Vet bills for much loved Crouch End stray cat

This small, severely underweight little man has been living round and about the front gardens of Ferme Park Road in Crouch End, North London. He has severe gingivitis and for a long time, probably months, his teeth and gums have been so painful that he hasn't been able to eat properly, leaving him very malnourished which is contributing to more health problems.

I found him on a very hot day, curled up and not moving, with pus oozing out of his mouth. I've taken him to Hill's veterinary practice in Crouch End three times now - once to establish that he wasn't microchipped or neutered, and to give him a much needed strong pain relief to allow him to eat some food in comfort, the second time to give him some super strong flea, worm and tick treatment because he was absolutely riddled with them, and to test him for FIV. The third time, he had his gums and teeth examined, and some blood tests to give the vets some more information before (hopefully) he gets some dental surgery in the near future.

I have paid, enthusiastically, for his bed, board, pain medication, the vet consultations and treatments so far, his FIV test, and will pay to have him neutered too, adding up to well over £500.

Unfortunately, the dental surgery costs are a bit beyond me, but this is what he truly needs to get his quality of life back. Even with the medication he is on, which can only really take the edge off his debilitating tooth pain, he can only eat very processed, very smooth foods - like pate or lick-e-lix, which isn't great long term as it's not the most nutritious. Because his mouth hurts, he can't clean himself, so his fur is matted and dirty. His gums are so swollen that he can't close his mouth, meaning he breathes with his mouth open, tongue out, leading to dehydration and the possibility that more bacteria will get in there.

All of that said, even with the immense pain he's in, he's extraordinarily affectionate. I get forehead boops all the time, and he purrs so loudly it sounds like a rocket's about to launch - I think he's trying in his own little way to say thanks for taking him in.

The team at Hill's in Crouch End have been fantastic, and so supportive, and any money that's raised for further treatment for this little guy will go to this small, independent, family run vets.

For anyone curious about what he's been nicknamed in the household he's staying, it's Ramon Tikaram after the EastEnders actor (because the poor little guy had ticks all over him when we first found him)!

You're all angels if you've taken the time to read this far. Thanks for your time and consideration - I know it's hard financially for everyone at the minute. Let's get the Tories out, and while we're at it Ramon's infected teeth out too!