Unless you tune in to our 24/7 livestream, volunteer at the shelter, or peek through our front window on 7th Avenue, you might not even know Bartholomew is in our care and he has been with us for over two months.
We usually talk about our cats once they are ready for adoption, so Bartholomew has stayed under the radar. But this 8-month-old FIV+ kitten is too special to keep hidden. He’s a delightfully vocal boy who loves to talk, play, and share affection with everyone he meets. He is easygoing, extraordinarily sweet, and has genuinely never met a human or another kitty he didn’t like!
A Medical Mystery Worth Solving
Bartholomew came to us with severe, chronic upper respiratory symptoms. We recently shared how much care goes into “the Purrfect Fix” the steady work of getting shelter cats ready for adoption. Bartholomew’s story catches us right in the middle of that process, taking it a step further when a cat’s needs turn out to be more complicated than expected.
His care began in July with our regular veterinary partners, where he received antibiotic treatment, X-rays, and a sinus flush. When his symptoms persisted, we knew we needed answers from a specialist. On September 1st, Bartholomew underwent an extensive workup, including CT scans, nasal biopsies, and inner ear procedures.
Between his early care and his specialty visit, Bartholomew’s medical costs have already reached $5,518, and that’s before the cost of additional prescriptions, treatment, and follow-up visits.
What Comes Next
We’re still waiting on his biopsy and culture results, which will help us understand what’s causing his symptoms and determine what comes next. Because Bartholomew is still undergoing diagnostics, we know he’s just at the beginning of his journey. His next big milestone may be moving into a specialized foster home, where he can recover in comfort while receiving his targeted treatments.
In rescue, complex medical journeys come with no guaranteed outcomes, but a kitten as sweet and brave as Bartholomew deserves every chance at a healthy life. But we know we can’t do this alone.
Will You Join Us in Funding His Care?
Every gift, big or small, helps us cover his $5,518 in medical bills and whatever treatment comes next. This is the kind of care that only happens because people like you choose to show up for the cats who need it most.
We’ll keep sharing honest updates as Bartholomew’s biopsy and culture results come back, so become a sponsor, subscribe to our email newsletter and follow our Facebook page to stay close to his story.
Thank you for choosing to stand by us and by Bartholomew when the road to recovery takes an unusual turn.