Squeaks of Joy: A Cat’s Happy Tail

By Savannah Verdon, RedRover Development and Engagement Coordinator

Despite her own financial troubles, Angela couldn’t say no when her brother asked if she would be willing to take in his cat, Squeaks. The handsome little tabby was part of the family, but as her brother’s financial and housing situation grew increasingly unstable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he made the difficult choice to let go of Squeaks to ensure the sweet feline would be taken care of until he could get back on his feet. 

Angela was both surprised and frustrated to learn that Squeaks had gone the entire four years of his life with little to no veterinary care – he had not been neutered nor received any of his essential vaccinations.  Angela and her brother decided that she would keep Squeaks as her own to give him the best chance at a healthy life. Over the course of several months, she made great strides in getting him the veterinary care he needed. Because she shared her home with both human and feline roommates, she quarantined Squeaks while he was in the process of being fully vaccinated, keeping all resident cats safe. 

Perhaps due to the stress of isolation, or being separated from the family he was familiar with, Squeaks began experiencing recurrent urinary obstructions, leaving him in pain and unable to use his litter box. Angela had him neutered in hopes of stopping his frequent blockages, but he became blocked again soon after recovering from surgery. Her veterinarian prescribed Squeaks medication to help dissolve the urinary crystals and recommended Angela put him on a prescription diet to prevent future obstructions, but they warned it was highly likely the problem would not be resolved without surgery.

She had already accumulated a significant amount of credit card debt each time Squeaks needed treatment, and his prescription diet would be a chronic burden. Angela was working but living paycheck to paycheck. It would not only take a long time for her to save enough money for the surgery, it would be unfair and unkind to Squeaks to keep waiting. With just a small amount of available credit left, Angela knew she would need help to give Squeaks the healthy life he truly deserved.

After being denied for a line of CareCredit, Angela applied for a RedRover Relief Urgent Care grant. In her application, she described how Squeaks came to be hers, and the special bond they’d formed in just a few short months: 

“The complications with Squeaks were a surprise to me, as I was not prepared for the level of care that he needs. Squeaks is a very sweet, cuddly, lovable boy with an unfortunate upbringing which caused him to have anxiety and stress out easily, in turn making him prone to bladder and urinary issues. I love him so much, and even though he technically isn’t my cat, I consider him mine now and want to do everything I can to ensure a long and happy life.”

Angela was in the process of starting a fundraiser when she got the call – her application had been approved, and Squeaks would have his vital surgery with the help of an Urgent Care grant! She could breathe easier knowing that his surgery was taken care of, and it made the prospect of affording his prescription diet much more manageable.

After a successful surgery, Squeaks returned home to Angela, who took great care to ensure a  smooth recovery. Like so many Urgent Care grant recipients who are filled with hope and joy from the help they received, she recently shared an update on Squeaks:

“Two weeks post-surgery and he is doing great! He is done with his medications and we are weaning him off of his cone. He definitely has his energy back and is urinating regularly without difficulty. I wanted to thank you again for your help at the start of all this!” 

We are beyond grateful for the Happy Tails made possible by our FurEver Friends! Thank you for bringing families like Angela and Squeaks from crisis to care. ❤