In 2024, I started volunteering at North Toronto Cat Rescue, a no-kill cat shelter supported by a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to give cats a second chance at life.
That was where I met Missy.
Missy was rescued in 2023. When she arrived at the shelter, she was suffering from lungworm and severe stomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting her mouth. Her condition was so serious that all of her molars had to be extracted, leaving only her front teeth and fangs.
We hoped that after her dental surgery, Missy would finally find relief. However, even after having her teeth removed, her symptoms did not fully resolve. She continued to experience ongoing inflammation and other health challenges, and it was heartbreaking to see her continue to struggle.
I wanted to find another way to help her.
In late January 2026, I decided to explore a holistic approach and brought Missy to see Dr. Sasan Haghighat, a holistic veterinarian, to look for additional ways to support her overall health and improve her quality of life.
Missy was also experiencing digestive issues, including what appeared to be leaky gut symptoms. When she was relaxed or trying to sleep, she would sometimes have stool leakage, which was uncomfortable for her and showed that her digestive system was still struggling.
With Dr. Haghighat’s guidance, we started a holistic care plan that included a personalized regimen, supplements, dietary recommendations, and in-house holistic treatments during her visits.
Her diet was also adjusted to better support her overall health. Based on the recommendations, Missy was transitioned away from dry kibble and moved toward a more natural diet consisting of high-quality wet food and raw food. The goal was to provide better nutritional support for her digestion, immune system, and overall well-being.
Slowly, we began to see positive changes.
Missy’s gum inflammation started to improve. Her digestive issues became much better, and the stool leakage stopped. Her face became less swollen, and the redness that we used to see on her legs and belly gradually disappeared.
But the biggest change was not just physical — it was seeing Missy become a completely different cat.
In late April 2026, Missy came under my foster care, allowing me to continue supporting her recovery journey at home. As her health improved, her personality started to shine. She became more active, more curious, and began interacting with humans much more. The quiet, uncomfortable cat we first met slowly transformed into a happier and more confident kitty.
She truly became a new kitty.
Seeing Missy’s transformation has been incredibly rewarding. A cat who once suffered from severe health challenges is now enjoying life with more comfort, energy, and affection. Seeing her become more playful, more social, and more engaged with people has been one of the greatest rewards of this journey.
I truly believe Missy is on the right path. Under the continued care and guidance of Dr. Sasan Haghighat, along with proper nutrition, love, and support, I am confident that Missy will continue to heal and make a full recovery.
Missy’s story is a reminder that every rescue cat deserves patience, compassion, and a chance at a better life. Healing takes time, but every small improvement is a victory worth celebrating.
Missy’s journey is not just about recovery — it is about hope, dedication, and the difference that love, commitment, and the right support can make in a rescue animal’s life.
