So to start off with a bit of back story. I 22F and my ex-bf 29M lived together in 2021-2023, when I was 19ish and he was 26ish (yes I know, this is not about the age gap) I already got had a cat, Scooter, before we moved in toegther. We got a cat, Chonks, and a dog, Bear during the relationship. When we separated in early 2023 (his choice) I took Bear and he took Chonks. Fast forward to start of 2025, this is where the story starts. He shows up at my house in Feb with Chonks in a cat box. He said he couldn't look after him anymore and asked if he could leave him with me. He had gotten into a rough spot and was living with his mum who is horribly allergic to cats, so Chonks was living in a van in the driveway, and had been for 2 months until he finally brought him to me. I had missed my cat, and I was in the position to take him in, so I said yes. We spoke about food and vet bills, he basically had no income and no savings, so I said I would cover the food and he said he would help with the vet bills if they came up. I should clarify, he said he wanted Chonks back once he got back on his feet. That me looking after him was going to be temporary, but I knew in the back of my head he was not going to come back for Chonks. He has barely messaged to check up on him over the last 6 months. Now it's August, Chonks needs surgery to get 4-5 teeth out, quoted anywhere between $1000-2000. I call ex-bf. He says he still isn't getting any work and is still living with his mum. His grandparents both passed away so he is grieving and that he does not have the money to pay for or help out with the surgery costs. I told him that he dumped this cat in my lap 6 months ago and said he would help with vet bills, and that it was supposed to be temporary. I am happy to keep Chonks forever, I love the little guy, but he needs to pitch in for the surgery. He asked me to send the details through and he will think about it, but he doesn't have much savings, and no steady income. I do understand that he is in a tough spot, but when we were together he had plenty of money and loved throwing it around. He was always awful with budgeting and saving so I don't have much sympathy for his money situation. I also understand that going through grief is awful, and that everyone has stuff going on, but so do I. I had to put my other cat down earlier this year (he was 15) and I have lost two grandparents over the last 2 years. I am working full time, and trying to save for my first home. I do have the funds, and I will pay for the surgery whether or not he chips in because Chonks needs it, but I think it is the bare minimum for him to help out. AITA for expecting him to help pay for the surgery?