Tiger is a 9-week-old kitten who has already been through more pain than any animal should experience. After being found starving and severely injured, he has already undergone a leg amputation to save his life. But during surgery, vets discovered a fractured piece of bone in his hip that will require another operation to remove.

This surgery is expected to cost up to $1,500, plus medication and GoFundMe fees. We are hoping to raise funds quickly so Tiger can receive the surgery he needs in the next few weeks and continue his recovery pain-free.

How We Found Tiger

On February 23rd, my housemates Ella and Cam found a tiny starving kitten in the reserve near our home.

The moment we met him, we knew something was different. He was incredibly gentle and immediately just wanted to be cuddled. From my experience rescuing stray cats, I knew he couldn’t have been feral as the strays I’ve rescued before have always been frightened, hissing, and defensive. Tiger simply wanted love.

We tried to find his owner that night by door knocking around the neighbourhood, but no one recognised him.

We took him to the emergency vet, where they found he had a microchip, but unfortunately there was no answer when they tried to call the listed owner.

That night we set up a cosy bed for him in our spare room. While watching him move around, we noticed he was walking strangely on one of his legs.

Despite everything, he was still so affectionate. All he wanted to do was curl up on us and purr.

I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving such a loving kitten in a shelter, injured and alone, possibly waiting in a cage or facing euthanasia if his owner couldn’t be contacted.

So we decided we would help him.

The Vet Visit

The next day I took him to the vet for a full check-up.

He received flea and worming treatments, and the vets examined him closely. Through it all he stayed incredibly calm and trusting. Every time the vets finished examining him, he would crawl back into my arms looking for cuddles.

The vets became very concerned about his leg. It appeared that it was completely out of its socket, and they suspected he was in significant pain.

We scheduled X-rays under sedation the following day and began strong pain medication immediately.

Even while in pain, Tiger remained playful, affectionate, and determined to cuddle every chance he got. I had never met such a loving kitten.

I knew we had to save him.

The Devastating Diagnosis

The X-rays confirmed the worst.

Tiger’s leg was not only dislocated but the bones were broken as well. Because he is such a young, growing kitten, the leg could not be repaired. The only humane option was amputation.

Thankfully, cats adapt incredibly well to three legs and can live full, happy lives.

But the surgery would cost up to $2,000, and we had already spent around $800 on vet visits, treatment and diagnostics.

We didn’t know how we were going to afford it.

Learning Tiger’s Past

Around this time, the vet was finally able to reach the microchip contact and we learned more about Tiger’s story.

The microchip owner was a woman who had actually found Tiger in her yard a few weeks earlier. She already had four rescue cats and couldn’t keep another, but she cared enough to microchip him and rehome him when he was believed to be around 8 weeks old (he was actually younger).

Sadly, the person who adopted him either lost him or abandoned him.

Because the injury to his leg was already old, it’s possible he was dumped because of the injury, or injured shortly after being “lost.”

The woman who originally found him was heartbroken to hear what had happened. She had seen how sweet and loving Tiger was, and she incredibly generously offered to cover the cost of his amputation surgery so he could have a chance at life!!

We booked the surgery for a few days time and bought more pain medication to help him until then.

Another Setback

During his amputation surgery, the vets conducted X-rats that discovered Tiger also had a fractured hip, with a small piece of bone that has broken off.

Thankfully this is a simple surgery to remove the fragment, and it won’t affect his long-term mobility or quality of life. But it must be done to prevent him from living in pain.

The surgery is estimated to cost up to $1,500, which is why we are setting up this GoFundMe.

Tiger’s New Home

The good news is that Tiger has already found the most loving home imaginable.

My wonderful neighbours, incredibly kind animal lovers, have adopted him and are providing round-the-clock care while he recovers from his amputation.

Tiger’s favourite activity is being cuddled, and in this home he is constantly surrounded by love and affection. He truly couldn’t have found a better family.

They have unfortunately experienced recent family loss and heartbreak, so finances are tight, but Tiger has already brought so much comfort and joy into their lives.

It truly feels like we found Tiger so he could find his way to them.

In just a week they already call him their son, and they are committed to giving him the best life possible.

How the Funds Will Be Used

We are hoping to raise at least $2,100 to cover:

• Tiger’s hip surgery

• Post-surgery pain medication

• GoFundMe platform fees (up to 4%)

plus extra for future desexing

If we are fortunate enough to raise more, any additional funds will go toward:

• Tiger’s vaccinations

• Special toys and accommodations to help him adapt as a three-legged kitten

• Helping offset the $2,800+ already spent on his emergency care and surgery

Our main priority is simply ensuring Tiger can receive his surgery and live pain-free, anything extra is a bonus

How You Can Help

Tiger’s hip surgery is scheduled for 3–4 weeks from now, which means we need to raise the funds within the next 2–3 weeks so the payment can be received and made before the procedure.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even just spread Tiger’s story, it would mean the world to us.

This tiny kitten has been through abandonment, starvation, and serious injuries, yet he is still the most loving, trusting little soul you could ever meet.

He deserves a chance at the happy life waiting for him.

Thank you for helping Tiger get there