Creamsicle is a 2-year-old Orange Tabby Cat in New Port Richey, FL, who needs $200 for Diagnosis and Treatment for Infection or Obstruction in Throat.

About two months ago, this very thin, scraggly, scared, little male cat decided to move in with me. At first, he hung around outside with my other cat colony members and tried to fit in. I think he had some sort of a scare outside and decided that he wanted to be an indoor cat, like in a previous life. So he came through the cat door and didn't leave. He hid in the closet for a week.

If I encourage him and wait, he will come up to me and even let me pick him up. It seems he has had a family before. He will not play, though, and he lost a little trust since I put him in a cat carrier to get him scanned for a chip. No chip. But he seems very hopeful that someone will love him. He walks out to use the litter box and eat.

This sweet guy has bouts of friendliness and will nudge up against my face and show affection before going back to hide. He does not feel well and tries to talk to me. He used to talk a lot. He eats near my one other house cat.

About five days ago, Creamsicle stopped meowing and started gaging as if something in his throat or he is sick. He cannot throw up. He has red skin around his eyes . He has a few scabs on his body. I put mite drops in his ears but he seems to be getting some sort of condition or worsening problem. I'd like to take him to Dr. Maddy Orcutt at All Pets Hospital in New Port Richey. They are close.

I need $200 vet help. My fixed income allows me to get cat food for about seven happy cats who depend on me. I had them all neutered and spayed. Three were born in my backyard twenty years ago! Four were abandoned or sneak over to chow down. I go through a lot of Meow Mix.