Rescued cat 10 months ago - Now I love him

The engineer at work found a sick kitten at work and saved it in a box for me. It's one eye was not developed it was covered with tar covered with fleas and bone thin.  We have a feral colony that I am told is a TNR but so far all I see is feeding and breeding going on.  Anyway I took the kitten to a vet with the intention of putting it down.  I never had a cat of my own before and I have an old small dog that would not take to a cat. Of course the vet convinced me to take it home for the weekend and the love affair began. 

Hudson (Because he was found in Hudson County NJ) is a great marmalade cat - Unfortunately he has entropic (Is that the word?) eyes.  Especially the one that did not fully develop.  He is a good natured and friendly cat full of playfulness and spunk.  He wants to be friends with the dog but she is to old to have any part of him.  The vet has already said there is a surgery that he can have for $2000.00 which I cannot afford or the health insurance. I am concerned because I have ointment to put in his eyes which is a hit or miss process and I know his eyes get sore and I feel badly for him. Does anyone have any advice for Hudson or for me to feel better. Thanks for this site -Lots of good stuff!

Yes, they do have a way of worming their ways into your hearts, don't they? 

The vet might know of local rescues or groups who can help with the medical bills.  The vet might also be able to give you a discount.   If not, Care Credit can give you a way to pay the bill off a little at a time.

In the meantime, thank you for helping him.  And welcome to TSC.

Whenever a new cats venture into my yard, I promise not to get attached.  Yet time and time again they worm their way into my heart.  Each one is near and dear to my heart.  Thank you for taking care of the little one.  Ondine has some good info to check into.  I can't imagine giving my cat eye medication daily.  I do it for my dog and that's hard enough.