Jinx

About the Campaign

Jinx is a 2-year-old male cat who wandered into Liz’s Orlando cat colony as a thin, nervous kitten. He saw the other cats getting food and decided he wanted in too. Over time, he gained weight, got stronger, and became part of the group, but because he did not always show up regularly, it was hard to get him to a spay/neuter clinic when he was younger.

Then about a year ago, something frightening happened. Jinx stopped eating, ran into the house, and hid in a closet, which was very unusual for him. The next day he still would not eat. When Liz picked him up, he was limp, his breathing was dangerously low, and she knew something was very wrong. She rushed him to Orlando Pet Alliance, where they told her he was in cardiac crisis, had fluid in his lungs, and needed heart medication.

Jinx is now on enalapril, furosemide, and atenolol, and he has improved a lot. He has gotten big, strong, and active. But he still needs a proper diagnosis from a veterinary cardiologist. His regular vet, Dr. Magnolia Sparks at Underhill Veterinary Hospital, says Jinx needs that evaluation before anyone can safely neuter him, because anesthesia could be dangerous without knowing exactly what heart condition he has.

That cardiology estimate is about $940, and Jinx may also need additional testing to make sure his kidneys are handling the medications safely. Liz’s hope is simple: get Jinx the testing he needs so he can be cleared for neuter, either stay with her safely or, if needed, have a better chance at being rehomed to someone who can continue his care.

Because Jinx is intact, he cannot safely go back outside because we don’t want him making more kittens, plus he fights with other cats in the colony. Liz loves Jinx, but the stress of not being able to get him the proper medical care has affected her work, her home, and her relationship.

Liz and her partner Doug care for 11 other cats, most of them abandoned colony cats who are friendly, sweet, and playful, not feral. Liz is a freelance writer with two side jobs, and Doug is an artist who also works at a restaurant. They spend around $300 or more each month caring for the cats, and right now their income is not enough to keep up with all the expenses. They have reached out to doctors, shelters, rescues, and other organizations, but no one will neuter Jinx without first knowing whether his heart is safe for anesthesia.

Jinx was once a scrawny kitten looking for food. Now he is a strong, loved cat who needs one very important step before his life can become stable. Donations will help cover his veterinary cardiology exam, heart testing, kidney monitoring, medication review, and the care needed to determine whether he can be safely neutered. All donations are paid only to the veterinarian. Estimate below, click to enlarge: