What do you call a calico whose immune system is under attack, whose nose is red and raw, and whose mouth is in agony?

If she’s Adelaide, you call her blissful, because nothing seems to get this gentle girl down.Adelaide – or Addy to her friends – arrived at Tabby’s Place in summer 2015 in very fragile shape. Despite all her ailments, Addy was a study in serenity.

Even in the midst of her intake exam – a stressful experience for most cats – Adelaide “made biscuits” with her paws and purred with joy. The fragile old girl was so grateful to be touched and loved that she couldn’t contain her happiness.

Addy immediately owned our hearts – and raised our fears. Her hairless, hot-pink nose looked suspiciously like an aggressive form of cancer. Since Adelaide had lived outdoors, her condition had gone untreated for years. We worried that our sweet girl’s time would be short.

But Adelaide wasn’t finished surprising us. A biopsy of her nose revealed nothing worse than inflammation. Within a few weeks, her hair began to regrow, and her only nasal worry was getting enough pets and kisses on her nose.

We’re jubilant that Addy’s best years are yet to come – and Adelaide is jubilant because, well, she’s Adelaide. Given her sweetness, we’re optimistic that Addy will find an adoptive home. But, it will take a special person to provide her the care she needs.Prior to coming to Tabby’s Place through our TNR program, Adelaide acquired several chronic Special Needs.

Although she’s anything but a fighter, Addy has feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a disease communicated through deep bite wounds. It’s likely Adelaide contracted FIV either from her mother or from an attacker. Whatever the source, FIV leaves Addy with a weakened immune system, making her susceptible to infections. FIV+ cats like Adelaide can enjoy lives as long and healthy as other cats, but she will require regular monitoring and quick treatment of any infections.

Addy also has an excruciating case of stomatitis, an autoimmune disease of the teeth and gums. Especially common in FIV+ cats, stomatitis can cause terrible pain, even causing a cat to stop eating. Adelaide’s case was severe enough to require removal of almost all of her teeth. She’s feeling fabulously now, but she may need additional treatment to remain comfortable as the years go by.

This radiant calico has a soul full of joy, and it’s our delight to care for her. Please help to fill Addy’s days with love and stellar care as her sponsor.