Tessa is a 2-year-old Domestic Short Hair in Brooklyn, NY, who needs $2,000 for Bulla Osteotomy.

Tessa is about two years old, but we can’t be sure on her exact age as she was rescued by a local cat rescue after living on the streets of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. After being rescued, the rescue organization was able to get tessa polyp removal surgery in both ears. Over the summer, I fostered and adopted both Tessa and her mother, Lulu. Tessa is deaf and has some minor balance issues.

Tessa loves to eat, play, and cuddle. She is a Velcro cat. Though she started off as a shy scared cat who was bullied by feral cats, she now takes any chance she can get to snuggle. She spends most nights sleeping on my chest or in a ball on my shoulder. She is also very active though! She loves to chase a ball on a track or carry around her favorite crinkly cactus toy while meowing VERY loudly.

Tessa loves to meow when she’s happy, but since she’s deaf she doesn’t realize just how loud she is. Throughout the day, her meows can be heard throughout the apartment every time she’s happy or wants attention. When Tessa gets attention she also tends to flop. Instead of just sitting or laying down, she will she will flop her entire body onto whoever is giving her pets.

Since the summer Tessa has been dealing with an antibiotic resistant inner ear infection in her right ear (MRSP). She has seen many vets and tried several treatments. After being referred to a Animal Medical Center in NYC, the only way to prevent worsening of the infection is a major surgery called a bulla osteotomy. To keep her comfortable, I clean her ear and give two eye drops twice a daily.

Tessa’s health expenses increase as surgery is delayed. Her surgery estimate is $4530 and she just had an emergency vet bill related to her infection that cost$1400. Due to my extensive student loan debt I’m having trouble with the down payment. Insurance will not cover this