HUNTINGTON, NY — Sarabi, a young calico cat described by volunteers as “a gentle, beautiful little soul,” is this week’s adoptable pet of the week at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.
At approximately 1 year old, Sarabi has already spent much of her life caring for others, according to the shelter.
“She has spent far too much of her life giving love without ever truly knowing the security of receiving it back,” the shelter said.
Wrapped in “silky-soft muted calico fur” with striking eyes “sage green melting softly into warm copper,” Sarabi immediately catches attention, volunteers said.
“But it’s not just her beauty that stays with you,” the shelter said. “It’s her heart.”
Sarabi arrived at the shelter in April alongside her 6-week-old kitten, Simba.
“She came to us carrying the weight of motherhood and survival all at once,” the shelter said.
Two other kittens from her litter had already disappeared before rescue workers could intervene.
“We may never know how many litters this sweet girl has endured in her short life,” the shelter said. “Only that she spent so much of it trying her best to care for others while no one truly cared for her.”
Though Sarabi technically belonged to someone at one point, volunteers say she never seemed fully secure there.
“The moment a door opened, Sarabi would try to run outside,” the shelter said. “As if her heart was searching for something kinder, something safer.”
Despite everything she has experienced, volunteers say Sarabi remains deeply trusting of people.
“She chirps and chatters happily when she sees you, desperate to be included in whatever you’re doing,” the shelter said.
Her affectionate personality quickly becomes apparent.
“Bend down for even a moment, and she’ll gently jump onto your back just to be close to you,” the shelter said. “Pick her up, and instead of fear, she melts quietly into your arms.”
Volunteers say watching Sarabi care for Simba has been especially emotional.
“She groomed him constantly, curled protectively around him while they slept, and always made sure he had enough food before she would eat herself,” the shelter said.
Even after difficult experiences, Sarabi remained devoted to her kitten.
“She never stopped being a loving mother,” the shelter said.
Now, Simba will soon be ready for adoption — and volunteers hope Sarabi will finally get her own chance as well.
“She deserves to know what it feels like to be loved completely,” the shelter said.
The rescue says Sarabi would thrive in a calm home with affection, companionship and stability.
“She deserves a quiet window to sit beside, gentle hands that will always hold her safely, and a family that will never let her wonder if she matters,” the shelter said.
Sarabi has tested negative for FeLV/FIV and parasites, is fully vaccinated, microchipped, spayed and litter-box trained, and has had her ears, eyes and heart checked.
She is currently recovering from her recent spay surgery and will soon be entering the shelter’s Purple Room alongside other young mothers rescued this year.
Those interested in meeting Sarabi can contact Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by 3 Verleye Ave. E. in East Northport. The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening appointments available from 7 to 9 p.m.
Sarabi and Simba will also be featured at the shelter’s May 31 adoption event from noon to 3 p.m.
“This precious girl has spent her whole life taking care of everyone else,” the shelter said. “Now it’s finally her turn.”
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