My husband and I are raising money for our new rescue cat, Nikko. We recently learned that Nikko needs extensive dental work so she can be pain-free and live out the rest of her years comfortably.

How Nikko Joined Our Family (November 5, 2025)

In early October, Chewy accidentally sent us someone else’s order along with our regular cat food for Molly (16). The extra shipment was full of cat food, which we immediately started using to help feed a few feral cats in our neighborhood.

Around that same time, my husband Colt began noticing a particularly sweet and friendly cat on one of his running routes. He started feeding her twice a day, and over a few weeks we learned her name was Nikko—and that she was already 12 years old.

Nikko had been living outdoors for the past seven years. As winter approached, we and several neighbors grew increasingly worried about her. She would sometimes sleep in a nearby shed, and on especially cold nights, kind neighbors would let her stay in their garages if they could. Still, her situation didn’t sit right with us.

Colt began asking around to see if Nikko belonged to anyone and whether there was a way to help her. He eventually found her owner. Although he had raised her since she was a kitten, he agreed to let us take her in, knowing we could provide a safer and more comfortable life. He had faced financial challenges and had relied on the kindness of neighbors over the years—one neighbor paid to have Nikko spayed, and another took her to the vet after local kids cruelly dumped chemicals on her. Sadly, her eye is still affected from that incident.

After learning more about her past, we knew we wanted to try to give Nikko the life she deserved. We have a fenced backyard and were prepared to slowly transition her to being an indoor cat.

On November 5, Colt brought a carrier with him on his run. We expected it to be a struggle to get her inside—but to our surprise, Nikko walked right in, as if she’d been waiting for someone to take her home.

Settling In & Discovering the Problem

Nikko settled in beautifully during her first few days with us. She finally had a consistent, warm place to sleep and reliable meals. After a flea bath, she seemed noticeably more comfortable, and we planned to bring her to the vet for a full exam and vaccines now that she was officially part of our family.

After a couple of weeks, however, we noticed something wasn’t right. Nikko showed interest in food but would stop eating after just a few bites. She would crouch away from her bowl and seemed to be in pain.

We took her to East End Veterinary, where our fears were confirmed. Nikko needs full dental work, including a deep cleaning and likely several tooth extractions. She has severe plaque buildup that has caused significant gum inflammation and painful ulcers throughout her mouth. This is the source of her discomfort and difficulty eating.

Why We’re Asking for Help

When we took Nikko in, we knew we were committing to her veterinary care—but we didn’t anticipate such extensive treatment so soon. Her dental procedure has been quoted as a Level 2–4 dental, with an estimated cost of $800–$1,300.

Unfortunately, dental appointments are booked months out, and Nikko’s procedure is scheduled for February 19, 2026. Until then, she is on a carefully blended liquid diet at every meal and takes Gabapentin to help manage her pain.

She will return to the vet on December 31 for a booster vaccine and pre-operative bloodwork to ensure she is healthy enough for anesthesia, especially given her age.

How Your Support Helps

Funds raised will go directly toward:

Any amount helps and means the world to us—and to Nikko.

Nikko is adjusting more each day and spending increasing time indoors. Her favorite spot is a heating pad under the Christmas tree, where she curls up warm and safe—something she didn’t have before.

If you’re able to help us get Nikko back to full health, we would be incredibly grateful. If you’re unable to donate, sharing her story is just as meaningful. Thank you for helping us give this sweet girl a second chance at a comfortable, happy life.