“[I]t looked like they were making a little heart with their hands” ❤️
Meet Colleen — an outgoing and affectionate 13-week-old kitten currently living at the Humane Society of York County (HSYC) in South Carolina.
When Colleen first arrived at the shelter, the staff immediately noticed something unusual: she didn’t have a tail. It didn’t appear to be a birth defect, but since little was known about her life before coming to HSYC, no one could say for sure how she’d lost it.
What they did know was that her missing tail didn’t slow her down one bit. Colleen quickly made a name for herself as one of the most social kittens at the shelter. She’s always on the move—playing, exploring, and snuggling up with her fellow feline friends.
“She’s definitely a playful little gal,” said Vicki, a rescue attendant at HSYC.
One day, while checking in on the cats, Vicki walked into the room and froze at the sight in front of her: Colleen and another kitten, Pedro Pascal, were gently holding paws through the bars of their adjacent kennels.
“It was just so cute,” Vicki said. “It looked like they were making a little heart with their hands.”
While kittens often play with each other from separate enclosures, this moment was different. Colleen and Pedro weren’t playing—they were simply lying there, quietly enjoying each other’s company.
“They were just sitting there with their hands together,” Vicki said. “It was a peaceful little moment.”
Though they weren’t littermates, the two had clearly formed a strong bond. Sadly, Pedro was soon adopted, leaving Colleen behind.
Fortunately, Colleen hasn’t let that dampen her spirit. She still spends her days surrounded by other kittens, always ready for a game or a cuddle. Given her friendly and affectionate nature, the team at HSYC encourages potential adopters to consider bringing home a second kitten as a companion.
“We always tell people—if you’re going to get kittens, you should get two,” Vicki explained. “Not because we’re trying to push adoptions, but because they truly thrive with a buddy.”
Despite her charm and playful energy, Colleen continues to be overlooked as more kittens arrive at the shelter. But to the staff, she’s one of a kind. She’s spayed, fully vaccinated, and all she’s waiting for is the perfect home—preferably with a feline friend.
“She’s the best of both worlds,” Vicki said. “She’s silly and energetic, but also a total cuddle bug.”