July 2024 Adoptions
Written by Julia Persch
Oliver
Oliver is a marshmallow of a kitty. His soft, plush fur matches his gentle personality.
Last fall he was picked up from the streets as a stray by Shelter volunteer Daphne. Unfortunately, her female cat didn’t agree with their young guest and kept chasing him around. She insisted that he couldn’t stay. When a space at the Shelter opened in April, sweet Oliver moved into his own ‘castle’ room.
His new feline neighbors immediately picked up on his timid victim vibes and gave him a hard time, staring at him through the screen doors; tufts of gray fur were flying when Oliver accidentally got out with other kitties for their daily strolls around the common room. Oliver never retaliated. He hunkered down in his safe room and looked patiently forward to better times. His caretakers soothed him, cheered him up and he gratefully purred his way into everybody’s heart.
We were looking for a very kind and quiet home for Oliver, where he could recover from his hardships, feel safe and loved.
Jennifer and Jaime from Worcester offered the perfect place for him. They took him home on July 3rd and sent a diary of their first weeks, as Oliver slowly settled in.
Day 1:
Oliver ate his wet food and maybe a little of the dry while we were down in town at the parade and chatting with friends, so we were probably gone 2 1/2 hours. He had a lengthy petting session before we left, and I could even hear a soft purr. 😊
Day 7:
We were sitting on the bed last night and he was between us and then when Jaime went downstairs, he followed and popped into the open window. This morning, he jumped up on my bed for the first time. I think he was trying to figure out how to get to the window the birdsong was coming from, but he was happy to get some pets. Then Jaime got up and he followed her downstairs again and ate a little of his breakfast in the kitchen before getting startled by something and running back upstairs.
Oliver ate his wet food and maybe a little of the dry while we were down in town at the parade and chatting with friends, so we were probably gone 2 1/2 hours. He had a lengthy petting session before we left, and I could even hear a soft purr. 😊
Day 7:
We were sitting on the bed last night and he was between us and then when Jaime went downstairs, he followed and popped into the open window. This morning, he jumped up on my bed for the first time. I think he was trying to figure out how to get to the window the birdsong was coming from, but he was happy to get some pets. Then Jaime got up and he followed her downstairs again and ate a little of his breakfast in the kitchen before getting startled by something and running back upstairs.
Day 11:
We have settled on a new name for Oliver: Lord Asher, Earl of North Worcester, Ash for short. We think he has a lot of British Shorthair in him from his build and cheeks and it seems they are very docile and generally do not defend themselves against other animals. And of course, he's gray and Asher means kindness or gift in Hebrew.
He has decided being downstairs is okay. He is now eating his meals downstairs and sleeping on top of the bed, but is still easily startled, and I'm not looking forward to the possible thunderstorms this week, but hopefully they won't last for hours on end like the last ones. He's also spending time on the couch getting petted and seems to have his eye on one of the armchairs as a good roosting spot.
We now have a breakaway color with the tracker signal on him for the very off chance he should scoot outside, and he didn't mind having the collar put on so we're guessing he's worn one before.
Ash has SO many toys and his favorite seems to be a small grey mouse that he took home with him from the shelter. Ash loves to sit by the large windows and enjoys the breeze.
He has a soft but very audible purr now, and does occasionally give a short, and relatively quiet meow. He also growls if you try to brush his legs, but he doesn't mind his paws being touched so we're hoping he'll do okay with having his claws trimmed. We'll likely wait a while yet before trying that. All in all, he seems to be settling in well. We are happy we have him, he is making strides, getting more comfortable and overall doing great. 😊
We have settled on a new name for Oliver: Lord Asher, Earl of North Worcester, Ash for short. We think he has a lot of British Shorthair in him from his build and cheeks and it seems they are very docile and generally do not defend themselves against other animals. And of course, he's gray and Asher means kindness or gift in Hebrew.
He has decided being downstairs is okay. He is now eating his meals downstairs and sleeping on top of the bed, but is still easily startled, and I'm not looking forward to the possible thunderstorms this week, but hopefully they won't last for hours on end like the last ones. He's also spending time on the couch getting petted and seems to have his eye on one of the armchairs as a good roosting spot.
We now have a breakaway color with the tracker signal on him for the very off chance he should scoot outside, and he didn't mind having the collar put on so we're guessing he's worn one before.
