About six years ago, Hailey and six brothers and sisters opened their eyes. This litter of cats was found in a box at the Polokwane Municipality. They were too small to survive on their own, and foster homes were found.

Chantelle-Louise Watson took Hailey and two of her brothers and bottle-fed them. Hailey was the smallest, and it was up and down with her.  

“She survived and is my miracle kitten. Unfortunately, at six years old, she was admitted to the vet on April 17 for an ear infection. I never knew that an ear infection could get so bad that a cat is off balance. Originally, it was only one ear, but then the infection spread to both ears,” says Watson.

Watson recently lost her beloved pug, and with vet bills piling up because of the other rescue pets she takes care of, she needs help paying the bills.  

The vet recently phoned Watson with bad news, saying it was not her ears, but maybe a neurological problem. She was sent home with a treatment plan, and if she is not better within two weeks, she will need to go for an MRI.

“The MRI costs about R3 500, and I pray for a miracle that the MRI is not necessary, as I cannot afford it. The vet bill stands at R4 114.60.”

Hailey is still not much better, but she eats and uses her litterbox. Unfortunately, she still has a funny walk and is unbalanced. Her head also tilts to one side.

To raise funds, Watson organised a special emergency raffle. One ticket is R20, and the prize includes a tub of mini bath bombs, a rose potpourri bag, and a shower steamer.

To buy a ticket, send your name and surname to 072 807 7006. The raffle will end on May 6.