Niko is a 3-year-old Domestic Shorthair in Lacona, IA, who needs $2,000 for Perineal Urethrostomy.

Niko came from a litter that was born in my mom's garage and was a gift from her for my birthday since she knew I love black cats. She gave his sister to my brother too, and they both drove home that day snuggled up in my shirt. To this day he likes to snuggle in my shirt. I am disabled and suffer from depression, and he is my emotional support animal.

A day in the life of Niko involves a lot of naps, eating and playing. He loves to run around the house and play with his sister. He loves to play with sandals and shoes, and also loves to sit on my computer and watch me play Sims. He is my shadow and follows me around anywhere he can. He is very vocal when he wants attention.

I am disabled and pending to get on disability. My brother who I live with currently normally is able to cover routine vet bills for me, but this exceeds his ability to pay and I have no income yet. He maxed out his CareCredit account on the emergency hospital visit already.

Niko was diagnosed with feline lower urinary tract disease after having a urinary blockage and ruptured bladder. He spent 6 days in the hospital between his normal vet and a specialty hospital. This cost nearly $4000 already. He is already beginning to show signs of it happening again after less than 24 hours out of the hospital and will most likely need the Perineal Urethrostomy surgery next.

Niko is more than just my emotional support animal, he is my like my son. He always greets me at the door when I come home, loves to snuggle and burrow into my shirt to be close, and loves to lick my face. When I am depressed, he sits on me and kneads my shoulder. My first cat passed away 9 months ago at 14 years old, and my dog passed away a couple weeks ago at age 15. He is all I have left.