Ash has SO many toys and his favorite seems to be a small grey mouse that he took home with him from the shelter. Ash loves to sit by the large windows and enjoys the breeze.
He has a soft but very audible purr now, and does occasionally give a short, and relatively quiet meow. He also growls if you try to brush his legs, but he doesn't mind his paws being touched so we're hoping he'll do okay with having his claws trimmed. We'll likely wait a while yet before trying that. All in all, he seems to be settling in well. We are happy we have him, he is making strides, getting more comfortable and overall doing great. 😊
Fawn
Fawn was a scrawny and pitiful little thing when she arrived at the Shelter in January. She was under-nourished, flea-bitten, missing lots of fur due to allergic reactions and scratching herself bloody. In her first two weeks she had glassy eyes, wide as saucers, and she attacked people’s hands who brought her food as if she were madly starving. Her behavior was so unusual that we suspected her having been exposed to toxic fumes in her former home. She acted a bit like a person on drug detox.
Fawn was a scrawny and pitiful little thing when she arrived at the Shelter in January. She was under-nourished, flea-bitten, missing lots of fur due to allergic reactions and scratching herself bloody. In her first two weeks she had glassy eyes, wide as saucers, and she attacked people’s hands who brought her food as if she were madly starving. Her behavior was so unusual that we suspected her having been exposed to toxic fumes in her former home. She acted a bit like a person on drug detox.
Yet, there was a loving, beautiful cat within that bundle of raw nerves, who slowly emerged in the following months under the patient care of the Shelter volunteers. For a while she continued to be high-strung and nippy, but she calmed down more and more. It became obvious that her true personality was that of a laid-back, calm and friendly cat and that her previous behavior was caused by sickness, discomfort and food-anxiety.
Volunteer Jake took a special liking to Fawn and spent a lot of time with her during his Shelter duties. In July he finally got permission from his landlord to have a pet in his apartment in St. Johnsbury. He took his Fawn home on July 7th.
Volunteer Jake took a special liking to Fawn and spent a lot of time with her during his Shelter duties. In July he finally got permission from his landlord to have a pet in his apartment in St. Johnsbury. He took his Fawn home on July 7th.
Jake sent an update on July 18th:
Fawn and I have been doing great! She is a very easy going, and affectionate cat. She is curious but careful, so she has been enjoying finding all the places to hide but she has yet to find any mischief.
Fawn is very playful, and her favorite time of day is when the moths come to the window, and she can jump at them. She has been eating her dry food from a toy that releases it slowly and she loves it so much she chooses it even when other food is available. She’s got lots of favorite spots to nap and lookout. But when I’m around she likes to be nearby. She hasn’t been sleeping with me too much, but I think that’s mostly due to the heat. Today she’s been napping on my bed in this cooler weather.
I’m very happy to have her as a companion and we seem to make a great pair. Thank you for your help and support. Please feel free to share this update and thank everyone at KAS. It’s such a great place and I’m very grateful to be part of the team!
Take care,
Jake and Fawn
Harper
Back in April, KAS received a phone call about a stray cat that had appeared at a home in a neighboring town. The story was that a truck had parked on the road, the truck left and minutes later a small black cat approached the house. The cat seemed young and very sweet. The family provided food and housing in their garage for several days until they could bring her to the Shelter.
Little Harper quickly made herself comfortable in one of the ‘castle’ condos. She was cheerful, confident and cuddly with her caretakers. The young males in the neighboring castles were very interested in her but found out soon that she wasn’t open to feline friendship. Although she was only half their size she became the queen of the castle area. After several painful reminders from her tiny quick paws everybody kept at a respectful distance.
Back in April, KAS received a phone call about a stray cat that had appeared at a home in a neighboring town. The story was that a truck had parked on the road, the truck left and minutes later a small black cat approached the house. The cat seemed young and very sweet. The family provided food and housing in their garage for several days until they could bring her to the Shelter.
Little Harper quickly made herself comfortable in one of the ‘castle’ condos. She was cheerful, confident and cuddly with her caretakers. The young males in the neighboring castles were very interested in her but found out soon that she wasn’t open to feline friendship. Although she was only half their size she became the queen of the castle area. After several painful reminders from her tiny quick paws everybody kept at a respectful distance.
