Dr. Kathleen M. Bissell

Dr. Kathleen M. Bissell, 69, died Wednesday evening, March 11, 2026, at her home in Aiken, SC, after a long illness.

Born in Jamestown, NY, Kathy was the middle daughter of the late Harold A. and Marilyn Weaver Bissell. She grew up in Charlotte, NC and was a lifelong Girl Scout. She maintained many close friendships from Girl Scout Camp Occoneechee over her lifetime and these friends will miss her very much.

Kathy attended Wake Forest University before graduating from North Carolina State University, and later earned her DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University in Alabama.

Following her education, Dr. Bissell returned to Charlotte, where she established and operated the first cat-exclusive veterinary clinic, The Charlotte Cat Clinic. Her many patients and their owners were grateful to have a cat-only facility with a cat expert to attend to them.

After twenty-plus years, Kathy retired to Aiken, SC. There, she became actively involved in the horse community while continuing her passion for helping small animals by providing in-home euthanasia services. There was always an adopted stray cat or cats in her home.

Surviving are her two sisters; two nephews, one niece and their families; and several close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Friends of the Animal Shelter (fotasaiken.org).

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC