My parents never let me have a pet growing up. Their reasoning was emotional burden. When I finally became an independent adult, I went to go meet several cats. A scrawny little cat made its way towards me to rub my ankle. We named him Tofu. From then on, every time I got home, Tofu rubbed my legs. He'd follow me from room to room to keep me company, whether I was doing chores or crafting. When my mother went to use the restroom at night, he'd come out to greet her and sit on her lap. Tofu always took interest in my father assembling his bike and sat next to my husband when he was working from home. He's been an emotionally supportive cat for not only our family but also many friends. I was so lucky to have met a cat so sweet and loving.

However, I noticed Tofu was panting after playing. Several vets had stated he was healthy and that kittens could have higher respiratory rates. It took us a long time before we found a cardiologist that diagnosed him with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. Insurance did not cover him due to considering it a preexisting condition. We had to pay $700 for each ECHO that was spaced 6 months apart. The vet initially told us he had no more than 6 years to live. Tofu was prescribed atenolol to attempt to slow down the heart walls from thickening, but upon a recent visit, his heart is getting worse. The vet gave us a new prognosis of 6 months to a year left and recommended we come off the atenolol and start blood thinners to prevent sudden death or paralysis from clots. We cried hard. Tofu was shuddering from fear of the vet, yet still rubbed my ankle when I got home.

Yet, the vet did offer us a newly FDA-approved drug to reverse HCM. However, it is very costly… estimated at $700 for 3 months, we don't know how we will afford it. Yet, we want to know we've attempted everything before we let him go. Tofu had just turned 3 years old this past July… he deserves so much more time. He still loves Delectable treats and running after strings. But now I understand why my parents told me not to have a pet… if Tofu dies young, I will have to go through emotional suffering. His passing would break so many hearts.

We have hope he has the strength to pass this… and would appreciate any financial assistance. Thank you for reading our story.