Help Bowie, the Feline Unicorn, Get the Care He Needs

Bowie is no ordinary cat—he’s a rare male calico (only 1 in 3,000 calicos are male!) and a beloved companion to Kat, one of our amazing teachers at TCGIS. Over the years, Kat has shared countless stories and pictures of Bowie with her students, making him a cherished part of our school community. Now, Bowie is very sick and needs urgent medical care.

Bowie’s Story

Kat found Bowie at a shelter in St. Paul during MEA break in 2018, and it’s been magic ever since. With his unique personality and loving nature, Bowie gets along with everyone—cats, dogs, and humans alike—earning him the title of "cat ambassador." He’s even known for his leash walks around the neighborhood. He never needed any leash training, and he is grumpy on days these cat walks don’t happen. Often, cars pull up when they are out and people ask, “Is that a cat?” The answer so far has always been “No,” leaving many bystanders with equal amounts of confusion and awe.

No one knows Bowie’s age, and legend says he is as old as time itself. Does age really matter anyway? After the vet had to pull ten of his foul teeth out a few years back, vet techs are still arguing about whether he is an old man or a middle-aged man. Kat's best estimate is 8-10 years old.

In the spring of 2023, Bowie took on the role of mentor to his baby sister, Ziggy, teaching her everything from leash-walking to car-riding (though the battle for shotgun is still unresolved). Bowie has brought joy to everyone he meets, embodying kindness and love, no matter the circumstances.

Bowie’s Illness

Since early December 2024, Bowie has been battling a serious and mysterious illness. It started with difficulty eating and escalated to pneumonia, a UTI, and severe dehydration. While initial treatments resolved some issues, Bowie’s condition continues to decline. Despite multiple vet visits, blood tests, X-rays, and medications, the underlying cause remains unknown.

Bowie’s vet now recommends an urgent endoscopy to diagnose the issue. This procedure, which includes anesthesia and additional testing, is Bowie’s best hope for recovery. However, time is running out—his declining condition means the procedure must happen soon, ideally before January 6th.

How You Can Help

Bowie is not just a cat; he’s a symbol of love and resilience, bringing joy to Kat, her students, and everyone who meets him. The cost of Bowie’s care is overwhelming, and Kat could really use our support.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help cover the cost of the endoscopy and the specialized care Bowie needs. Let’s rally around Kat and Bowie during this difficult time and give Bowie the chance to keep spreading love and headbutts for years to come.

Thank you for your kindness and support!