This Rescue Cat Was Diagnosed With A Fatal Disease, But His Family Researched Treatments To Help Prolong His Life
While casually walking and exploring on their impromptu vacation to Atlanta, Georgia, a family stumbled upon a cat cafe with no intention of taking home a furry friend.
As they were visiting the beautiful cafe, they fell in love with a giant orange tabby cat named Gumbo.
However, since they were traveling across the country, they returned to the hotel with the mindset that adopting Gumbo may not be feasible then.
Once they arrived back at their hotel, they could not resist the idea of adopting Gumbo, so they called the cafe for assurance that their furry friend was still available.
As soon as they heard the good news, they instantly applied to adopt Gumbo, and to their surprise, it was accepted.
While they were hoping for a smooth transition once they landed in Colorado, things began to take a turn for the worst.
Gumbo started to shed, which at first, they thought was natural due to climate change. This was until Gumbo’s health began to decline quickly. He was lethargic and refused his food.
The family tried their best to nurse him back to health. But then they noticed his body composition began to change. The chunky and fluffy cat they once knew became a thing of the past.
GoFundMe; pictured above is Gumbo
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Within 2 weeks, Gumbo went from 16lbs to 11lbs.
After much testing, Gumbo was left with the diagnosis of wet FIP, which is ultimately fatal.
At first, the only option the family was presented with was humane euthanasia. However, they decided against this option and chose to research possible treatments.
The family was able to find treatment, and connections were made, which helped them acquire the medication they needed to treat Gumbo’s fatal condition.
The treatment for Gumbo’s condition will take 84 days alongside an 84-day monitoring period.
“The cost of Gumbo’s injections alone is $2380-$2730. He will need monthly vet monitoring to include office visits, bloodwork, radiographs, and whatever is indicated over the 168 days,” explained Brandy Schlader on a GoFundMe page.
The family understands that if they choose to stand by and do nothing, Gumbo will lose his life.
Thankfully, they’re not ready to give up the fight, which is why they organized a GoFundMe fundraiser in hopes of gaining assistance during Gumbo’s trial of treatments.
“With this treatment option, he has a 95% chance of survival,” Brandy said. “To us, the choice is clear. We are going to do all we can to save Gumbo.”
For more on Gumbo’s condition and story, click here.
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