Sick Senior Cat with Skin Cancer Needs Your Help

This is Rahj, and as you can see from these pictures, he isn't doing so well.

Elderly boy Rahj is rail-thin due to untreated hyperthyroidism, has multiple dental issues, and is also suffering from skin cancer on both ears, something that is sadly not uncommon among white cats. The veterinary team at our North London Cat Clinic have laid out an extensive treatment plan for Rahj, including two separate surgeries, that will help restore his health. However, before they can begin, we need to raise enough funds to cover at least a considerable portion of that treatment. If you'd like to donate to help us achieve that goal then please donate using the button below.

- Rahj's Story -

Rahj was once a happy and healthy cat, but last year, his owner suffered a massive stroke. This left her not only severely disabled, with little mobility, but also seriously impacted her mental health. Although she remained deeply attached to Rahj, her ability to care for herself, let alone a senior cat, became very limited.

As is not unusual for a cat over ten, in the year after his owner's stroke, Rahj began to experience some health issues. When addressed promptly, the conditions that commonly affect elderly cats can be managed without too much difficulty. For the reasons outlined however, this didn't happen with Rahj, and as a result, he began a rapid decline, losing weight and becoming increasingly lethargic.

A friend of the family noticed this and urged Rahj's owner to take action. However, a further hurdle existed in the form of funds to pay for treatment, as his owner was experiencing financial issues of a personal nature, that we will not divulge here. Unsure of what to do, this family friend contacted Catcuddles for advice, and we quickly booked Rahj an appointment at our North London Cat Clinic.

The family friend brought Rahj for his consultation, and after a blood test was carried out, he was immediately put on medication to help get his hyperthyroidism under control. Once his health is more stable, he will then need surgery to remove the overactive gland. This is just one of three procedures that are desperately needed, however, as Rahj will also need both ears amputated due to the skin cancer, a matter of some urgency, and extensive dental work.

It is abundantly clear that Rahj's owner cannot pay for the huge amount of treatment that he will need, however, surrendering him to the charity would also have a catastrophic effect on her already extremely fragile mental health. Therefore, we have launched this appeal in hopes of funding the surgeries.

We are currently working with the family friend who initially contacted us to ensure that Rahj attends veterinary appointments. He has also kindly been visiting daily to give Rahj his medication. Already, the senior boy has begun to improve, and seems to be feeling a little better. But so much more needs to be done.

This is an extremely unfortunate situation for all involved, and one that will need to be monitored closely in the long term. For now, it is imperative that Rahj does not continue to suffer without the veterinary treatment that he so desperately needs, and that his health is stabilised as soon as possible. Your donations will not only help a vulnerable cat at Christmas, but also his vulnerable owner.

We know these are tough times for all, and that funds are short for many, but ask that you please consider donating to make 2021 a year of happiness and comfort for this gentle, elderly cat. https://www.catcuddles.org.uk/donate#donate-money.