Blacky is a 12-year-old Fluffy Haired Cat in New london, CT, who needs $1,500 for Mass Removal Surgery.

Blackie was born in my apartment by a stray named Kitty. I never took Kitty in until she was about to give birth, but I fed her everyday in the courtyard of my apartment. Kitty had four kittens. Blackie was the only one to survive. Two years later I adopted Backie's little brother Uno. Blackie has always been an affectionate and loving cat. When my husband died, Blackie comforted me.

Prior to Blackie's illness she was energetic and affectionate. She loves to wake me up at four am . Blackie is the ringleader in the wake up department, meowing and nuzzling me until I get out of bed. She first wants me to turn on the bathroom tap for her water. Then she wants breakfast. I sit down and have my coffee with her before we take a catnap together.

Breakfast is our bonding moment . Blackie and Uno also like to play on the perch that looks out onto the apt grounds. When it's warm I open the window so they can enjoy the breeze and hear the outside. Mostly i love that they love each other and play together or play with me, chasing stringed toys around my apt. After my husband died they spent more time cuddling with me.

Blackie is diagnosed with mammary tumors. She is scheduled for a mass removal on January 17th. It is unclear to the doctor whether this tumor is metastatic and whether it is in her lungs. We will only know after the surgery.

I am on disability and too sick to work. My husband died suddenly in 2021. I knew he was sick, but I thought he was better. He supported us financially, but one night he did not return from work and the police notified me of his death the next morning. It is a struggle.