STCAZ AZ Gives Day Medical Fundraiser 2026

For our rescue, medical costs for veterinary care are a constant. We do everything we can to make sure the healthcare needs of our cats are met from spaying and neutering, vaccinations and general wellness checkups to more expensive issues such as dentals, chronic disease management, surgical procedures and cancer treatment. Please consider helping us continue our mission of saving cats and kittens in need! We currently have 63 permanent feline residents in our sanctuary of varying ages and temperaments as well as several adoptable cats and kittens in foster homes awaiting their own forever homes.

DENTALS: As always, dental work is our largest veterinary care expense. Since December, we have had 4 cats - Chelsea, Slate, Jewel, and Kai - go in for significant dental work with multiple extractions of painful, decaying teeth. Chelsea, Slate, and Jewel lost a total of 20 teeth and 5 root remnants removed from previously broken teeth at a cost of $5142.57. These dental procedures include a full physical exam with bloodwork, 3D dental x-rays,  and one night of hospitalization to recover from anesthesia.

Kai was a special case. She underwent all of the above and lost several teeth. Kai has beautiful long fur and we requested that some mats groomed while she was sedated. When the tech was combing her fur on her back hip, she noticed a lot of pus leaking into her fur. After shaving the area, a puncture wound was revealed that had developed into a large infected abscess. The abscess was drained and flushed, and drains were placed to allow drainage of fluid to aid in healing. Kai spent 10 days hospitalized for proper wound care and management of the drains. She is all healed up now and has become even more affectionate than she was before thanks to getting her teeth fixed up and the abscess taken care of. We are so thankful that the abscess was discovered under all her thick fur! Total cost of Kai's care was $966.46.   

SENIOR WELLNESS: As our cats age, we strive to keep on top of their wellness. Three cats have gone to the vet for senior wellness exams since December - Deanna, Pepper, and Frankie. These visits include exams with sedation if required (it usually is for our cats), bloodwork, x-rays if needed, and any recommended medications. 

Deanna is a healthy senior and no further intervention, medications, or dental work were needed. Pepper is overall healthy, but we did find out that she has hyperthyroidism, which we are now treating with a medication given every 12 hours. Frankie's bloodwork showed elevated white blood cells and GGT, which is an indicator that there may be a problem with the gall bladder. Working on the assumption that she had an infection, Frankie was treated with antibiotics for 3 weeks. Her bloodwork was repeated at that time and her levels had returned to normal, so no further testing is required at this time. Total cost for all three of these senior gal's care was $2547.41.

WOUND CARE: Our cats sure keep us on our toes! We have a handful of strong male personalities and sometimes this results in squabbles, which can then result in injuries, whether due to claws or teeth. Recently, 3 of our boys presented with wounds needing medical attention.

Thomas had a swollen face and cheek. Shaving at the vet revealed puncture wounds under his fur which were cleaned and he received an antibiotic shot.

Tang was found to have a large wound on the underside of his tail near the base. This was found to be a wound abscess that had burst. His wound was cleaned and stitched shut and he received an antibiotic shot. 

Max was observed to have an open wound behind his right ear. This wound was not a result of fighting, but rather an itchy ear infection that Max had scratched at causing a wound. His ears were cleaned and treated with long acting antibiotics.

Total cost of these three loveable troublemakers was $995.67. ***All three boys are also on Prozac to help them with their attitudes.***

MEDICATION COSTS: We currently have 13 cats who are given medications daily for a variety of conditions: hyperthyroidism, hypertension, chronic nasal congestion, irritable bowel disease, chronic constipation, stomatitis, and naughty behaviors. All of the prescription medications for treating these conditions cost approximately $194 per month, $2328 per year. 

REST IN PEACE: We have sadly had to say goodbye to 2 of our beloved kitties so far in 2026. As we know, cats can hide pain and discomfort until they are no longer able, especially feral cats. Jellybean was 16 years old and succumbed to cancer. Athena was 13 years oldand passed from kidney failure. Both girls are missed so much. Total costs for diagnostics and euthanasia services was $2679.53

You can make a difference by donating today to Save the Cats Arizona. Once accepted into Save the Cats Arizona, a kitty is guaranteed a home for life in our Sanctuary, and the added hope that one day they may get adopted into a home of their own through our socialization and adoption programs.