Tofu's Trials and Tribulations

Tofu has struggled with multiple health issues since I took him in to foster at 4 weeks old. This includes a viral respiratory disease that caused ulcers in his mouth, ulcers on both his corneas (eyes), as well as eye infections and intestinal parasites. Once he was healthy and cleared for adoption (nearly 3 months later), I left him at the shelter thinking that was his best chance at adoption and the best life. He is unlike any cat I have ever met and his personality is unmatched, I thought someone would take him instantly. I made a care package to go home with his new owners and wrote a note explaining Tofu's history and how having a good relationship with your vet was a MUST because he will likely suffer with life long issues due to his illnesses at such a young age. He did not transition to shelter life well and made himself so stressed he got sick again. The shelter was concerned about his quality of life and didn't think he could be placed for adoption. Hinting that if I didn't take Tofu back into my care, there was talk of euthanizing him.

I tried for months to get coworkers at my vet office with no other pets to take him so they didn't have to worry about paying for multiple pets. I tried getting clients who I know would give him everything he needed to say yes, with no luck. With little to no support from the shelter, I felt that my hands were tied. And I am now the owner of 4 cats, which was never a part of my plan. While I love Tofu with my whole heart, and sobbed every time I thought of him going to another home, he quite honestly is a medical nightmare/mystery and would be a LOT for just your average person. He is a lot to handle but I have never had an animal that makes me laugh the way Tofu does. To know Tofu is to love Tofu.

2024 has been very exciting (and expensive) year for Tofu.

On January 10th, Tofu had to have one of his eyes removed to improve his lifelong quality of life. He has since had no further eye issues in his remaining eye

In March, we had to do a respiratory panel as he had a fever and was leaking snot from his face. He tested positive for 3 separate respiratory illnesses.

On May 30th, Tofu jumped on the stove while we were boiling pasta and while getting him off, he brought down the boiling pot of water on his back. Causing a large 3rd degree burn on his back. We had to sedate him and shave the area to expose the scab. It overall looks great but we are still struggling to get the thickest area to heal. His doctors think we may need to surgically excise the area if the area does not continue to heal. Meaning Tofu will be anesthetized while we cut out the scab and remaining scar tissue and suture his back together.

In August we did a sedated nasal flush because this cat produces more snot than anything anyone has ever seen and we can't figure out why. While we thought we cleared out a lot, he was back to being boogie within the following few days.

Fast forward to now, and he is being treated for another unknown respiratory issue, causing him to have a fever and feel like poop.

While my work does apply staff discounts as often as they can, Tofu's need for care has been unprecedented and ya girls bill is high because of this boogie boy. I haven't even been at my clinic for a full year yet I know times are tough for nearly everyone, but I promise Tofu's quality of life is worth every penny. Besides his one severe act of stupidity, the world has just cursed this little dude with a horrible immune system and facial anatomy, it's not his fault. He deserves love and people that will fight for him. Every donation goes straight to his medical bill and is SO appreciated

Please please share!!!!