Poseidon’s Second Chance Came at a Cost — Please Help

Meet Poseidon — affectionately known as “Purcy.” When Purcy was brought to Operation Catnip, his caregiver was deeply concerned. He had large, painful gashes behind his ears and one ear folded over completely — the result of long-term, untreated ear infections that had built up scar tissue, damaged his hearing, and severely impacted his quality of life.

Our clinical team quickly discovered that Purcy was also suffering from a large hematoma in his right ear — a swollen pocket of fluid caused by ruptured blood vessels. These can develop from constant scratching, head shaking, and chronic infections. The wounds behind his ears were self-inflicted, the heartbreaking result of relentless pain and itching. Every time his ears were gently cleaned, Purcy would kick his feet and hum with happiness — finally getting relief from the discomfort he’d endured for so long.

Purcy received essential vaccines including FVRCP and rabies, along with flea prevention, and was placed in a loving foster home where he could heal indoors. With patience, kindness, and lots of soothing Aquaphor, his foster caregiver helped nurse his wounds back to health. While the cuts behind his ears improved, the hematoma stubbornly remained — even after two rounds of steroids. The next step was surgery. After his first procedure, Purcy showed progress, but he needed a second surgery to fully address the issue.

Today, after that second surgery, Purcy is finally on the mend. For the first time in a long while, he has the chance to live without constant pain, itching, and discomfort. He can simply be a cat — relaxed, comfortable, and happy.

But Purcy’s care has been extensive — exams, medications, vaccines, two rounds of steroids, surgery, and post-operative monitoring — and the costs add up quickly. We urgently need your help to cover Purcy’s medical expenses. Without donor support, cats like him would have no access to the lifesaving care they need. Every dollar helps us pay for the treatments that gave Purcy relief and a second chance.

Please donate today to help cover Purcy’s surgeries and recovery. Your gift — no matter the size — directly supports his care and allows Operation Catnip to continue saying “yes” to cats suffering in silence. Purcy is healing because someone stepped up. Will you be that someone today?

4/27/26 Update

Purcy continues to remind us every single day why helping cats like him matters so much. After enduring chronic ear infections, painful wounds, a stubborn hematoma, multiple medications, and two surgeries, Purcy is now safe in foster care — and feeling so good.

His foster caregiver reports that Purcy is thriving indoors as he continues to heal. The discomfort and constant irritation that once controlled his days are finally being replaced with something he may not have experienced much before: comfort, peace, and affection. And Purcy is absolutely soaking it up. He loves spending time with his foster, happily hanging out nearby, asking for attention, and showing just how incredibly sweet he truly is. This once-suffering boy has such a gentle, loving personality, and now that he is no longer consumed by pain, he is able to simply enjoy being cared for. Watching him lean into pets, seek out companionship, and relax in safety has been such a rewarding transformation.

While Purcy is doing wonderfully, his medical journey has required extensive veterinary treatment — exams, medications, repeated ear care, steroids, surgeries, and continued recovery support in foster. We are so grateful for everyone who has donated so far, but we still need help covering the cost of the care that got him to this point.

Please consider making a donation today to support Purcy’s continued healing and help Operation Catnip remain a lifeline for cats suffering just like he was. Every dollar helps provide medical relief, safe foster recovery, and second chances. Purcy is sweet, safe, and finally comfortable — and that is because compassionate people chose to help.

5/14/26 Update

Because of your incredible support, Purcy’s story has a happy ending. When Purcy first arrived at Operation Catnip, he was living in constant pain from severe, long-term ear infections, open wounds behind his ears, and a painful hematoma that had already caused significant damage. Watching him finally experience relief for the first time — leaning into gentle ear cleanings, relaxing in foster care, and soaking up affection — reminded us exactly why this work matters.

Today, we are so happy to share that Purcy is healing beautifully after his second surgery and thriving in foster care. The constant itching, pain, and discomfort that once controlled his life are finally behind him. Instead of suffering outdoors, Purcy now spends his days safe, comfortable, and surrounded by love. His sweet personality has completely blossomed, and he has become such a happy, affectionate companion.

None of this would have been possible without the kindness and generosity of supporters like you. Because people chose to care, Purcy received the exams, medications, vaccines, surgeries, recovery support, and loving foster care he desperately needed. Your donations gave him relief, healing, and a true second chance.

From all of us at Operation Catnip — and especially from Purcy — thank you for making this transformation possible. Every donation, share, and word of encouragement helped change his life. Your support allows us to continue helping cats who are suffering in silence and gives them the opportunity to heal, feel safe, and finally know comfort.

Purcy’s future is now bright, peaceful, and full of love — and that is because of you.