Papi is a 5 year old Mix-Breed in Weaverville, NC, who needs $2,000 for Tumor Removal/Possible Amputation.

My orange tabby lives with me, my 1- and 4-year-old, and our pit bull. Indoor/outdoor, but with his growth he stays on the porch or right by the grass. I got him at 8 weeks; his funny name fits. He’s always protected my kids and sleeps curled on my chest. He bosses the dog but they cuddle, and he makes biscuits. Sweet, loyal, and more dog-like than cat—he even takes walks with us.

He has a rapidly growing, baseball-sized purple mass with a lumpy surface. The tissue can’t keep up, causing central ulceration with an open hole. It bleeds when bumped and keeps enlarging. A vet last year hadn’t seen this before and feared removal due to not enough skin to close. He has a second-opinion and surgical estimate at Broad River Animal Hospital on Feb 16.

Papi is an affectionate, protective cat who’s deeply bonded to my family. He’s gentle with my young kids, sleeps curled on my chest, and brings comfort and support. Confident and playful, he “bosses” our pit bull, yet they cuddle and he kneads on him. He follows us on walks, stays close outdoors, and his loyal, dog-like ways make him feel like a little guardian in our home.

I’m a single mom on a small fixed income, doing my best for my kids and pets, but a bill of thousands is beyond me. It breaks my heart—I don’t want to neglect him or watch him suffer. He’s family, and I’m trying so hard to find a way to get him the care he needs.