Harper was adopted on July 10th by Marta and her family in Barnet. Cat-loving Marta, her young son and her mother were looking forward to having a kitty in the house. They took her home right before a big rainstorm and flooding hit their area.
Harper was adopted on July 10th by Marta and her family in Barnet. Cat-loving Marta, her young son and her mother were looking forward to having a kitty in the house. They took her home right before a big rainstorm and flooding hit their area.
On July 13th Marta sent pictures and messaged on Facebook:
Harper (we named her Umbra) is doing just fine amidst recent disaster. She is comfy and happy!
On August 9th Marta wrote:
Just figured I’d update you that Umbra has been such a little angel. She is becoming sweeter and snugglier by the day. Hope everyone there is doing well!
Aaron
In the end of February, a young couple brought a stray cat with an injured paw from the wintery roads into the warmth of the Shelter.
Aaron was a very friendly young male. Once his paw had healed, we discovered his beautiful athletic skills and limitless energy. He became the star of the KAS Facebook page, showing off his graceful play moves and jumps on multiple videos. His favorite toy was a feather wand, which he carried around in his mouth to any person who might be willing to play with him.
In the end of February, a young couple brought a stray cat with an injured paw from the wintery roads into the warmth of the Shelter.
Aaron was a very friendly young male. Once his paw had healed, we discovered his beautiful athletic skills and limitless energy. He became the star of the KAS Facebook page, showing off his graceful play moves and jumps on multiple videos. His favorite toy was a feather wand, which he carried around in his mouth to any person who might be willing to play with him.
Although potential adopters commented on Aaron’s very good looks, they passed on him, maybe sensing that he was a dynamo and not your average kitty. Many visitors were simply ignored by Aaron. Others couldn’t provide a home where he would safely stay inside, since he was fast as lightning in dashing outdoors. It would take time to find his human match who showed the right skills to handle and appreciate this bright boy and who Aaron could love in return. In early summer Aaron started to show signs of Shelter fatigue, seeming lonelier and distracted and we got worried about his well-being.
At that time Eva and Barry from Adamant visited the Shelter to get to know some of the kitties. Eva had recently lost her beloved cat and wanted to find out if she was ready for a new feline friend. Aaron was one of the cats they met, and he was quite enamored with Eva and Barry. Two weeks later, Eva decided to come back for him. Aaron went home to Adamant on July 13th.
Eva sent many interesting updates about her first weeks with Aaron, which turned out to be a big adventure with daily ups and downs, exasperation and laughter.
At that time Eva and Barry from Adamant visited the Shelter to get to know some of the kitties. Eva had recently lost her beloved cat and wanted to find out if she was ready for a new feline friend. Aaron was one of the cats they met, and he was quite enamored with Eva and Barry. Two weeks later, Eva decided to come back for him. Aaron went home to Adamant on July 13th.
Eva sent many interesting updates about her first weeks with Aaron, which turned out to be a big adventure with daily ups and downs, exasperation and laughter.
Eva’s latest report from August 6th:
Just wanted to let you know that there’s been a huge change in the past week. I think something clicked for the little guy (that’s what I call him most often), about this truly being his home, and about his relationship with us. He is adoring being stroked and brushed, is seeking out physical contact, settling into it in an entirely different way, knowing that we are his family, and he is just not manic anymore.
This morning, after playing and eating, first with me and then with Barry, he curled up on my bed resting on my leg and slept for over an hour - not even startling when I moved. He also killed his first mouse overnight. Didn’t eat any of it. Just left it lying on the rug where, of course, I stepped on it.
Maybe the biggest change has been in my feeling about him…. I no longer doubt that we can bond. We clearly are and will continue to.
He is very bright and needs challenge, so I’ve ordered some treat puzzles to try with him. He’s a bit like the cat equivalent of a border collie. If they don’t get enough challenge, they start eating your house. Though, he hasn’t destroyed anything. And is slowly beginning to grasp that mommy doesn’t like playtime while she’s sleeping.
We are both really grateful to have him living with us.
Eva
Just wanted to let you know that there’s been a huge change in the past week. I think something clicked for the little guy (that’s what I call him most often), about this truly being his home, and about his relationship with us. He is adoring being stroked and brushed, is seeking out physical contact, settling into it in an entirely different way, knowing that we are his family, and he is just not manic anymore.
