Polly is a beautiful tan and black torbie (tabby over tortoise shell coloring) with white mittens and a white vest.She also has a unique orange patch centered on her nose and forehead which makes her easily recognizable.She has a sweet personality when it comes to people, although she does not get along well with other cats.

Because Polly, 5 years old, suffers from asthma, her time spent hissing and growling at the other cats in the suite was causing her a good deal of stress, which can worsen her symptoms and make them more frequent. As a result, she was moved out of the suite and is currently “employed” as a greeter in the lobby at Tabby’s Place. This is an occupation for which Polly is very well suited. When Polly arrived at Tabby’s Place she had an abscess on her side which was immediately treated.Over the course of her medical examinations, however, she was also diagnosed with heart disease.Polly does not require treatment for this condition at this time, although she regularly sees a cardiologist and will require an expensive ultrasound (approximately $300 per test) every six months to determine whether or not her condition has progressed.Polly’s asthma requires more attention.Feline asthma is a recurring respiratory condition in which a cat’s airways constrict and excess mucus forms in the lungs. This leads to an inability to draw a deep breath as well as coughing and wheezing. Unfortunately, feline asthma is a chronic progressive disease that cannot be cured, though it can be treated. Typically, asthmatic cats are given steroids, but in Polly’s case this option is risky since steroids can exacerbate heart disease.

Like the common human treatment for asthma, Polly’s symptoms are treated with an inhaler.The feline inhaler covers a cat’s nose and mouth and although it is very expensive, it is also very effective. The inhaler contains a dose of steroids, but since it is inhaled, it does not cause the side effects of oral steroids.Polly has grown accustomed to the treatments and is doing well on them.Despite her various conditions, Polly’s daily life is like that of any normal cat. She seems quite content in the lobby, where she likes to snooze in a nice cozy spot when she’s not greeting visitors. Since taking on her new career, she has become bolder at walking up to people, and has even been spotted curling around the legs of a visitor or two recently.

Please consider sponsoring Polly. She is a sweet girl who would certainly be cherished if adopted someday. Meanwhile, we would certainly appreciate your help in giving her the best care possible.