October 2024 Adoptions
Written by Julia Persch
Luna
This sweet tabby girl was born on April 8th, the day of the solar eclipse. When she was 5 months old, her family moved to a place where cats were not allowed, and they gave her to the Shelter.
Carolyn and her son fell in love with Luna when they visited her during adoption hours. The family already had a fur baby, Maverick, and they hoped that the two young cats would become good friends. Both cats grew up as single kittens, therefore they would need extra time and care to get used to a cat buddy. But Carolyn had a lifetime of pet experience and didn’t mind the challenge.
On November 8th Carolyn wrote:
Luna joined our family on October 6th. She is full of energy and personality, and she is talkative. The process of introducing her to our 2-year-old ginger, Maverick, has been a slow process to say the least! Maverick is the epitome of "scaredy cat" and has required a lot of reassurance and paw holding through the process.
Our family is grateful for the recommendations from the staff at KAS and follow-up attention to our journey! We are happy to report that Luna and Maverick are starting to play with each other, racing from room to room, and enjoyed catnip together for the first time this week!
Thank you, KAS, for introducing the Morrison Family to Luna!
-Carolyn
Thank you, KAS, for introducing the Morrison Family to Luna!
-Carolyn
Morgan
3-year-old Morgan had been a happy, playful and loving kitten, but after a move to a new home his environment changed drastically and became loud and unpredictable with the addition of other animals that he didn’t feel comfortable with. Morgan became timid, hiding and shutting down. He was often confined and cried all night long until neighbors started to complain. He was surrendered to the Shelter in March so that he could find a new life in a peaceful, quiet environment where he could feel safe and thrive.
At first, Morgan was very scared, hiding, hissing and growling at the Shelter volunteers and he wouldn’t touch his food. It took him many weeks to trust his caretakers, and months to show some real comfort in his environment. With lots of tender loving care and patience, he started to show some affection, but he never quite opened up. Despite the hisses and growls in the beginning of his stay, it became apparent that Morgan was a total softy and wouldn’t harm a fly. He tried to make friends with other Shelter cats, but he was so awkward that they turned away from him.
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Unexpectedly, he became the star during the monthly Cat Yoga classes at the Shelter where he wasn’t shy at all, greeted the visitors kindly, and participated with his own graceful stretches.
Morgan was so handsome and so sad that he touched the heart of many visitors during adoption hours, but he had to wait for 7 months for his great chance of a new life and home.
Heather and Jason were the kind of people who took in neglected pets of all kinds and cared for them beautifully. They had rescued traumatized cats and dogs in the past. They missed having a cat in the house. They were looking for a cat who would benefit from the special care they could provide and who would be gentle with their current rescue bunny and birds.
Morgan was so handsome and so sad that he touched the heart of many visitors during adoption hours, but he had to wait for 7 months for his great chance of a new life and home.
Heather and Jason were the kind of people who took in neglected pets of all kinds and cared for them beautifully. They had rescued traumatized cats and dogs in the past. They missed having a cat in the house. They were looking for a cat who would benefit from the special care they could provide and who would be gentle with their current rescue bunny and birds.
Heather visited Morgan several times over the period of two weeks. The change in Morgan after each visit was dramatic. He became increasingly responsive, relaxed and enamored with her. She knew exactly how to approach Morgan so that he would come out of his shell. He would fall asleep beside her, turn on his back playfully, hold her hand with both paws, gazing at her lovingly. He looked like a different cat after her visits, all fluffy and soft and peaceful. When her husband Jason visited, Morgan wound around his legs right away.
Morgan went home with his new best friends on October 27th.
Morgan went home with his new best friends on October 27th.
On October 29th Heather wrote:
I just wanted to reach out and thank you again for all your support in our adoption of Morgan (also now known as Spencer). He’s settling in great!
I have a first night picture of him curled up by my legs in bed and a video of our 2nd night together. He’s lying in my recliner with me, kneading away and singing like crazy. I’m not sure if you can hear it in the video but I think he’s content and feeling safe ♥️♥️♥️
On November 8th Heather wrote:
We’re loving our time with Spencer, and he loves us back. He loves lounging around on our bed, his little couch or the dining table where he can see what’s going on outside. He plays on his cat tree. He’s giving a little meow to check in a couple of times during the night and when we leave a room. I think he does it just to hear us tell him that everything is okay.
