Garfield The ‘Tiny Panther’ With A Big Personality: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — “Tiny panther. Big personality. Zero regrets.” That’s how Debbi Larkin, president of the Grateful Paw Shelter, describes Garfield, this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week — an 8-month-old sleek black kitten with striking looks and an even bigger personality.

Garfield may appear mysterious and majestic, but shelter staff say beneath the glossy black coat is what they call a “certified cuddle monster with zoomies on standby.” Volunteers say he looks like he “stepped straight out of the jungle,” yet underneath that bold exterior is a snuggly kitten who simply wants affection.

Garfield’s early life began outdoors with his two brothers, where he learned to expertly avoid humans.

“Smart? Yes — ready for adulting outdoors? Absolutely not,” the shelter said.

Thanks to the patience and persistence of a local rescuer named John, Garfield and his brothers were safely brought indoors. When they arrived at the shelter in July 2025, they knew how to be cautious — but had not yet learned how good it felt to be loved, the shelter said.

Once placed in foster care, Garfield quickly revealed his true nature. Volunteers describe him as a “professional snuggler by day, Olympic sprinter by night.”

He is often seen dramatically flopping onto his back for belly rubs, launching himself across the room at full speed or striking a confident pose on the top perch of his condo while, as staff jokingly put it, “judging everyone lovingly.”

Garfield also takes his scratching duties seriously — especially on sisal posts — where he sharpens his claws and reminds everyone how “fierce” he is, Larkin added, “spoiler: still adorable.”

He is frequently the first kitten at the door for meals, visitors or any sign of excitement.

“FOMO? Garfield invented it,” the shelter said.

In the kitten room, Garfield has built what staff call a “solid friend group,” often playing alongside fellow adoptable cats Goldie and Latke. He enjoys chasing balls, attacking feather toys “like they personally offended him,” and zooming through the kitty tunnel while attempting to recruit others into his games. He also favors the highest perch of the condo so he can keep an eye on activity both inside and outside the room.

Garfield is healthy and fully vetted. He has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, is neutered, microchipped, litter-box trained, and, as volunteers like to joke, “fully certified as Best Boy Material.” Shelter staff say he would thrive in a home with another kitten or friendly cat who can match his playful energy and accept what they jokingly call his role as “Head of Fun.”

Those interested in meeting Garfield can call the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the shelter’s Facebook pag,e or stop by in person. The shelter is located at 3 Verleye Avenue, East Northport, and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening hours from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment only.

Garfield is, in the shelter’s words, “now accepting applications for his forever family” — one that enjoys cuddles, laughter and enthusiastic greetings at the door. He promises endless entertainment, nonstop purrs and what volunteers describe as “a lifetime of love” from a very small panther with a very big heart.