My cat Mimi is almost 12 years old and is cuddly, energetic, and curious, especially when it comes to treats! Mimi entered my life 9 years ago after I saw a listing for her on Craigslist and decided to reach out. Her original owner was an international student and couldn't bring her home after graduating college and chose me to give her a loving home. She has already been through quite a lot, most notably when she escaped my apartment right before my own college graduation. After an incredibly difficult six weeks, Mimi and I were reunited thanks to the vigilance and care of the Greater Lansing community. She's been happy and healthy throughout our time together, but unfortunately I'm starting this campaign to once again ask my community for help regarding her health.

On May 17th, I came home to find Mimi hiding under my bed, which is out of the ordinary for her. She hadn't eaten any of her food for that day and I began to get extremely worried after she refused to come out even for treats. I eventually was able to coax her out and I decided to take her to an emergency vet clinic. They weren't able to diagnose any specific issues that night without doing blood work and getting a urine sample, which would require sedation as she was becoming agitated. They were able to note, however, that she has a heart murmur, but also weren't able to do more diagnostics at the time. We decided that I would take her home and monitor her then call my regular vet in the morning to get some labs done for her.

The next day, she seemed to be in a better mood but still not quite her usual self. I called my regular vet but they were unable to see her that day and recommended that I take her back to the emergency vet if she didn't improve. She was eating normally but was refusing to use her litter box and began hiding under my bed again. I took her back to the emergency room where they admitted her and began the process of diagnostics. The vet told me that her creatine and B1 levels were high which most likely meant kidney problems. They would start her on IV fluids and keep her overnight to see if her levels would decrease. It was the most heartbreaking feeling to leave the office without my cat.

Her creatine and B1 levels continued to stay higher than normal so the office did an ultrasound which showed that she had an obstruction to her ureter, most likely a kidney stone on one if not both sides. One kidney was also enlarged while the other was a bit smaller than normal. Because of the potential for a blockage, I was told it was possible that she might need surgery to either place stents or even do a full bypass of her ureter(s) if her condition didn't improve. We decided it was best for her to be transferred to the MSU veterinary clinic for further diagnostics and care. I spent the entire day as a total wreck, wondering if I would have to say goodbye to my best friend.

On May 21, the MSU vet clinic told me Mimi was doing relatively well and they're hoping that with more fluids and time, she'll be able to pass the kidney stones and her levels will decrease. I was allowed to come visit her and I honestly cannot put into words how much joy I felt to hold my baby again.

If Mimi doesn't get better, her options are the surgery or making her comfortable and saying goodbye. I cannot imagine letting her go when she's still so active and alert, and just the thought of it brings me to tears. The surgery comes with risks and future implications for her health, though, and I want to be able to make the most humane choice for her considering her prognosis and condition.

I would do anything for my cat, but unfortunately I can't make money appear out of thin air. The emergency vet visit itself cost $150 then an additional $4,200 for her care there. Her stay at the MSU vet clinic has already cost about $5,000 as well and if she does need the surgery, that number will double if not triple. Although my immediate community and family have already come together to support us as much as possible, it's clear that I need to expand our circle to make sure she gets the care she needs.

We would be so grateful if you are able to donate anything at all, and if you can't help monetarily, even just sharing her story and keeping her in your thoughts is appreciated. I'm already so thankful to you for reading this.

With love,

Mimi and family