When we have company, he comes out to check on who’s at the house and most of the time lets other people give him a little pat on the head or a scratch under the chin.
We’re loving our time with Spencer, and he loves us back. He loves lounging around on our bed, his little couch or the dining table where he can see what’s going on outside. He plays on his cat tree. He’s giving a little meow to check in a couple of times during the night and when we leave a room. I think he does it just to hear us tell him that everything is okay.
When we have company, he comes out to check on who’s at the house and most of the time lets other people give him a little pat on the head or a scratch under the chin.
He is afraid of our little grandson but gets to be in his own space in the bedroom when the child is at the house. He’ll come out and check on him every now and then to see what’s up and where he is. We put a tall gate up in front of the downstairs so that he and our grandson can’t venture down there for now.
He does like to check on Fiona, our bunny, but she hops towards him and startles him a little every time. LOL
He was a little too interested in the birds but we’re watching that.
He loves snuggling on our laps in the evening and curls right up between our legs at night. I think my gut feeling was right. All he needed was a good loving home with people that were patient with him. ♥️
I’ve attached a couple of pictures.
Well wishes to you and everyone else at the shelter ♥️ Heather
He does like to check on Fiona, our bunny, but she hops towards him and startles him a little every time. LOL
He was a little too interested in the birds but we’re watching that.
He loves snuggling on our laps in the evening and curls right up between our legs at night. I think my gut feeling was right. All he needed was a good loving home with people that were patient with him. ♥️
I’ve attached a couple of pictures.
Well wishes to you and everyone else at the shelter ♥️ Heather
Charlie
Charlie and Skitty
In September a little cat family of three arrived at the Shelter. Mama Sabrina seemed to have enough of family life and preferred to go her own ways. But daddy Charlie and daughter Skitty remained closely bonded. They snuggled and played together and were an adorable pair of kitty friends.
They were soon adopted by Kurt, Rhea and their kids from Concord, Vt and went home with them on October 16th.
Skitty
Adoption counselor Nancy reported the next day:
I spoke to Kurt tonight. So far, the cats are doing well, eating great, using the litter box. They are making themselves comfortable. Skitty was lying on top of Charlie during some quiet time. Last night, both cats got the zoomies and were racing all over their safe room, which is a spacious, finished basement with windows.
Everyone in the home is very happy with the cats. They are playful and snuggling. Kurt slept with the cats last night and they lay down with him on his blanket. Kurt is watching lots of videos to learn tricks on how to introduce the cats (in time) to the two family dogs. Overall, a great beginning.
I spoke to Kurt tonight. So far, the cats are doing well, eating great, using the litter box. They are making themselves comfortable. Skitty was lying on top of Charlie during some quiet time. Last night, both cats got the zoomies and were racing all over their safe room, which is a spacious, finished basement with windows.
Everyone in the home is very happy with the cats. They are playful and snuggling. Kurt slept with the cats last night and they lay down with him on his blanket. Kurt is watching lots of videos to learn tricks on how to introduce the cats (in time) to the two family dogs. Overall, a great beginning.
On October 23rd Nancy wrote:
I spoke to Kurt again yesterday. Charlie and Skitty are doing great. They are getting very comfortable in their home. They are eating well and using the litter box with no issues. They are very sweet with everybody.
The cats are still in their safe room, but the small dog, Somoa, was able to sneak down into the basement to see who was down there. There was no plan to introduce Somoa so quickly to the cats, but he took matters into his own paws. Charlie hissed at Somoa and gave him a small swat and they understood each other: They are all good together.
They family plans to do a scent exchange between cats and dogs this week for the larger dog to get introduced to the cats. The larger dog has higher energy and is more playful, so they are being cautious.
The cats are very playful, more so at night. They enjoy the sun streaming through the windows. Skitty loves the wand toys and a round scratch toy, with a ball that goes around the exterior of the toy in a tunnel. They play together quite a bit.
The cats are very affectionate, doing well, feeling more and more at home, and are adjusting nicely.
