Unexpected vet bills throwing off my budget—how do you bounce back?

Last month, my cat had to get emergency surgery that ended up costing way more than I expected - about $1,200 out of pocket. I usually keep a small emergency fund, but this wiped it out completely. My regular monthly expenses are already tight, and I rely on a part-time job that pays irregularly, so it’s been tough to catch up.

I’ve tried cutting back on non-essentials like dining out and streaming services, but the stress of juggling the unexpected bill and everyday costs is pretty overwhelming. I want to rebuild my emergency fund but also keep up with rent and groceries without feeling constantly behind.

Has anyone been through a surprise expense like this and found a good way to bounce back financially? What small changes or strategies helped you rebuild your cushion without feeling deprived or overwhelmed?