Help Save Rubah’s Life - Urgent Vet Care Needed for Liver

Hi, my name is Mandi Riggi, and I’m writing this through tears and sheer desperation, asking for your help to save the life of my beloved cat, Rubah.

Rubah is a gentle, affectionate Abyssinian who has been with me since he was just a few weeks old. We just celebrated his 7th year on earth. He's not just a pet, he’s family, my muse. He’s been my constant companion through heartbreak, hardship, and healing. Right now, he’s fighting for his life. And I am fighting alongside him with everything I have.

Right now, he’s fighting for his life. And I am fighting alongside him with everything I have. He hasn't eaten a meal in days, all skin and bones, and extremely unwell.

What’s Happening?

Over the past few days, Rubah has become critically ill with what is suspected to be a liver infection. He’s been under care at the vet clinic, but we haven’t been able to confirm a proper diagnosis due to the cost of imaging. He’s not eating. His liver numbers are dangerously high. And the vets believe he urgently needs intensive treatment, including a feeding tube, to survive.

Without it, he will die.

Why I Need Your Help

The cost of the full care Rubah needs, including imaging, round-the-clock monitoring, and feeding support, has been estimated at £7,000–£8,000. I simply don’t have it. I’ve already spent everything I had on emergency treatment to stabilize him. I’ve tried every charity hospital and low-cost option - even the wonderful Celia Hammond clinic can’t offer this level of care. Sadly his situation is not covered by insurance as they blame everything on a parasite he had as a tiny kitten and refuse to pay out.

I’m a filmmaker/playwright/teacher, still recovering from a painful divorce that left me with deep emotional and financial wounds, and with full responsibility for Rubah and his brother, Caspian, after my ex abandoned them. I’ve been scraping by ever since. Like so many in the arts, the last few years have been brutally difficult.

There is no safety net. I don’t qualify for public benefits, and I have no family here, or back in the US who can help. I’ve exhausted every other option.

All I have left is hope. And this plea to the kindness of strangers.

Rubah Has Touched So Many Lives

Rubah isn’t just my cat—he’s touched so many others. Many of you reading this have met him. You’ve liked his photos, watched his antics on Instagram, or even cuddled him in person. He has a way of bringing peace, gentleness, and joy into the room just by being in it. His affection, his quiet strength, his beauty and naughtiness, they stay with people.

I’ve received so many messages over the years saying things like “I needed that today” after seeing a photo of him. That’s the kind of soul he is.

And now, he needs you.

How You Can Help

Please consider making a donation, even £5 or £10 helps. That’s the cost of a coffee or two in London. And if you can give more, your generosity could truly help save his life.

Funds raised will go immediately to pay the vet.

If you can’t give, you can still help by sharing this campaign. Every share, every kind word, every bit of hope matters right now.

From the Bottom of My Heart

Rubah has brought light into my life and many others during the darkest times. I want to give him a chance to keep shining. To keep living. To keep loving.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for anything you can give to help save him.

With gratitude,

Mandi