Felix, Abandoned On Southern State Parkway, Is Huntington Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Felix, a 4-month-old black and white kitten who had a "very difficult and frightening" start to life, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

"Felix was either abandoned or tossed out of a car on the overpass of the Southern State Parkway by Belmont Lake State Park on June 11," Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter, said.

To the right was the parkway and to the left was Belmont Avenue, which is a high-traffic road.

"He raised the audience of animal lovers passing by who were terrified on his behalf," Larkin said.

Someone called rescuer John Debacker, who lured Felix into a carrier. Felix was brought to the shelter three days later and placed in a foster home to calm down and get socialized.

"It was NOT 'love at first sight' with Felix and his foster mom…it was all hisses, spitting, growling and swatting!" Larkin said. "How is it possible that such a young kitten could be so cranky and terrified? Thank goodness with lots of attention and love in his foster home, he finally settled down and relaxed."

There were other kittens, adult cats and two dogs who were very interested in Felix.

Felix entered the shelter in July with another kitten, and there were quite a few already in house. He quickly became friends with the other kittens, but he was always a little bit timid when people came into the room, according to Larkin. His "safe place" was the condo where he could see everything going on and not have to come out if he didn’t want to.

"Unfortunately, all of the other kittens that he became friendly with were adopted…one by one," Larkin said.

Felix really loves to play "chase" with the others, carry his fuzzy mouse around the room and show off his climbing skills on the condos.

"Felix has always been overlooked and we would love to see that change sooner rather than later," she said.

Felix has yellow eyes that express his shyness.

"They will make you melt when you look into them," Larkin said.

Felix has been fully checked by the shelter's veterinarian, tested negative for FELV and FIV, litter box trained, has all of his vaccines and has been neutered.

"Felix would flourish very well if he was adopted with another kitten or if there was another kitten/cat in your home," Larkin said.

If you are interested in meeting Felix, you may call the shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the Facebook page or visit at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter is also open from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights only for those who cannot make it during the daytime hours.

"We don’t want Felix to keep getting left behind, he deserves more than that, so if you have it in your heart to open up your home to this 'shy' boy and the patience and time to work with him, that would be a happy ending for him ... and he certainly deserves that!" Larkin said.