This is Fish’s story — and why we’re asking for your help.

My name is Maddy, and I’m creating this GoFundMe on behalf of Fish’s owners — my friends Lindsey and Dom.

I’m stepping in because Fish isn’t just “a cat” to us — she’s family. And her story started with me.

Fish wasn’t supposed to survive her first day with us. At just 4 weeks old, she was surrendered to the animal hospital where I work. A good samaritan found her lifeless body in a bucket behind their garage, dying in the blazing August heat. She was barely breathing when they carried her in.

Doctors and technicians rushed to save her. She was dehydrated, dangerously weak, and slipping fast. But somehow, against every odd, she pulled through.

I took her home as an emergency foster that night. Her recovery wasn’t easy: constant feedings, daily medications, sleepless nights, multiple surgeries and eventually a partial tail amputation. But Fish didn’t quit. She fought harder than any kitten I’ve ever cared for. (and I’ve fostered hundreds of kittens over the years)

When she finally reached 13 weeks old — healthy, mischievous, and feisty — she was ready for a forever home. Lindsey and Dom were interested but hesitant, as they had just said goodbye their beloved black cat- Pea. But as soon as they met Fish, it was game over. They quickly adopted her and she’s been loved deeply ever since.

Fish is now 1.5 years old… and she’s still that same weird, spunky, hilarious little black cat who survived when she shouldn’t have.

Fish’s favorite toys are crinkle balls and anything with catnip. She spends her days lounging in sunny spots with her sister Chirp, playing chase with her sister Skiddy & following her mom around like her little shadow. She truly brings laughter everywhere she goes.

She has a big life. She deserves more of it.

Recently, Fish developed swollen lymph nodes. Fish’s mom was on top of it. She immediately made a vet appointment for her. After extensive testing, she was diagnosed with mycobacterium — an extremely rare and serious illness in cats. Because it’s so uncommon, treatment requires:

• specialized laboratory testing

• advanced diagnostics

• long-term antibiotic therapy

• repeated vet visits

• close monitoring

The cost is overwhelming — and urgent.

And we want to be completely transparent:

Even with treatment, the odds may not be in Fish’s favor.

This disease is difficult, the medications are intense, and many cats don’t survive the treatment process.

But we want to try.

Fish has fought for her life so many times, and we want to give her the chance to fight again. She has already proven she’s stronger than anyone expected.

We’re raising funds to give her every possible chance — every medication, every test, every moment of comfort and care. Every donation will go directly toward her diagnostics, treatments, medications, and follow-up visits.

Fish is family.

Fish is loved.

And even if the road ahead is uncertain, she deserves the opportunity to keep fighting.

Thank you for reading her story, for caring, and for helping her continue it — whether through donating or simply sharing this fundraiser. Your support truly means everything.

With love,

Maddy (former foster)

Lindsey and Dom (current mom & dad)

and Fish