HUNTINGTON, NY — Pepper's story could have ended very differently.
The kitten, about 3 months old, was found alone in the middle of Pulaski Road in Greenlawn, in what Grateful Paw Cat Shelter described as a dangerous situation.
Instead, Pepper was brought to safety.
About three weeks ago, he entered Grateful Paw's care and was placed in foster care, where volunteers say he has undergone a dramatic transformation.
Pepper is this week's Huntington adoptable pet of the week.
The male kitten has a mostly white coat with dark, striped tabby markings, long white whiskers that volunteers say resemble antennas and fuzzy tufts of fur inside his ears.
He also has a small brown mark on his nose that may initially look like dirt.
"Trust us — it isn't," the shelter said.
When Pepper arrived at his foster home at the end of October, two other kittens were already living there.
Pepper, however, appeared to have missed some of the lessons kittens usually learn from living around other cats.
At first, he played too roughly, tried to dominate his foster siblings and occasionally nipped at his foster mother, according to Grateful Paw.
"With a little patience, gentle correction, and some help from his new kitten friends, Pepper began to understand boundaries," the shelter said.
His foster mother used brief time-outs, while the other kittens were not shy about letting Pepper know when his play became too much.
Then, after only a few days, something changed.
"It was as if a switch had flipped," Grateful Paw said.
Volunteers do not know what Pepper experienced while living outside, but they believe realizing he was finally safe may have helped him settle.
The rough behavior disappeared, and the affectionate side of his personality began coming through.
"He transformed into the playful, loving, affectionate little boy he was meant to be," the shelter said.
Pepper now wrestles, chases and plays with his two foster siblings before curling up beside them for naps.
With his foster mother, he has become particularly affectionate.
Pepper enjoys being picked up for hugs and curling into a warm lap while watching television, according to the shelter.
"Pepper has come such a long way in such a short time," volunteers said.
Grateful Paw joked that Pepper's newfound manners will be useful once he moves into the shelter, where he is expected to share a room with at least six other cats who "will be more than happy to let him know his place."
Pepper is expected to arrive at Grateful Paw shortly before Thanksgiving.
Although Pepper was found alone, the shelter does not believe he should remain an only cat.
Grateful Paw says he thrives around other kittens and needs a home with another young, playful cat or kitten.
"He would love to have a buddy to play with, learn from, and cuddle with," the shelter said.
A warm human lap would also be appreciated.
Pepper has been examined by Grateful Paw's veterinarian and is in good health considering his start outdoors, according to the shelter.
He has tested negative for FeLV, FIV and parasites. His eyes, ears and heart have been checked, he is litter-box trained and has received his first vaccination.
Pepper will receive his remaining vaccinations when he is neutered and will also be microchipped at that time.
Those interested in meeting Pepper can call Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org or follow his progress on the shelter's Facebook page.
The shelter is at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport and is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday evening visits from 7 to 9 p.m. are available by appointment.
After starting life alone in the middle of a busy road, volunteers hope Pepper's next destination will be considerably safer.
"Could Pepper be the missing piece of your family?" the shelter said. "Let's get this baby a home for the holidays."
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