Rocco is a 13-year-old Havana Brown Cat in Burbank , CA, who needs $1,900 for Oral Surgery.

I rescued a brown cat who lived to be about 20 years old, and I missed her when she died in 2020. I joined a Havana Brown group on Facebook because I missed her and wanted to learn more about the breed. One of the moderators advertised a Havana Brown who was in need of a home after his owner died, and I asked about the cat’s health, as I cannot afford expensive medical bills.

This cat is very sweet as reflected by the breed traits. He is also in a great deal of pain after years of neglect. I was told that his owner was sick for years and died, and the cat was his companion. Then the family didn’t want it, no explanation offered. The cat is playful, enjoying ribbons and catnip toys. He is active and curious, rather doglike in temperament.

Rocco was named for the patron saint of pandemics. By a miracle he survived his owner, but he has never been loved unselfishly or been cared for responsibly, which is a shame. His breed is especially sweet natured, loyal and affectionate, and I feel this innate trust was abused. He doesn’t deserve to suffer and in fact should look forward to a long and healthy life of his own.

This breed is prone to gingivitis, and he needs dental surgery. He is in a good deal of pain because of rotten teeth and a mouth infection that has spread to his maxillary sinuses. He has nasal polyps that make breathing difficult. He sneezes frequently and has neurological damage presenting as Horners Syndrome. He has stage II/III renal disease, megacolon and elevated thyroid and pancreas levels.

I am a disabled military veteran of the US Navy supporting my spouse for the past several months. I also have asbestosis. We have three cats already, and I cannot afford extensive medical bills.