the shelter -- my personal credit cards, my overdraft, and even my poor partner's credit card have all been maxed out. We're paying interest on the money ManyPets owes us, and still have to pay them hundreds of pounds a month for the other cats' policies. Also, if they don't pay the vet hospital's direct claim for Morris's care soon, we have to foot that bill too -- another £4k out of thin air!

I have some amazing updates for you on what we've been doing recently, including how beautiful Bear has been getting on since having his infected eye removed thanks to your generosity:

But before I can get to any of that, I need to do something to get pennies into our coffers urgently, so we can save, feed and treat the cats we're already committed to. I'm doing everything I can personally -- like selling everything I can get my hands on -- but I just can't do it on my own.

If you can help in any way, the kitties and I will be forever grateful. Thank mew!