On June 19th, 2014, a beautiful calico cat named Blackberry gave birth to a litter of 4 kittens, including my two cats, Stella and Louis. My sister and I rushed over to our friends' house as soon as we heard our new family members were joining us Earthside. Louis was the last of the 4, and he was tinier than I could have ever imagined. You would never guess he'd become the 21-pound behemoth he is now. For two months, Blackberry's family couldn't get rid of us. I went over to see my new kittens every chance I got until I could finally bring them home.

For 7 years, Louis and Stella have been the most extraordinary addition to our family and have seen us through some of the most challenging moments of our lives.

Several weeks ago, we brought Louis in for a check-up when we noticed his typical lust for life, and food, waning. A couple of scans and vet visits later, we got the dreaded news that our Louie boy was suffering from severe renal lymphoma and was in advanced kidney failure. But all hope is not lost. Aggressive treatment is still an option for Louis, and through many, many tears, we mobilized.

We've started Louie's cancer treatment and he seems to be responding quite well! And don't worry, he's on pain-killers and spends all day lounging in the sun on his Northern California perch.

As we all know by now, veterinary expenses, especially cancer treatment, are brutal. Emotionally, physically and financially. And we could use all the help we can get.

I can't ever fully explain how much this boy means to me... Not everyone understands what makes cats so special. A lot of people don't even like them. But I could always, always count on Louis to change those minds. He is so weird and wonderful. Enormous, but not in a scary way... in a delightful way. Soft and snuggly and empathetic, and the best part of my teenage years. If you've ever met me, you know I am obsessed with this not-so-little orange boy. So whatever you can spare to help us keep him around (for emotional support and to disprove unfounded feline stereotypes) would be the greatest gift imaginable. Thank you all so much.