An Oxford artist is facing the most heartbreaking decision of her life – and it all comes down to money.
Izabela Khan’s beloved cat Angel is critically ill with severe hyperthyroidism, a condition that has already led to life-threatening complications. His only hope is a single radioactive iodine treatment, which carries a 99% success rate. But the £4,500 cost must be paid upfront – and despite years of premiums, her pet insurance has refused to cover it.
Now, with a deadline of 6 August looming, Izabela has launched a last-ditch fundraising effort to save the life of the cat she calls her “soul in fur.”
“How can that be right?” she says. “This isn’t about hopelessness. There is hope. There is a cure. But it’s just out of reach because of money. He doesn’t deserve to die like this.”
Angel has lost 600 grams since February. His thyroid levels are now more than twice the critical threshold. Surgery is no longer viable, and standard medication caused violent reactions including severe vomiting. Without treatment, his vital organs will soon begin to fail.
“He’s still here, still cuddling up to me, still purring. He wants to live,” Izabela says. “But I’ve run out of time. I’m fighting with everything I have, but I can’t do this alone anymore.”
Angel is not just a pet. He is family. He is Izabela’s emotional anchor, her companion through difficult times, and her only ‘child.’ When her husband recently lost his job and her insurer rejected the claim, she knew she’d have to fight alone to save him.
“He’s never hissed at me, never scratched, never shown an ounce of aggression. Just quiet, unconditional love,” she says. “He’s my soul in fur.”
Determined not to give up, Izabela has already sold treasured pieces of her artwork and launched a GoFundMe campaign. She’s offering digital portraits as a thank-you for donations over £50 and is working tirelessly online to raise awareness.
“I’m fighting every day on social media to keep momentum going, but it’s unpredictable. Some days it moves, others it stalls. What Angel needs now is visibility and a voice beyond my own.”
This is not just a story of one cat. Izabela’s appeal is a heartfelt challenge to a system that too often puts money before life.
“This is more than a fundraising plea. It’s a reflection of a broken system where the price of life is often unreachable. People like me are left begging, not for miracles, but for fairness. For a chance to save the ones we love.”
All funds raised will go directly to Angel’s treatment, two weeks of post-treatment hospital care, blood tests, and emergency vet fees already paid. Any surplus will be donated to help other animals in crisis.
“I know there are so many animals and people who need help. But I also know that Angel matters, too. He’s a life worth saving. And I have to do everything I can to make sure he’s not forgotten.”
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