White-and tabby Colleen is is very simply one of the nicest, most easy-going cats around. She’s a social girl and gets along well with other cats, and she loves to spend time sitting with, snuggling with and being pet by people. She can be equally content sitting by herself, but as soon as she has the chance for some love, she’s ready to go for it! Colleen is a chunky girl, and she does love her food, but really, this is one kitty who always sees the glass (or the food bowl) half full. She is a happy cat and gives us all smiles and blinks with her beautiful pale green eyes on a regular basis.

Behind that cheerful outlook, though, Colleen faces her share of challenges. She is still a young cat – only about 5 years old – but gentle Colleen is a Special Needs cat twice over. Colleen has early renal disease, which is uncommon in cats her age. She is not yet at the point where she needs medication or special treatment for this condition, but she will require frequent monitoring in order for us to keep tabs on her kidneys’ health.. Luckily, cats can live for years with renal disease, and we’re hopeful that with a little extra attention, Colleen will keep her kidney problems at bay for a long time.

Even more unusually, though, Colleen has epilepsy. Epilepsy in cats is similar to epilepsy in humans: it is a disorder in which neurons in the brain sometimes signal abnormally, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and even loss of consciousness. Cats with epilepsy experience seizures the same as people can; in fact, this is how Colleen’s epilepsy was found. When she arrived at Tabby’s Place, we knew that she had a history of seizures as well as some self-inflicted facial trauma (probably from a seizure). We consulted a neurologist to rule out other possible causes of seizures (such as tumors). Although a diagnosis of epilepsy is uncommon, and not great news, it is fortunately manageable. Colleen receives daily anti-seizure medication and will have to remain on such medication for the rest of her life. Fortunately, with the medication, her epilepsy is under control, allowing her lovely personality to shine through.

Colleen is such a sweet kitty, we hope that she will find her forever home soon, but we recognize that with her Special Needs, she will need a special someone to take her home. In the meantime, we treasure this wonderful cat who gives even more love than she gets. Won’t you consider sponsoring Colleen? You can help keep this sweet girl’s green eyes smiling.