Saving Josh (Memorial Contributions)

Josh was found wearing a collar, but no owner came forward after an extensive search.

He came to us 03/18/2022, and on 04/06 went for neuter surgery, vaccinations and microchipping. The vet called and told us he was Feline Leukemia (FeLV+) and asked if we wanted to euthanize him. You can read his early story here:

https://txcat.org/joshua-is-a-sponsored-neuter-and-then-this-happens/

I declined euthanization, and we began treating Josh's FeLV+ condition with the hope that the costly $1600 potentially effective drug could result in complete remission. Only time will tell.

We also applied with Austin Pets Alive (APA) FeLV Adoption program in April with hopes of finding Josh a home where he could roam free instead of being confined to a kennel since he needs to be isolated from FeLV- cats. We hoped he might even find a home with a companion cat who is also FeLV+.

He is such a sweet boy.

The APA waiting list was long, but 07/11/2022, we were finally notified that an opening was available for Josh. Unfortunately, his bad luck continued, and on 07/12/2022, Josh was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

FIP has previously been an almost 100% death sentence. Now, another vet has recommended euthanization. However, in the last few years, pet owners who have been willing to try a very costly black market drug have reported over 90% of FIP cats survive when treated with it. Clinical studies of the drug report similar results. The cost is about $3000 for the full regimen using a mid-price brand, and the process for acquiring the drug is very unconventional.

Josh has been living without symptoms, eating, grooming and playing normally during the past months; however, he recently developed a persistent 106 fever shortly before the FIP diagnosis. We can tell that he does not feel well and is not fully himself.

Many other FIP cat parents whose furbabies were in far worse condition than Josh have reported improvement in their FIP cats in as few as three days of injections. Josh’s meds are scheduled to arrive on 07/15/2022 so we can begin his 2x daily treatment by injections. (07/15/2022, his meds did NOT arrive, please read update.)

At this time, poor Josh has two strikes against him. FeLV+ and FIP. Each a potential death sentence.

This smart, loving young boy cannot get a break.

The only break he may have gotten is that he ended up in my care, and I declined euthanization for him twice, and I am dedicated to at least exploring potential treatments that might save his life.

He is still eating, moving around and purring; he is not vomiting and has no diarrhea, so if there is a chance of breaking his fever and stopping the fluid accumulation, why euthanize?

Perhaps all this will only have extended his life for a very short time, and maybe all the dollars spent will not save him, but at least I will know that I tried my very best to give this boy an opportunity to live out at least one of his nine cat lives.

I hope that you will join me in saving Texas cat lives, especially Josh’s life at this time. It's challenging to convey what a special young boy he is.

Your kind donations will help give little Josh a chance at life.

Whether $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 or more, the kitties will appreciate your generosity. :) Josh will be especially grateful.

Every dollar you donate goes toward helping save the lives of Texas kittens. Your donations provide spay-neuter surgery, vaccinations, parasite treatments and ongoing medical care, nourishment, housing and whatever medical care they need like Josh’s until homes can be found for them.

One generous benefactor matched donations for a "Spay it Forward" campaign, which provided approved free spay, neuter and vaccination packages for over forty (40) Henderson cat owners.

Your generosity will help Josh and help house, feed and care for the cats under my care and new intakes until they can be adopted.

Also, please share this fundraiser with your cat-loving friends and ask them to help.