Hello! My mom (Lita) and I (Dianna) are raising funds for Cleo, a stray cat that wandered into our home last week, May 12th. Lita took Cleo to the vet the next day (5/13) to find out if the cat is chipped—she is—but she was not registered to an owner. We have reached out to rescues, shelters, and sanctuaries, but either all are full or require surrendered cats to have had previous medical records before intake.

Because of Cleo’s evident malnutrition and exhaustion, and the medical history requirement, we decided to have the vet give her a wellness check so that we can better help her. Unfortunately, much of the crucial questions can only be answered by running expensive blood work and tests that are required to be paid upfront (under sedation). In short, I was not able to pay for the services that day.

Even though I have a well-paying job and my parents living with me, I am the head of household and cover all the expenses incurred by the family and our two cats. As much as I would like to cover all of Cleo’s medical needs personally, I cannot afford it without help from others. Depending on the results of the first round of tests, she may require more procedures, hospitalization, medication, etc. I’ve asked the vet to give an estimate on possible services that Cleo will need (without hospitalization) and it is roughly $1,500.

We are currently caring for Cleo, separate from the other cats (her FeLV status is unknown), and providing as much food, rest, and affection we can while she is with us. Our goal is to help Cleo regain her strength, health, and eventually find her a loving home. We recognize that not everyone is able to donate, but if you can, it is most certainly appreciated and will help in Cleo’s recovery.

If you would like to know Cleo’s personality, please read below:

On the evening of May 12th, Cleo walked up to my mom asking for help. Lita then video calls me to share what the cat distribution system has brought. Cleo did not have a collar, appeared hungry and severely underweight. Her fur was unkempt, bones evident, seemed to have pain in her back right leg, and sneezed a couple of times. Despite her appearance, Cleo purred and weaved around my mom’s legs as she meowed for food. She would follow Lita wherever she went along the perimeter of the house and when Lita stopped, Cleo would sit by her feet like Cleopatra.

We didn’t have the heart to turn her away. We gave her food, water, and used an old litter box to set up a small area for her outside on the porch. We wanted to provide a safe space at least for one night and thought maybe she’d continue her journey by the next morning. Instead, Cleo slept by the doormat the whole night and was eternally happy to see that my mom checked in on her.

After vet visits to check for a microchip and a wellness check, we decided to bring Cleo inside the house and keep her in the guest bedroom, separate from the two other cats. This past week, her appetite has increased, her mobility improved, her voice louder, and became more friendly than she already was. We hope she continues recovering!