(Video advisory: Parents may want to explain to young viewers that, despite the stitches, Helen ‘Kitty’ Keller, is recovering and is otherwise happy and healthy.)
PENDER COUNTY — At nearly five years old, what Helen Kitty Keller lacks in vision, she makes up for with personality.
“She came from a home where the owner had passed away,” Pender County Animal Shelter (PCAS) shelter manager Jewell Horton said. “She would be the perfect kitty for someone who wanted a loving lap kitty.”
Born with a degenerative disease called microphthalmia, Helen’s eyes were shrunken and had caused her many difficulties. To alleviate those potential problems and eliminate the pain that she might be suffering from, a medical procedure was necessary to remove the eye tissue that remained.
“The eyes are pea size or smaller and they have no sight or incredibly limited sight,” Horton explained. “And over time the eyes continue to shrink.”
A staff favorite, Helen has endeared herself to many of the PCAS personnel. She enjoys being petted, having her ears scratched and the smell of freshly opened tinned cat food.
Due to her lack of vision, however, Horton advised that Helen be placed in quiet home.
“Helen came from a home with an elderly woman,” Horton said. “She can’t see, so she can’t get out of the way of rambunctious dogs.”
Friendly with other cats, Helen is looking for a forever family that can offer her a calm life with lots of love as an indoor only cat.
“She just wants lots of love and scratching,” Horton said, “all that’s left is just a loving cat.”
Helen Kitty Keller is available for adoption at PCAS. Prospective adoptive families may contact the shelter directly, at 910-259-1484.
Samira Davis is a contributing writer for Port City Daily, focusing on animal issues in the Cape Fear region.
