If you have been to Seventh Son Brewery in central Ohio, you have probably met Horatio.
He is not just any cat. He is the Assistant Manager Cat, pest controller, customer greeter, and the face of the place.
For years, he has strolled between tables, supervised the patio, and won over everyone who walked through the door.
But last year, something changed.
One afternoon, during what should have been a normal cuddle session, a staff member noticed a small lump on Horatio’s right hind leg.
At first, it seemed like it could be nothing.
But the vet’s diagnosis made everyone’s stomach drop.
Horatio had fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer more common in cats than most people realise.
For the brewery team, it was heartbreaking news. Co-founder Collin Castore said it best.
“He has been with us almost from the beginning. We never planned to have a mascot, but Horatio chose us. Guests love him. Staff love him. He is part of who we are.”
Giving up on him was never an option.
They shared the news online, both to rally support and to raise awareness about feline cancer.
The reaction was immediate.
Locals who had shared a beer with Horatio nearby, fans who had followed his story online, and complete strangers all stepped in to help.
Donations started coming in to cover his treatment.
The treatment plan was not easy.
Horatio would need 19 sessions of radiation therapy.
Each one was another step in the fight, and the updates from the brewery kept people invested.
There were photos of him recovering after each session and videos showing he was still happy to accept chin scratches.
Every post drew hundreds of comments from people sending encouragement and more donations.
After months of treatment, the news everyone had been hoping for finally came.
Horatio’s vet confirmed that the cancer was gone.
He could return to his post at the brewery.
The celebration was felt both in the taproom and across social media.
There is still a chance the cancer could come back, but his vets are optimistic and his odds are good.
The brewery decided to turn his fight into something that could help others too.
Half of all donations now go to UC Davis’ Feline Cancer Research Fund and Ellie’s Rainy Day Fund.
The other half is saved in case Horatio ever needs more treatment in the future.
So far, they have raised $10,000 and are working toward a $20,000 goal.
Events, merchandise, and continued community support keep that number growing.
For Collin and the team, the experience has shown the strength of the bond between the brewery and its community.
“We have always been a place where people gather, but this showed us how much people care.
They did not just save our cat. They gave hope to every pet owner going through something similar.”
Today, Horatio is back where he belongs.
He patrols the brewery, welcomes guests, and soaks up the sun in the window.
He is living proof that with the right care and enough people willing to help, even the toughest battles can be won.
If you happen to visit Seventh Son Brewery, you might see him making his rounds.
If you do, take a moment to give him a scratch behind the ears.
He has more than earned it.
For those who want to follow his recovery or support the brewery’s fundraising efforts, Seventh Son Brewery’s Instagram and website are the places to go.
You might go there for the beer, but there is a good chance you will stay for the cat.