This morning, after playing and eating, first with me and then with Barry, he curled up on my bed resting on my leg and slept for over an hour - not even startling when I moved. He also killed his first mouse overnight. Didn’t eat any of it. Just left it lying on the rug where, of course, I stepped on it.
Maybe the biggest change has been in my feeling about him…. I no longer doubt that we can bond. We clearly are and will continue to.
He is very bright and needs challenge, so I’ve ordered some treat puzzles to try with him. He’s a bit like the cat equivalent of a border collie. If they don’t get enough challenge, they start eating your house. Though, he hasn’t destroyed anything. And is slowly beginning to grasp that mommy doesn’t like playtime while she’s sleeping.
We are both really grateful to have him living with us.
Eva
Read more about Aaron’s home journey from the Shelter and his first days at home:
SATURDAY, July 13, 2024
7pm
It was an interesting trip home. Aaron got calm for a while- seems to find Barry’s voice very soothing - then threw up twice, then pooped, then used his claws and got out of the carrier. But Barry was able to reach him about 5 minutes from the house, and we got him inside. Wiped off his tush and then let him loose. His first move was to jump onto the kitchen counter and contemplate going higher. I lifted him off and he went exploring upstairs, yowling every once in a while. On the way back down, he marked the stairway with his cheeks, explored his new litter box, and is now eating and drinking and purring.
9:25pm
He is really a very resilient kitty! He was in the closet for a few hours and then I took some dry food and a brush in there with me. He came down to eat and alternated with loving being brushed. When he finished, I went into my room, and he came out and investigated some more. Then I tempted him downstairs with shaking the treats, but he wasn’t really interested in them for long …. has been looking everywhere, even came into the kitchen when I was in there, climbed into a corner where there are a lot of old cat toys and lay on his back and played with them for a while.
His whole world, as he knew it, was turned upside down in the blink of an eye and he’s a bit tentative, but far from terrified.
When I didn’t see him for a while I realized that I had left some food out in the kitchen and that I can’t do that anymore. But he hadn’t gotten to it.
I’m about to turn in for the night. We’ll see how things are in the morning.
Okay-just heard the first crash of something coming down. Must go and see what it was. We are for sure going to need to get him good things to climb on.
9:45pm
No harm done with the crash.
I wanted to tell you that our coming back for Aaron had a lot to do with you and with what all of you have created there.
I know that the people in all the shelters love the cats and do the best they can under very difficult financial constraints. And they do such important work. At the same time, I just couldn’t adopt a cat knowing so little about them, like I had experienced in other Shelters.
So, thank you again.
SUNDAY, July 14
6am
When I called him this morning he popped up from under the bed onto the bed and then off again. The wand had been transported. There was a little bag of catnip mice on the bedroom floor. I have no idea where he found those, but he loves them. We played an abbreviated wand game, then I tapped the brush on the floor, and he came for a quick brushing session and now he’s off downstairs.
Seems in very good spirits and was no problem during the night. Of course, I haven’t been downstairs yet to see what he has been up to (-:
I’ve been playing with the laser pointer with Aaron, and he goes wild. But ultimately, I think it’s too frustrating for them as no matter how many times they “catch” it, there’s nothing there. But he is an excellent hunter.
We had put jingle bells on the door handles to remind us to pay attention when he is around. We learned this morning that they have a disadvantage which is that when Aaron hears them, he races to the door! So, what we need to do is turn the knob very slowly, so it doesn’t set off the bells. The attention required in doing that actually helps in our conditioning.
10 am
I’m very aware that this is day 1 and Aaron is flooded with newness, and things will change as he gets used to his surroundings. The big thing is that he seems very, very happy and certainly not fearful at all.
We had our first door showdown. Man, can he move quickly! But as Helen said, I knew he was coming and was able to block him with my foot. And, unlike our previous cat, if he does get into the basement [the buffer room to the outside door] he won’t hide, so we can just pick him up and bring him back upstairs. Like all cats THE places he wants to be are the places he isn’t supposed to be. Barry just went into the guest room and closed the door. Aaron has decided to lie across the door, wailing and waiting for his chance (-: Barry just relented and let him in. Okay, now that he was allowed in, he looked around and came out.
