Most kittens spend their days chasing toys and climbing curtains. Bobbie is spending hers fighting for her life. And she needs all the help she can get.
The playful Hawaiian kitten has been diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening heart defect, and the only veterinary team in the United States capable of performing the procedure she needs is more than 2,500 miles away at VCA West Los Angeles.
Only One Veterinary Hospital Can Perform Her Surgery
If everything goes according to plan, Bobbie will undergo her life-saving procedure on July 29. The surgery could give her something every kitten deserves: years of chasing toys, soaking up sunny windowsills, and growing into adulthood.
The procedure is so specialized that VCA West Los Angeles is the only veterinary hospital in the country that has successfully performed it on cats, making the trip Bobbie’s only chance at a longer, healthier life. But for the volunteers at Cat People of Oahu, getting Bobbie to California isn’t as simple as booking a flight.
Hawaii’s Rabies Laws Make the Journey Even More Difficult
Because Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the U.S., animals traveling to and from the islands must follow strict quarantine rules. Under normal circumstances, cats need two rabies vaccinations given a month apart, a waiting period, and a specialized FAVN blood test that can take weeks to process.
Bobbie doesn’t have weeks to spare. Her rescue is now racing against time to obtain a special waiver from the State of Hawaii so she can leave for surgery and return home without going through the lengthy quarantine process. It’s one more hurdle standing between a tiny kitten and the only surgery that could save her life. The cost is another hurdle…
The Rescue Is Racing to Raise $10,500
Cat People of Oahu is trying to raise $10,500 to cover Bobbie’s travel, surgery-related expenses, and her journey home. The rescue is also accepting donations of airline miles, hotel points, veterinary care, matching gifts, and other support to help make the trip possible.
“This is an amazing feat,” the rescue shared. “We’re trying to give Bobbie the longer, healthier life she deserves.”
Sometimes the biggest rescue mission isn’t pulling an animal from danger. It’s helping them reach the one place that can save their life. But help is always needed and appreciated.
How You Can Help Bobbie
If you’d like to help Bobbie make the journey from Hawaii to Los Angeles, you can donate through her GoFundMe or the rescue’s fundraising links below.
Ways to Help Bobbie
- GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/2d53a8c2c
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/catpeopleofoahu
- Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/catpeopleofoahu
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3613270
- Zelle: [email protected]
- Check: Mail to: Cat People of Oahu, 95-1059 Hoalia Street, Mililani, HI 96789
The rescue is also seeking donations of airline miles, hotel points, pre-flight veterinary care, matching donations, and other in-kind support. Every share and every donation brings Bobbie one step closer to the only surgery that could save her life.