The 6-month-old rescue kitten needs thousands in surgeries to finally eat, play and live without pain.
BULVERDE, Texas — At just 6 months old, Teddy has already endured more pain than most animals face in a lifetime.
But somehow, the tiny brown tabby still looks at the world with hope.
The kitten, now being cared for by Bulverde Area Humane Society, has a jaw fused shut and lost part of his foot — injuries that leave him unable to fully eat, play or simply be a kitten.
And yet, Teddy keeps fighting.
Shelter staff say the little cat resembles a teddy bear, both in appearance and personality. Since arriving in rescue care, he’s gone from just 3.5 pounds to nearly 6 pounds, a sign of just how hard he’s trying to survive.
Now, Teddy is getting a chance at the future he deserves.
Thanks to help from Dr. Thérèse Hall at CityVet in Leon Springs, Teddy has been referred to MissionVet for advanced care, including a CT scan and evaluation by a dental specialist.
But the road ahead is expensive.
His jaw surgery alone could cost up to $6,000. An additional foot amputation is estimated at $1,800, while diagnostics may total another $3,000.
Shelter workers say every donation matters because Teddy cannot truly heal until the surgeries happen.
Despite everything, Teddy still purrs. Still trusts people. Still acts like a kitten who believes life can get better.
And the people caring for him are hoping the community will help make sure it does.
Anyone wanting to help Teddy can donate through the shelter’s website at bulverdeshelter.com or through PayPal at cats.bahs@gmail.com.
