Freya's Surgery - Help Get This Kitty Medical Treatment!

Hi everyone,

I wanted to reach out to my community and seek support in funding a medical procedure for my cat, Freya. I know this is a rough time for many people financially, so no pressure, but if you’re able to help out a bit it would mean the world to me and my little family

Who is Freya?:

(Pictured: Freya with her foster kitten, picture taken at shelter).

I got Freya in August, 2023 from Wild Blue Cats shelter. She was found as a stray living near an apartment complex in the southern part of town. A resident there noted she would drink from the pool and that same resident fed her until she noticed Freya was pregnant. Freya was taken in by Wild Blue Cats. She lost her kittens, but was able to foster and nurse two orphan kittens. Shortly after weaning the kittens, Freya was placed up for adoption. At the time I adopted her, her milk hadn’t even dried up.

Today, Freya has been with me for almost two years and we estimate she is 3-4 years old. She LOVES naps more than anything, but also enjoys tummy rubs, cheek scritches, watching squirrels, cuddling with her adoptive brother, Darcy, and generally being the princess of the house.

(Pictured: Freya with her brother, Darcy).

Her adoptive brother, Darcy, is incredibly attached to her and likes to follow her all around my apartment. He’s a very nervous boy and she provides a lot of comfort to him. She’s a light in both Darcy and I’s life. Every night she sleeps on the pillow next to me and her presence is such a comfort.

What is wrong?:

(Pictured: the bill estimate I received from our vet).

Freya recently developed cystic lumps in her second mammaries. When she developed the first lump I took her to the vet and they drained the fluid. After running tests on the fluid, they told me the results were “inconclusive” for cancer - there were some abnormal cells present but no cells that were definitively cancerous. While cancer is a possibility, the condition could also be the result of an inflammation condition. Freya is at a higher risk for mammary complications because of her history with nursing.

I was instructed to monitor the area, and when the lump reformed, alongside a second lump on her opposite mammary, I took her back to the vet. The vet is recommending that we pursue surgery so that we are able to biopsy the tissue and remove the lumps totally. The procedure would also remove all impacted tissue in case the results came back malignant. This is the only way to get a definitive answer to the cause of these lumps and the only way to move forward with an informed treatment plan (if further treatment ends up being needed). I have been given a cost estimate of $1,700 - $2,000 for this procedure.

Who am I/why am I asking for your help?:

My name is Thecla and I’m Freya’s mom. I normally don’t like to ask for help like this but it’s been a rough year. I was diagnosed with a chronic brain condition which has required frequent medical testing, appointments etc. I’m still in the process of finding a treatment that works for me, and in the meantime consistently deal with pain and other side effects. This process has essentially wiped out my savings. It’s been one of those situations where I had to spend more than I anticipated and have really struggled to catch up - seemingly every time I start to make headway, new expenses pop up.

(Pictured: Freya waiting for tummy rubs).

I’m a long time cat mom and really value providing a high quality of life to my pets whenever possible. Before adopting Freya, I had a cat, Gwinny who lived with me for seven years before passing away from terminal kidney disease. I especially have a soft spot for cats that are hard to adopt. Both Freya and Darcy came from a shelter that specializes in difficult to adopt cats.

I work in higher education in a primarily administrative role in a disability services office. I am working on learning more about disability and accommodations and hope to eventually take on a case management role. I will also be starting a master’s of social work next year, an opportunity which is funded by my workplace.

(Pictured: Freya hunting her favorite toy and being a very good provider for her family).

Regardless of the results of this crowdfunding, I intend to work as hard as possible to get this treatment for Freya. Your donation will lessen the financial hardship for me and help me get Freya the care she needs faster. Thank you so much for any support you’re able to provide - or even just for taking the time to read this!