We rescued our sweet Noodle from the streets in December 2025 when he was just 9 weeks old. We couldn’t bear to leave him behind or place him in a shelter, so we took him in and instantly fell in love. The “cat distribution system” called, and we answered. Bringing Noodle into our family has been such a gift. He is incredibly curious, affectionate, and cuddly, and he brings so much joy into our home every single day.

At the time when we rescued him, Noodle was severely malnourished and suffering from two ear infections and an upper respiratory infection. He was so weak that we had to syringe-feed him until he gained the strength to eat on his own. Shortly after, a large mass was discovered under his tongue, and he underwent surgery to remove an infected salivary gland.

Despite everything he has been through, Noodle continues to fight. He has been battling a chronic ear infection since December 2025 that has not resolved despite multiple treatments and visits to many different veterinarians. Testing has shown a combination of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, along with yeast overgrowth in his ear that is causing him constant pain and affecting his hearing. At his most recent visit, a polyp was discovered in his middle ear, requiring urgent intervention.

Noodle now needs an urgent total ear canal ablation (TECA), which involves surgically removing his ear canal. This is not a common procedure for a 6-month-old kitten; it is a major, last-resort surgery typically performed in older cats with severe, end-stage ear disease. In Noodle’s case, his condition has become so advanced that this surgery is the best option to relieve his pain and prevent further complications. Without it, he is at risk for serious neurological damage that could greatly impact his quality of life.

While this procedure will result in hearing loss in his left ear, we would much rather have a happy, healthy Noodle than risk losing him altogether. This will be his third surgery in his short life, which makes this journey even more overwhelming for us. We don’t fully know what lies ahead, but we do know that this surgery will give him the best chance at a comfortable, pain-free future.

At just 6 months old, Noodle has already endured so much, yet he remains as loving and resilient as ever.

The surgery he needs is urgent, and the cost is more than we can manage on our own. Funds raised will go directly toward his surgery, medications, and follow-up care to give him the best chance at a healthy, pain-free life. Watching him struggle has been heartbreaking, but we truly believe that with the right treatment, he can recover and live the life he deserves.

Any support, no matter the amount, would mean so much to us. Thank you for taking the time to read Noodle’s story and for considering helping him heal!