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[ Original launch for Lorelei here. She is now healthy and happy :) As of Dec 2024, Ivo currently needs your help for similar treatment! ]

Lorelei, one of our beloved "ghost cats" who lives outside our duplex in Oakland, is being treated for squamous cell carcinoma, which has unfortunately left her poor ears perpetually bloody and withering. Lorelei and her siblings (Ivo, Otterley, & Pandora) have lived along the creekside nature around our duplex for the past decade or so. Since moving in two years ago, we've continued the care of feeding them morning and night, and they sustain the magic around our treehouse home. Really, it's been an honor to live in their home.

Lorelei and the other three ghost cats have brought us so much joy, and we want to do everything we can to make sure she can live the rest of her life without pain.

Fortunately, after a few months of treatment and diagnosis, we now know that amputations for the degraded portion of her ears is a hopeful path forward, and potentially fully curative. Our vet has reassured us that other cats with the same procedure have gone on to lead happy lives with functioning hearing and playful kitty expressions. Her medical needs for this operation and preparation amount to about $2000, which we're hoping to raise with support from our community.

Because white cats in the sun are particularly vulnerable to skin cancer, we've also been taking preventative measures for the others who are showing early signs on their ears. Ivo is getting treated currently with steroids and antibiotics, and we're exploring other approaches to preventing the same injury that Lorelei's had to experience. After helping Lorelei with her operation, the focus can then be shifted to proactively treating Ivo and the others.

Any help to support Lorelei, Ivo, and their ghost cat siblings would be incredible. To thank you, we've established some gifts we would love to send back in return for your support:

Ever the icons, the ghost cats were made into stickers and a beautiful poster (14x11in) for a backyard concert in October 2022 (designed by Bernice Yu).

Thank you so much for reading and considering a donation to help keep Lorelei and the ghost cats happy and healthy at their Oakland creekside home :)