Actress Katharine Towne is seeking the return of her cat, Sheila, more than two years after she entrusted the animal to the Santé D’Or Foundation. Towne, 47, who has appeared in "Mulholland Drive" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," claims she surrendered Sheila in the spring of 2024 due to a debilitating neuromuscular disease, recurring sepsis, and instability with her housing situation.
In June 2025, Towne's attorney, Bruce Wagman, sent a letter to the foundation offering a $50,000 donation for Sheila's return as part of a confidential settlement. Wagman stated that the cat was a primary source of comfort and emotional support for Towne during a period of significant health challenges. The letter emphasized that Towne remained anxious to recover Sheila and was willing to agree to terms that would release the foundation from further liability.
According to the attorney's letter, Towne has experienced multiple life-threatening health crises in recent years, including five instances of sepsis, and continues to be severely immunocompromised. Towne believed Santé D’Or was a volunteer-run organization and placed her trust in its members. The attorney indicated that Towne hoped the foundation would acknowledge the impact on her well-being and reconsider its policies.
Wagman noted that he first contacted Santé D’Or in February 2025 but had not received a response before sending the June 2025 offer. The attorney stated that Towne had made every effort to handle the situation discreetly and respectfully, despite considerable emotional distress and a desire for accountability. The letter expressed disappointment with the lack of follow-up and flexibility from the rescue organization.
Santé D’Or Foundation declined to comment on Towne's specific case. The foundation stated that it does not offer temporary foster care as a service and does not disclose information regarding surrenders, foster placements, or adopters to unrelated third parties.
Towne, the daughter of Oscar-winning screenwriter Robert Towne and actress Julie Payne, previously stated that she rescued Sheila as a two-day-old kitten and raised him for seven years. She described the cat as an emotional lifeline during difficult periods. The separation from Sheila compounded the challenges she faced with her health struggles and the recent death of her father, Robert Towne, on July 1, 2024.
Towne has launched an Instagram campaign, @aboynamedsheila, to share memories of Sheila and appeal for information about his whereabouts. She stated that she had requested Sheila's return before the cat was adopted, which she finds particularly devastating.