Hi! My name is Emiko, and I wasn’t supposed to make it out alive.

I was on the county shelter’s urgent list—tiny, sick, scared, and in pain. My body was weak. One of my eyes was badly injured and infected, and I was shutting down. But in the middle of all that darkness, someone showed up. Someone said, “We’ll take him.” And that was the moment my life began.

I was brought into safety and given warmth, fluids, food, medicine, and love—things I didn’t know existed until that day. I’m still healing, and I have one big procedure ahead of me: my damaged eye can’t be saved, so it will be removed soon. But don’t feel sad for me. I already feel so much better, and after my surgery, I’ll finally be pain-free.

And the truth is, I don’t need two eyes to love you with my whole heart.

Like my best friend Topanga, I’ve come so far. I’m still learning to trust the world again, but once I do, I’m affectionate, curious, and sweet. I love to play, snuggle, and curl up in cozy corners. I’m gentle and kind—and every day, I grow a little braver, a little bolder, and a lot more hopeful.

Topanga and I survived the shelter together. We curled up next to each other when we were too tired to stand. We played gently when we finally had the strength to move again. He’s my safe place, and I’m his. We’ve never been apart, and we’d really love to stay together if we can. But if not, I do need to be in a home with another friendly cat. I don’t like being alone—I find comfort and courage in companionship.

I’ll be ready for adoption after my surgery, but I’m accepting applications now from someone who sees my story and says, “Yes. That’s my boy.”

I’ve lost a lot—but I’ve also survived. I know how to be grateful for every kind moment, every soft touch, every safe day.

I’m not just looking for a home. I’m looking for my forever family—the one who will never let me go.

With quiet hope and a healing heart,
Emiko