Bandit is a Domestic Shorthair kitten in Raleigh, NC, who needs $350 for urgent care.

Bandit first came to Carolina Cat Rescue from a rural county shelter. He went to a foster home and seemed like he was doing well, then after his neuter surgery, he went downhill.

"After a week after his operation, his foster noticed he wasn't eating as well, he seemed depressed, he had not gained weight in several days. She was trying to syringe feed him," Karie K., with the rescue, tells Waggle. "We were very worried."

The rescue got Bandit to Companion Animal Hospital right away. The medical team ran many tests and eventually determined he had failure to thrive syndrome. There's no real treatment for the syndrome, but if Bandit continued not to eat, he would die. "Kittens who do not eat are in severe danger of low blood sugar, malnutrition, dehydration, and death," Karie says.

So the rescue and Bandit's foster mom launched a full-on effort to push Bandit through. "We started him on a regimen of vitamins, baby food, fancy food, expensive food, canned food, anything to get him to eat," Karie adds. "We syringe fed him, gave him high-calorie supplements and fluids. It was touch and go."

His foster mom is monitoring his weight and working hard to keep him alive. The nonprofit group is now hoping generous pet lovers will help donate to pay for Bandit's veterinary bills, including his tests, medications, and vet visits.