Now I opened the glass door to the porch and locked-secured the screen door (Merp, the cat before Munch, figured out how to get his claws into the crack and push the sliding door open). Aaron is utterly transfixed by the outdoors. Just saw his first bird.
And, as you said, he is persistent. Once he wants something that he’s not supposed to do he remembers and keeps coming back. But so far, he’s responding fine to quiet firm discussions and some things we’re just getting out of his way. I ran an adolescent day treatment program for years, so this is familiar territory. Now Barry just let him into the meditation room.
And also, as you said, he wants to see everything we’re doing.
He came running when I turned on the bathroom sink, which is why I turned it back on for him to drink from. You had a nice metal fountain in the office. I might get one of those.
Has he ever, in his time there, cuddled with anyone? Or is this something we’re going to need to slowly teach him? Once again, I don’t expect it now, as he is so on the go exploring. Although he does come back often to check in and get petted for a minute before going off again. I’m very relieved that he can be independent and entertain himself and that he was quiet at night.
6 pm
Well I don’t know if it’s because he’s stoned (I rubbed some catnip on the scratching post so he’d be drawn to use it), but after my wondering if he ever snuggled, Aaron is now curled up on my leg, after 10 minutes of climbing up on my chest and head butting and kneading my breasts (with those little sharp claws) And right now he actually seems to be a bit mellower. So far everything he does is done with very high energy, eating, exploring, this sudden fit of adoration. But now he’s just leaning on me and doing a thorough washing. Not hyper-focused. And now he’s closed his eyes and is nodding off a bit.
It’s time for his dinner, but I’m not going to disturb him. He’s on his back, eyes closed, purring. Wish I had my phone handy to take a photo. Every once in a while, he peeks at me and I slow blink and he closes his eyes again. He has also made a nest in my closet among the pillowcases, on the highest shelf. I don’t think we’re going to have to buy a climbing tree. He’s found his own.
9:30 pm
[Julia answered: He is a mama’s boy!]
LOL. Possibly also because I keep the door to my room open, and he sleeps in the closet there and can, if he chooses sleep on my bed. Barry keeps the door to his room closed most of the time and doesn’t want a cat sleeping with him. But Aaron is utterly fascinated with Barry. He follows him and observes everything he does, and they have long conversations.
Just ordered a fountain, because Aaron hasn’t taken any water from his dish, but when I invited him into the bathroom and turned on the faucet he drank for a long time. We’ll see.
MONDAY, July 15
10am
This morning, Aaron is very busy scent marking every object in the house
2pm
For the first time I tried eating, with a friend with Aaron in the room. He was, as you’d imagined, totally obsessed and hard to deter. I tried many things, “discussion”, distraction, and finally repeatedly saying “no” in a soft but firm voice. That eventually worked. Here’s the thing though, I’m really wondering if he’s getting enough food. He’s still a growing boy and very active. Is it possible that he’s so food driven in part because he’s hungry? I’m tempted to give him a bit more and see what happens.
On the positive side - he greeted my friend very enthusiastically - just loves human company. And he’s found his favorite resting places and can settle down for extended periods. He isn’t rushing the door every time. And he’s so funny with the feather wand. Dragging it around in his mouth.
3pm
[Julia answered: he is super active right now; adjust the food portions until you have the right amount figured out]
I just gave him another small serving of wet food and after playing for a while he settled down for a nice long nap.
He and we are starting a new life together and your reply about the food made me realize that ultimately, I need to listen deeply to him, and to my instincts, as I’ve always done, and learn through experience what works for all of us.
6am
When I called him this morning he popped up from under the bed onto the bed and then off again. The wand had been transported. There was a little bag of catnip mice on the bedroom floor. I have no idea where he found those, but he loves them. We played an abbreviated wand game, then I tapped the brush on the floor, and he came for a quick brushing session and now he’s off downstairs.
Seems in very good spirits and was no problem during the night. Of course, I haven’t been downstairs yet to see what he has been up to (-:
I’ve been playing with the laser pointer with Aaron, and he goes wild. But ultimately, I think it’s too frustrating for them as no matter how many times they “catch” it, there’s nothing there. But he is an excellent hunter.
We had put jingle bells on the door handles to remind us to pay attention when he is around. We learned this morning that they have a disadvantage which is that when Aaron hears them, he races to the door! So, what we need to do is turn the knob very slowly, so it doesn’t set off the bells. The attention required in doing that actually helps in our conditioning.
