My Baby Gizmo's Sudden Passing and Vet Bills

The world has been extremely cruel to me this past year but never did I expect this. At only 4 years old I have lost my other half Gizmo. I felt something was off about him and took him to the vet right away and he tested severely anemic to the point of taking him to get an emergency blood transfusion at the ER. I made the decision to put out the money to treat him because the vet thought he looked good for how anemic he was and recommended it. I wanted to do anything to give him the best chance. This outcome wasn't expected and surprised everyone. The transfusion granted me 1 more day of him feeling like himself again and enjoying his time with me cuddling or being my little gaming buddy. I will forever cherish having 1 last good day with him. Unfortunately it was short lived and I noticed he was jaundiced. I ended up back in the ER with him only to find out his blood count was declining rapidly.

I considered all options and there was no way to keep him going without his quality of life being terrible. It all happened so fast and putting him to sleep was the best option for his comfort. I can only find comfort knowing he passed feeling loved and comfortable in my arms, purring even till the last seconds.

I've had Gizmo since he was 8 weeks old and I connected with him in ways I could never explain. He is the only reason I am alive this day after getting me through this worst year of my life. He was more than just an emotional support animal and I will miss every moment with him. Gizmo was my favorite little spoon and gaming buddy. I could always smile being greeted by him at the door and talking with him all the time. There was so much personality in this cat and he was unique in every way imaginable. 4 years was too short a life for how much love this cat had to give. He was there for me when I needed him most and I'm glad I could be there for him when he needed me. I love you Gizmo. Cleo and I will miss you more than you will ever know.

After Gizmo's passing, his infectious disease panel came back positive for Mycoplasma haemominutum. He was an indoor only cat meaning it was most likely passed down from his parents. The disease lays dormant and often shows no clinical signs. It is hard to detect or know to screen for without clinical signs. He had regular vet visits and presented totally healthy otherwise. Normally these cases are treatable, but the vets believe there was an underlying issue with his immune system or bone marrow that created the perfect storm to make this fatal. Knowing more about this disease, I have had Cleo tested for the same mycoplasma because it can be transferred between cats.

Unfortunately, I was let go from my job a little over 2 months ago and had to drain a lot of my funds for living needs, pet costs, and apartment funds while I searched for jobs. I am also a college student, so I already struggle to make enough. I simply don't have the funds available and could use any help I can get. I just started my new job and I am completing commissions as an artist for funds, but putting out a few thousand dollars is something that is drowning me. It's so much stress on top of the loss of my baby. My mental health is suffering without him here (he was my ESA legally and aided with my chronic mental illnesses). I just need something to help me breathe I am hurting so much I feel so lost without him because he was the one good thing I had to keep me stable. It has made me feel so hopeless in this world and I'm trying so hard to continue without him. Please consider donating to help cover the cost of his treatment and his cremation. I will be getting his ashes some time soon and I can finally know my baby is home with me again. I did everything in my power to save him, but it was out of my hands. I will at least be forever grateful to have 1 day of him being himself again before I had to say goodbye.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you so much