Help Sophie Get the Surgery She Needs

Two years ago, I adopted Sophie and her sister Howl when they were five years old. They had already been moved from home to home, never getting the chance to feel truly safe or loved for long. When I brought them home, I promised them that this would be their forever home. They’d never have to feel abandoned again.

Since then, they’ve become my whole world. My days are filled with their loving, chaotic energy. Sophie is the more vocal of the two. She’ll happily “tell” me about everything she finds interesting. At night, she curls up in my arms, purring softly on my chest. Howl and Sophie are inseparable; they nap together, groom each other, and complain to me if I ever miss playtime. When Sophie had to go to the vet recently, Howl cried all day until her sister came home.

What’s Happening to Sophie

Sophie has developed an extreme case of gingivitis that has now affected her ability to eat. She’s in pain every time she tries to chew, and she’s been vomiting yellow bile due to stomach irritation from not being able to eat properly.

I’ve already spent over $1,000 on emergency visits, x-rays, and bloodwork, but she now urgently needs a dental surgery under anesthesia to remove infected teeth and clean out the remaining rot and plaque. Without it, she could develop serious heart complications and worsening infection.

The estimated cost of the procedure and follow-up care is around $2,000–$3,000. I simply can’t afford that amount on my own right now, and I’m terrified of what might happen if she doesn’t get this treatment soon.

Why She Means Everything

Sophie isn’t just my cat. She’s my companion, my comfort, and my family. She’s been with me through every major event in my life: finishing my MFA, moving homes, and navigating all the ups and downs that come with it. When I cry or feel lost, Sophie is always there, nudging herself into my arms to comfort me.

It breaks my heart to see her so quiet and withdrawn… her little chirps and sassy energy gone. Even Howl seems to sense that something’s wrong. I just want her to be herself again: the playful, mischievous, cuddly little princess who chirps at birds on TV and opens doors with her paws because she insists on independence.

How You Can Help

I’m doing everything I can to get Sophie the care she needs, but I can’t do it alone. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward her surgery and recovery. Your kindness could truly save her life and help her return to the happy, healthy cat she deserves to be.

If you’re able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you can’t, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Every share helps more than you know.

(As a small thank you, I’m considering offering a custom pet portrait for those who donate above a certain amount. I’ll share more details once I know Sophie’s on the road to recovery.)

About Sophie

She’s a talker—she chirps and meows at everything.

She loves chasing the red laser pointer.

Her tongue always sticks out a little, which makes her look adorably derpy.

She’s shy around new people but always curious enough to come inspect you before trotting away.

If Howl grooms her too aggressively, she’ll give her a gentle smack to “remind her who’s boss.”

Sophie and Howl have brought so much love and laughter into my life. I can’t imagine my home without them, and I know Howl couldn’t either. Please help me give Sophie the care she needs to heal and live the long, healthy life she deserves.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and supporting us.