Korra Middleton-Yu, 2, an American shorthair cat with golden eyes and a tuxedo coat, passed away April 30, 2025 in Cambridge, MA after a courageous struggle with end-stage kidney disease.

We first met Korra at the MSPCA in April 2024 when we were looking for a sibling for her sister Callie. Korra had been found on the street in South Carolina and had been given the nickname Lucia (pronounced with a "ch"). As soon as we rounded the corner and saw her cute big eyes, we knew we needed to take her home. At her first visit to the vet, she was a nervous but cooperative patient, and despite her small size, she was doing well.

At home, it took a little time for her and her sister Callie to get along. But over time, Korra and Callie grew closer and closer. In the morning, they could be found exploring together or watching the birds through the window. Korra especially liked to watch a blue jay that frequented the tree outside of our window.

Korra enjoyed walks in the stroller with her sister around the Alewife Brook Reservation, where she could watch the ducks and other wildlife, though she always perked up the most as we neared home.

Other times, Korra would gallop after the spinning disks as they flew through the air, though she was usually more interested in watching them fly than actually retrieving them.

Korra also liked listening to music, sometimes jumping up to sit on the bench while the piano was being played. She also had a talent for turning on the piano just before walking over the keys.

Besides her regular food, Korra loved Churus and treats. If she noticed someone nearing the cupboard, she was alert, and as soon as the cupboard was opened, she appeared on the other side of the room almost like magic. She was quiet most of the time but whenever treats were on the table, suddenly her quiet meow could be heard.

When meeting new people, Korra was apprehensive at first, but would quickly warm up and was loved by everyone she met. She was always gentle and patient, especially with kids.

In July 2024, after a number of loud fire alarms, we took Korra and Callie on a trip to a quiet cabin in Maine. Korra immediately took to the cabin and had no trouble her first time going up and down stairs. On the way back, she and Callie cuddled together in the same carrier (despite all encouragement to relax in their individual more spacious spots). They had come a long way since their initial cautious meeting.

While Korra occasionally slept in a cat bed or her cat tree, her favorite place to sleep - besides the bathroom mat - was in a box with a towel. And once a bigger box appeared, Korra and Callie would sleep in it together. And even though she usually didn't like being picked up for long, Korra would sometimes come to sleep on our lap, for which we were always grateful.

Over time, we became concerned about how much time Korra was spending sleeping. The vet found that her levels indicated advanced kidney disease, so Korra immediately began a special diet to try to slow the progression as much as possible.

Unfortunately, Korra's kidney disease worsened and she was brought to the ER. She quickly became a favorite of everyone there and was the perfect patient. Despite not feeling well, she enjoyed watching the vets work with the other dogs and cats.

Korra spent her last day being held by her mom and dad and being sweet to everyone, as usual, even when it was hard. To Korra, we will forever be sorry we couldn't help you sooner, but we are grateful for the short time we had. You will always be loved and dearly missed by your sister and best friend Callie and your adoptive parents, Natalyn and Chris.

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