*Stella’s Story*

We’ve been caring for Stella, a cat rescued from our neighborhood while going through the TNVR process. She was not faring well outside. It turns out she’s deaf and has health issues, including cancerous tumors. We love having her in our family, but the bills are becoming quite formidable. I’d like to ask the community of cat lovers for help in supporting her ongoing care for anyone who feels interested/able.

Thank you and I’ve shared more of her story below for anyone who is interested.

PayPal/Venmo: @marinacay

*message for direct-to-vet donations or proof of expenses

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Stella came to us last fall on the one year anniversary of losing my soul kitty. We trapped her like we do other community cats to get spayed and vaccinated and returned to the neighborhood. When she came back from the vet, I couldn’t bring myself to release her. She was emaciated and covered in scrapes and her own waste. We decided to foster her and soon learned she’s deaf! (I had previously just thought she was reeeeally tired ). It made more sense that she wasn’t faring well outside. She was quite frightened and it took months to earn her trust. She also slept for about two months straight! Just when I thought she might always be a bit standoffish, she not only came around, but became attached to my hip.

Health issues began to reveal themselves as we saw signs of stomach troubles. This landed us in the emergency room and subsequently our family vet. We learned she had IBD and put her on special food and every other day hairball meds. I asked about a couple lumps on her abdomen, but was dismissed. We sought a second opinion and learned they are mammary tumors- essentially breast cancer.

The subsequent evaluations were estimated to be very expensive, but thanks to someone wonderful from this community, we found a great vet in Vero who helps keep costs down whenever possible. Stella needs medication, prescription food, subcutaneous fluids given at home, e-collars and recovery suits that must be worn constantly or she licks her tumor, regular bloodwork and ultrasounds, monthly b12 injections, and the other usual pet costs. We’re making it work (thank goodness for care credit!) and caring for her feels meant to be. I am currently disabled due to an extended illness and have the ability to be home with her most of the time.

Still, caring for Stella has become a costly endeavor. We are exploring whether she is healthy enough for surgery to remove the masses- it won’t help the cancer unfortunately, but it would keep her from bleeding masses and having to wear the e-collar constantly. Finances are a big factor in this decision. Stella is loved and spoiled and brings light and purpose to my days. I will take great care of her as long as she’s here. If anyone feels inclined to donate to her ongoing care, it would be so appreciated. Thank you for reading her story!!

*Miles’ Story*

I seem to have a knack for attracting sick/injured, deaf geriatric cats. Our newest edition is Miles, an elderly stray we would feed periodically when he would stop by. His ear is clipped so we knew he was a community cat. About a month ago he was standing in the rain crying so we began letting him in the garage for shade and protection. He barely left the front of our townhome since. He quickly became extremely friendly and affectionate and is so gentle. I hated leaving him outside but already have more than I can handle in terms of cats. We vowed to keep him up to date on vaccines and keep up with flea/heart worm meds and of course food and clean water.

Last week he was hit by a car. His bottom lip was detached and his nose scraped. We feel very grateful it wasn’t worse. At this point he came inside immediately and has been convalescing in the bathroom. We took him to our vet who is helping us with his care as well as getting bloodwork, urine samples, rabies shot, and more flea/parasite treatment. His testing came back negative for FIV and leukemia. I clean his injury several times a day and give him lots of good food and love. He need a small surgery to reattach the lip that will cost around $600 minimally. It is scheduled for next week but I’m truly not sure how I can make this happen financially. Putting him back outside or taking him to a shelter is not an option. I am determined to find a way to help him.

If anyone can contribute to the surgery, we would be so grateful. He’s such a sweet guy who appears to have had a tough life. It’s our goal that he’s happy and pampered the rest of his days.