A young stray cat found her way onto the property of an elderly gentleman I care for about two weeks ago, and I’ve been caring for her ever since. She’s only around 9 months old, heavily pregnant, and one of the sweetest, most affectionate cats I’ve ever met. A few nights ago, she came up to me for help — and I discovered she had been shot. The injury shattered her shoulder. I rushed her to the vet, where X-rays and an exam confirmed the severity. She was given pain medication, but the only way to save her life and stop the infection was to amputate her leg. She has now had her amputation surgery. While she’s physically stable and adjusting, she’s clearly struggling emotionally — she’s depressed from both the loss of her leg and being separated from her kittens.

She gave birth to 8 kittens, but tragically 2 were lost during labor. With the help of an incredible vet tech, Molly, we split the remaining kittens to try to give them the best chance. She took 3, and I took 3. Despite our efforts, we each lost one kitten on days 3 and 4. Thankfully, I was able to find an amazing family with a nursing mother cat who has taken in the remaining kittens and is helping feed and care for them until they’re stronger. I’m doing everything I can to give this sweet girl, now named Gracie, and her surviving babies a chance at life.

The costs for her emergency care, amputation surgery, medications, and ongoing support are more than I can manage alone. If I can’t raise the funds, I may have no choice but to surrender her, and her future — along with her kittens’ — becomes uncertain. Any support, whether through donations or simply sharing this, would mean everything. Every contribution goes directly toward her care, recovery, and giving her and her babies a safe, loving future. Thank you for helping give Gracie a second chance.