Raj is a 4-month-old Domestic Cat in Fargo, ND, who needs $1,685 for Leg Surgery.

My daughter wanted a cat for her 7th birthday, and we got a kitten. She has in love at first sight. We named him Raj, meaning 'comfort.' The cat enjoys snuggling and sleeping with the child. He hasn't quite learned to meow yet; he is mostly stealthy quiet. The child has already asked to take the child to school.

This cat is a climber; top of the cat tree, back of the couch, and in the window sill are all favorite resting spots. The child has been learning responsibility by feeding the cat in the morning, and cleaning the litter box. When we went to the vet, she insisted on being the one that lugged the carrier.

The all-black fur makes it easy for Raj to hide under chairs and couches. The are tiny slivers of white between some toes. He loves climbing and cuddling. He can almost meow, mostly enjoys staring at you. He loves climbing onto your shoulder like a parrot. He has learned to meow at the child to get her up in morning so she can feed the cat.

Raj's climbing seems to have been his downfall, literally. He ripped the shower curtain while climbing, and fell in the tub. He broke his femur at the head, and needs the piece removed. He isn't even old enough to be fixed yet. If we can get this operation, we can save him a lifetime of pain and limping.

Only one of us is working; the other has been unable to work, and has applied to Social Security for disability. Keeping the cat will help teach our kid responsibility and empathy, and give her a long term confidante.