Christian is a 8-year-old Domestic Shorthair in Durham, NC, who needs $1,305 for Oral Surgery with teeth extraction.

I encountered Christian upon moving into my current house. Initially, I could not determine if this striking calico cat was a neighbor's pet or if she was a stray. She was wary & although, clearly not a feral cat, with time suspected she was a stray or abandoned cat. For 18 months, Christian remained distant. In June 2017, her thin & hungry orange tabby kitten made possible our introductions.

Christian had an additional pair of kittens in September 2017. Operation Catnip of Raleigh generously helped me spay & neuter the kittens & Christian. Christian & her close knit family maintain my front porch as their home. Their daily routines include hiding & playing in the surrounding woods. They visit with nearby stray & community cats & sometime re-negotiate shared neighboring territories.

My income is limited & presently I have competing, necessary expenses: rotting house foundation and Christian's teeth. My house has to be repaired AND Christian requires dental surgery to be pain free and healthy. I love Christian & want her to be comfortable.

I took Christian for a check-up to The Cat Hospital of Durham & Chapel Hill. For the past few months her tongue has been hanging out of her mouth. Dr. Edwards discovered she has severe periodontal disease. She has a number of painful and infected teeth needing extraction. These painful teeth prevent Christian from closing her mouth & they make it sore for her to keep her tongue inside her mouth.

Christian is a shy & endearing cat; our affection for one another has grown. Christian also remains closely bonded with her offspring. Christian is smart & humorous & diplomatic in her relationships. Formerly abandoned, Christian is now clearly happy to have found a stable home living with her family on my front porch. I enjoy and value the friendship I have with this sweet & loving feline.