10 am
I’m very aware that this is day 1 and Aaron is flooded with newness, and things will change as he gets used to his surroundings. The big thing is that he seems very, very happy and certainly not fearful at all.
We had our first door showdown. Man, can he move quickly! But as Helen said, I knew he was coming and was able to block him with my foot. And, unlike our previous cat, if he does get into the basement [the buffer room to the outside door] he won’t hide, so we can just pick him up and bring him back upstairs. Like all cats THE places he wants to be are the places he isn’t supposed to be. Barry just went into the guest room and closed the door. Aaron has decided to lie across the door, wailing and waiting for his chance (-: Barry just relented and let him in. Okay, now that he was allowed in, he looked around and came out.
Now I opened the glass door to the porch and locked-secured the screen door (Merp, the cat before Munch, figured out how to get his claws into the crack and push the sliding door open). Aaron is utterly transfixed by the outdoors. Just saw his first bird.
And, as you said, he is persistent. Once he wants something that he’s not supposed to do he remembers and keeps coming back. But so far, he’s responding fine to quiet firm discussions and some things we’re just getting out of his way. I ran an adolescent day treatment program for years, so this is familiar territory. Now Barry just let him into the meditation room.
And also, as you said, he wants to see everything we’re doing.
He came running when I turned on the bathroom sink, which is why I turned it back on for him to drink from. You had a nice metal fountain in the office. I might get one of those.
Has he ever, in his time there, cuddled with anyone? Or is this something we’re going to need to slowly teach him? Once again, I don’t expect it now, as he is so on the go exploring. Although he does come back often to check in and get petted for a minute before going off again. I’m very relieved that he can be independent and entertain himself and that he was quiet at night.
6 pm
Well I don’t know if it’s because he’s stoned (I rubbed some catnip on the scratching post so he’d be drawn to use it), but after my wondering if he ever snuggled, Aaron is now curled up on my leg, after 10 minutes of climbing up on my chest and head butting and kneading my breasts (with those little sharp claws) And right now he actually seems to be a bit mellower. So far everything he does is done with very high energy, eating, exploring, this sudden fit of adoration. But now he’s just leaning on me and doing a thorough washing. Not hyper-focused. And now he’s closed his eyes and is nodding off a bit.
It’s time for his dinner, but I’m not going to disturb him. He’s on his back, eyes closed, purring. Wish I had my phone handy to take a photo. Every once in a while, he peeks at me and I slow blink and he closes his eyes again. He has also made a nest in my closet among the pillowcases, on the highest shelf. I don’t think we’re going to have to buy a climbing tree. He’s found his own.
9:30 pm
[Julia answered: He is a mama’s boy!]
LOL. Possibly also because I keep the door to my room open, and he sleeps in the closet there and can, if he chooses sleep on my bed. Barry keeps the door to his room closed most of the time and doesn’t want a cat sleeping with him. But Aaron is utterly fascinated with Barry. He follows him and observes everything he does, and they have long conversations.
Just ordered a fountain, because Aaron hasn’t taken any water from his dish, but when I invited him into the bathroom and turned on the faucet he drank for a long time. We’ll see.
MONDAY, July 15
10am
This morning, Aaron is very busy scent marking every object in the house
2pm
For the first time I tried eating, with a friend with Aaron in the room. He was, as you’d imagined, totally obsessed and hard to deter. I tried many things, “discussion”, distraction, and finally repeatedly saying “no” in a soft but firm voice. That eventually worked. Here’s the thing though, I’m really wondering if he’s getting enough food. He’s still a growing boy and very active. Is it possible that he’s so food driven in part because he’s hungry? I’m tempted to give him a bit more and see what happens.
On the positive side - he greeted my friend very enthusiastically - just loves human company. And he’s found his favorite resting places and can settle down for extended periods. He isn’t rushing the door every time. And he’s so funny with the feather wand. Dragging it around in his mouth.
3pm
[Julia answered: he is super active right now; adjust the food portions until you have the right amount figured out]
I just gave him another small serving of wet food and after playing for a while he settled down for a nice long nap.
He and we are starting a new life together and your reply about the food made me realize that ultimately, I need to listen deeply to him, and to my instincts, as I’ve always done, and learn through experience what works for all of us.