Simba, Young ‘King Of The Jungle,’ Seeks His Pride: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Simba, a 3-month-old kitten with a buff-colored coat, swirls and bold tiger stripes, is this week’s Huntington adoptable pet of the week.

The Grateful Paw Cat Shelter described Simba as “a three-month-old heartthrob” who may be named after the king of the jungle, but is really “a sweet, affectionate kitten who is still searching for a pride of his own.”

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Simba arrived at the shelter in April with his mother, Sarabi. Before coming to Grateful Paw, he and his family had been living in a temporary home, the shelter said. His two siblings found homes before the shelter was able to help, leaving Simba and Sarabi still waiting for theirs.

Although Sarabi took “wonderful care” of Simba and the two shared a loving bond, they had to be separated into different rooms after arriving at the shelter, according to Grateful Paw.

“Perhaps that’s why Simba is always on the move,” the shelter said.

With long legs and constant curiosity, Simba has developed a habit of charging through open doors. In foster care, he would dash out of the kitten room to explore other parts of the home. At the shelter, he still does the same thing.

“Whether he’s racing out to greet visitors or secretly hoping to find his mom again, we’re not entirely sure,” the shelter said. What volunteers do know is that Simba has plenty of energy. In foster care, Simba loved running on an exercise wheel until he could not run anymore, the shelter said.

Then, if someone brought out a laser pointer, he would “discover a whole new reserve of energy” to chase that, too. Simba enjoys every toy he encounters, but the shelter said his favorite may be the fishing pole toy with three dangling fabric fish.

“Watching him leap and soar through the air to catch them is like watching an Olympic pole vaulter in training,” the shelter said.

Simba is also vocal.

“He constantly squeaks and chirps about something,” the shelter said. “We haven’t figured out whether he’s sharing the story of his life or lodging formal complaints about the accommodations.”

The shelter said Simba has little to complain about, as he is currently living in the kitten room with six other kittens, and everyone gets along well.

Still, despite his charm, Simba was overlooked during the shelter’s recent Kitten Shower adoption event. Anyone who spends time with Simba quickly discovers what the shelter called his “secret weapon”: his purr.

“The second he gets attention, the motor starts running,” the shelter said. “Sometimes he purrs so hard that he actually falls asleep while doing it.”

His athletic side continues to show every day. In foster care, one of Simba’s favorite activities was scaling a crate so he could sit on top and tease the kittens inside, the shelter said.

At Grateful Paw, he flies from one condo to another and sometimes decides “that hanging from the window screen is the best way to enjoy the view.”

While Simba may like to act fierce, the shelter said he is “really a complete mush.”

He thrives on companionship and does not enjoy being alone. If he finds himself by himself, the shelter said, he lets everyone know with “a heartfelt cry.”

Because of that, Simba must be adopted with another kitten, with his mother Sarabi, or into a home that already has a friendly cat.

“Despite all his adventures, Simba is simply a loving little boy who deserves a family of his own,” the shelter said. “We’re disappointed that he was overlooked at our most recent adoption event, but we’re hopeful his perfect family is reading this right now.”

Simba has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, had his ears, eyes and heart checked, is up to date on vaccinations, neutered, litter box trained and microchipped.

Those interested in meeting Simba can call the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, follow the shelter on Facebook, or stop by and ask for “the King of the Jungle” in the kitten room.

The shelter is located at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The shelter is also open Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment only.

“This little king deserves a pride of his own,” the shelter said. “Let’s make sure he isn’t overlooked again.”