I spoke to Kurt again yesterday. Charlie and Skitty are doing great. They are getting very comfortable in their home. They are eating well and using the litter box with no issues. They are very sweet with everybody.
The cats are still in their safe room, but the small dog, Somoa, was able to sneak down into the basement to see who was down there. There was no plan to introduce Somoa so quickly to the cats, but he took matters into his own paws. Charlie hissed at Somoa and gave him a small swat and they understood each other: They are all good together.
They family plans to do a scent exchange between cats and dogs this week for the larger dog to get introduced to the cats. The larger dog has higher energy and is more playful, so they are being cautious.
The cats are very playful, more so at night. They enjoy the sun streaming through the windows. Skitty loves the wand toys and a round scratch toy, with a ball that goes around the exterior of the toy in a tunnel. They play together quite a bit.
The cats are very affectionate, doing well, feeling more and more at home, and are adjusting nicely.
Sabrina
Sabrina, her feline boyfriend Charlie and their kitten Skitty arrived at the Shelter together, a nice little family, you would think. But Sabrina was stressed. She had been scared by young children in their previous home and proclaimed at the Shelter that she needed some quiet time, away from kids of any species, including her own! She got her personal suite to live in and enjoyed her privacy thoroughly.
On October 26th Sabrina was adopted by Karlyn and Kris in Cabot. As a true cat lover, Karlyn couldn’t decide which of the wonderful cats at the Shelter she should take home. She decided to put their names in a hat, and Sabrina won the lottery! But the choice seemed fated, because the couple fell completely in love with Sabrina within a day.
Adoption counselor Nancy reported:
Sabrina was quite vocal on her ride home to Cabot. She ate well during the first day and was initially in her safe room where she enjoyed being comforted and petted by Karlyn and Kris. She came out of her shell very quickly and loved playing with a fishing pole toy. She had an excellent first night. Her new humans didn't realize that the door to the safe room was somewhat warped and didn't close properly. Sabrina snuck out of her room and slept in the big bed at their feet the very first night. They said that Sabrina is quite the talker. The picture shows Sabrina in a spot where she likes to watch TV at night, and it has now turned into her favorite napping place. A minor issue is that Sabrina gets up at 5:30 am. Karlyn and Kris are hoping that she will sleep in a bit later over time. They commented "She has won our heart already."
Adoption counselor Nancy reported:
Sabrina was quite vocal on her ride home to Cabot. She ate well during the first day and was initially in her safe room where she enjoyed being comforted and petted by Karlyn and Kris. She came out of her shell very quickly and loved playing with a fishing pole toy. She had an excellent first night. Her new humans didn't realize that the door to the safe room was somewhat warped and didn't close properly. Sabrina snuck out of her room and slept in the big bed at their feet the very first night. They said that Sabrina is quite the talker. The picture shows Sabrina in a spot where she likes to watch TV at night, and it has now turned into her favorite napping place. A minor issue is that Sabrina gets up at 5:30 am. Karlyn and Kris are hoping that she will sleep in a bit later over time. They commented "She has won our heart already."
Tony Toebeans
Tony Toebeans and Catnip Steve
Tony Toebeans and his brother Catnip Steve came from a large family of mother cats and kittens who were rescued by Shelter volunteer X-tine.
They spent their kindergarten time with foster mom Pat who reported that Tony Toebeans was a super handsome fellow with his luxurious black fur and chunky monkey body. Tony would sit in her lap and purr all day long as he was the most affectionate boy ever.
Catnip Steve
Catnip Steve was a true escape artist. Steve was the first one out the door when Pat opened it, but he just wanted to explore a little bit before snuggling in her arms. Sometimes he even falls asleep right there. He was a beautiful kitten with gorgeous black and white markings.
The brothers were adopted by Mike and Sue in Lyndonville and went home on October 26th. The couple had life-long experience with befriending cats and dogs and were prepared to gradually introduce them to their very lively young Golden Retriever Shelby. They had set up small doors for the cats to private zones where a large dog couldn’t follow, so that the kittens could have their separate meals and dog-free spaces.
The brothers were adopted by Mike and Sue in Lyndonville and went home on October 26th. The couple had life-long experience with befriending cats and dogs and were prepared to gradually introduce them to their very lively young Golden Retriever Shelby. They had set up small doors for the cats to private zones where a large dog couldn’t follow, so that the kittens could have their separate meals and dog-free spaces.
Adoption counselor Nancy gave an update on November 1st:
Mike says that the kittens are eating well and using the box with no issues. The kittens are still in their safe room, but Mike and Sue are expanding their space over time. They are getting used to the dog and the dog is doing great. Shelby is very interested in the kittens. She is trying to play with them, but they are a bit overwhelmed with her size. Catnip Steve was already lying on the floor next to Shelby, with no anxiety at all. They are still separate from her when they are not actively supervised.
Mike said he had grandchildren over to visit shortly after the kittens came home. The cats came out to play with the kids but then would back off when they needed a break. The kids were not allowed to play with the kittens when they retreated, but the kittens later came back for more play time.
Overall, things are going well. Mike and Sue are very happy with the kittens.
Mike says that the kittens are eating well and using the box with no issues. The kittens are still in their safe room, but Mike and Sue are expanding their space over time. They are getting used to the dog and the dog is doing great. Shelby is very interested in the kittens. She is trying to play with them, but they are a bit overwhelmed with her size. Catnip Steve was already lying on the floor next to Shelby, with no anxiety at all. They are still separate from her when they are not actively supervised.
Mike said he had grandchildren over to visit shortly after the kittens came home. The cats came out to play with the kids but then would back off when they needed a break. The kids were not allowed to play with the kittens when they retreated, but the kittens later came back for more play time.
Overall, things are going well. Mike and Sue are very happy with the kittens.
Haley
Haley and her siblings Feebie and Monty had been adopted seven years ago as semi-feral kittens by a great friend and supporter of KAS. Sadly, their owner passed away this year in April and the kitties came back to the Shelter to find a new home.
While Monty was a laid-back, confident dude who got along well with everybody, his sisters Haley and Feebie were skittish and didn’t have the greatest relationship with each other. Haley seemed to be afraid of Feebie and longing to have her own human to bond with. She was quite shy but gradually came out of her shell during her Shelter time, impressing visitors with her beauty and sweetness.
When Gabby from St. Johnsbury adopted Haley on October 9th, Haley got her wish of her own home with two doting humans. And Feebie looked much happier ever since. We knew that Haley would be in good hands with Gabby who was very patient and totally committed to giving Haley all the space and time she needed to adjust to her new life.
On October 11th Gabby wrote
Haley's doing good! Definitely still nervous and scared, but she actually used the litter box yesterday and today, which I was super happy about. And she’s been eating occasionally. She won’t eat while we’re in the room, so she hasn’t been eating wet food before we leave for work, but we have been leaving her dry food in a nice, covered space so she feels safe while she eats. And she’s definitely been eating it.
She’s mostly been hiding but this morning I got a pleasant surprise: She was sitting in one of the dining room chairs! I was super proud of her. She also has been eating her wet food in the afternoon since we have a better control of where we are in the apartment, and we’re not rushing to get ready for work.
On November 12th Gabby wrote:
Haley has really gotten much more comfortable. You can tell she still has ways to go before she’s fully settled, but she loves scratches now and ventures out while we’re sitting close by. She’s even hopped on the couch a few times with us! So, she’s definitely getting there! Thank you again! Gabby
Haley's doing good! Definitely still nervous and scared, but she actually used the litter box yesterday and today, which I was super happy about. And she’s been eating occasionally. She won’t eat while we’re in the room, so she hasn’t been eating wet food before we leave for work, but we have been leaving her dry food in a nice, covered space so she feels safe while she eats. And she’s definitely been eating it.
She’s mostly been hiding but this morning I got a pleasant surprise: She was sitting in one of the dining room chairs! I was super proud of her. She also has been eating her wet food in the afternoon since we have a better control of where we are in the apartment, and we’re not rushing to get ready for work.
On November 12th Gabby wrote:
Haley has really gotten much more comfortable. You can tell she still has ways to go before she’s fully settled, but she loves scratches now and ventures out while we’re sitting close by. She’s even hopped on the couch a few times with us! So, she’s definitely getting there! Thank you again! Gabby