After Losing His Owner, Senior Cat Waits For A Loving Home: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — In November 2025, a “gorgeous, gentle black panther named Blackie” arrived at Grateful Paw Shelter under heartbreaking circumstances. He had been deeply loved by his owner, but when that owner passed away, no family members were able to take him or his sibling, Kitty Anne.

“When the family reached out for help, we gladly opened our arms and our doors to both of them,” the shelter shared.

Kitty Anne, a 9-year-old semi-long-haired tortoiseshell, quickly found a home thanks to her outgoing personality. Blackie, however, is more reserved — and is still waiting.

About 10 years old, Blackie is a sleek black cat with “a tiny white mark on his chest and a delicate sprinkling of white on both back paws,” carrying what volunteers describe as “quiet dignity.” His gentle nature can sometimes cause him to be overlooked, but those who slow down and sit with him discover something special.

“If you sit on the bench to visit, Blackie will quietly climb up beside you, gazing adoringly as if to say,” said Debbi Larkin, president of Grateful Paw Cat Shelter. “‘I’m right here.’ His favorite place in the world is your lap.”

While calm and affectionate, Blackie also has a playful side. He loves string toys and wand toys, where his “impressive pole-vaulting skills truly shine.” Feather toys are, in the shelter’s words, “basically irresistible.”

“He doesn’t just play — he stalks, calculates, and attacks. Very dramatic.”

Window watching is another favorite pastime.

“Birds are 10/10, and squirrels are even better,” the shelter said. “Blackie watching the window is basically him streaming the wild channel. Tail flicking. Full concentration mode.”

He also enjoys sitting atop the tallest condo, peacefully gazing outside. But since Kitty Anne’s adoption, staff say they have noticed a change.

“We believe he may be feeling a little lost — maybe even depressed,” the shelter noted. “He approaches visitors slowly now, as if unsure whether he’ll be chosen or overlooked again.”

Blackie also enjoys treats and is known to “happily join the community food plate, as long as it’s not too crowded.” And if another cat begins receiving attention, he will often step right in.

“This isn’t jealousy — it’s entitlement wrapped up in affection,” the shelter said. “He just wants all the attention and wants to make sure that you ‘see’ him in the room.”

Blackie gets along well with other cats and could thrive with a calm companion. At the same time, volunteers believe he would also flourish as an only pet where he could receive undivided attention.

Medically, Blackie is fully vetted. He has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, is up to date on vaccinations, parasite-free, microchipped, litter box trained, and neutered.

Currently the oldest cat at Grateful Paw Shelter, Blackie enjoys the free-roaming environment but, as volunteers put it, “he deserves so much more — a home where he feels the deep, secure love he once knew.”

“We want Blackie to feel cherished again,” the shelter said. “He doesn’t understand why he’s here. We want to change that.”

Grateful Paw Shelter is hosting an adoption event on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 12 to 3 p.m., and staff hope Blackie will be “the star of the day.”

“Stop by, sit down, let him climb into your lap or get one of his favorite toys,” Larkin said.

Those interested in meeting Blackie can call 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by Grateful Paw Shelter at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening visits available from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.

“We know he’s just waiting for the right person or family — someone to love him as much as he will love you,” the shelter said.