Short story:

Charlie, my sweet rescue cat, has struggled with breathing issues her whole life. Recently, she was diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal polyp, a growth blocking her nose and throat and now needs surgery to live comfortably again.

The first visit incurred a cost of $4369 and the estimate for her surgery is between $1847 - $2079. I desperately need help to cover this cost. She’s a beloved part of my little family and has brought comfort through a really tough year.

Any help, donations or sharing her story would mean the world

I've currently set the first goal to $2800 which will increase once reached.

Long story:

Hi everyone, I never thought I would be in a position where I’d have to ask for help like this, but I’m reaching out for my beautiful girl, Charlie.

Charlie was rescued off the street as a tiny, very sick kitten in March 2021. She had worms, severe cat flu, and a rough start to life but she fought through it. I fell in love with her instantly and brought her home and from that moment on, she became my best friend.

For years, Charlie has struggled with ongoing respiratory issues, which I was told were likely permanent damage from having cat flu so young. I did everything I could, multiple vet visits, second opinions, tests, and biopsies trying to find a way to help her. I was consistently advised that there wasn’t much more that could be done beyond managing her symptoms with antibiotics when needed.

In the past year, her condition has worsened. Her breathing became louder and she is now constantly congested. She often rests with her mouth open against objects to help her breathe. Watching her like this has been incredibly difficult.

When I recently took her to our new vet, they were immediately concerned and referred me to a specialist.

On Monday (16/03/2026), Charlie was diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal polyp. A benign growth that is causing a significant blockage at the back of her nose and throat. This explains her breathing difficulties all along. Scans also showed fluid build-up in both of her ears, another painful side effect of this condition.

The specialist tried to remove it with a less invasive procedure but unfortunately the polyp is too far back to be removed this way.

Charlie now requires surgery.

At the moment, she is on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory steroid medication to help manage her symptoms but this is only temporary. Surgery is what will give her the chance to breathe properly again, to sleep peacefully, to exist without struggling for every breath and to finally be the sweet, gentle, affectionate, playful cat she once was.

So far, The first visit incurred a cost of $4369 and the estimate for her surgery is between $1847 - $2079. Both of these costs are way out of my means.

For those who know me, you’ll know how much animals mean to me. Over the years, I’ve been involved in rescue work. Helping stray cats with desexing, vaccinations, and finding safe, loving homes. Even while travelling, I’ve always been drawn to helping where I can, including spending significant time caring for stray cats during multiple trips to Malaysia.

I’ve always tried to handle things on my own and rarely ask for help but this situation is beyond what I can manage alone both financially and mentally.

After making the difficult decision to leave my marriage last year, I’ve been trying to rebuild my life on my own in Sydney without a support network, while also managing my own health and financial pressures. It’s been a challenging time and this unexpected cost has added significant strain.

Through all of this, my cats have been a constant source of comfort and support. Without them this past year, I wouldn’t be here.

Charlie is a deeply loved part of my small family. She is a gentle, sweet, affectionate soul. She is loved, not just by me, but by my other cats too.

My goal is to get her the treatment she needs so she can live comfortably again and if possible, be well enough for future plans to relocate her to the UK to be with my family until I can join her.

Any support would be greatly appreciated and if you’re not in the position to donate, sharing this would mean a lot!

Thank you for taking the time to read her story x

Video:

Below I will attach the diagnostic report & invoice:

Invoice: