'Gentle Mountain Lion' Nicholas: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Nicholas, an 8-year-old tiger cat, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Nicholas, affectionately dubbed the "gentle mountain lion," was part of the Fire Island cat rescue operation this summer. He is a gentle, adaptable, patient big boy, said Debbi Larkin, president of the cat shelter.

He has been with the rescue for about a month and he is waiting patiently to find his "forever" person, Larkin said.

"He is sort of an adventurer who used to love sitting on the sand looking out at the bay on Fire Island, just like a human," Larkin said. "When called, he would follow his human or just head on home on his own. Nicholas has had quite the life for a boy of only 8 years old. When he lived on Fire Island he lived with many cats, but since he has been at the shelter we have found that he would love to be an only cat. He gets along with the others in the room but he keeps to himself most of the time, except when it is meal time…then he will chow down with the others."

Previously, inn another home, after his rescue from Fire Island, he had to spend his time in a big crate but in the family room, next to the kitchen where all of the action is. He is used to the TV and the neighbors outside the back windows talking frequently. He is also used to constant music, the coffee grinder, and the vacuum cleaner.

"He is a bit 'surprised' at first with visitors, only because the most recent home he was in had very few inside visitors, but he adapted quickly," Larkin said. "Nicholas has never been confined since he was born so the crate was a new thing for him. I must say he did better than most of us would do cooped up in a cage."

Nicholas loves to be petted and loves humans. He also loves to be brushed and will do gentle head bumps with his anyone who will let him, according to Larkin. He loves napping and stretching out, which he can’t really do in a crate. He loves being around being the center of attention. He loves life. He would prefer a house with lots of windows to be able to look out at birds and squirrels and so much more.

"In so many ways he is a very soulful and deep kitty," Larkin said. "If you look at him when he is gazing out the window or when he is taking one of his famous naps, you can’t help but think, what is HE thinking? What is HE dreaming about?"

Nicholas striking features and large "melt your heart" eyes, Larkin said. He has been totally vetted, had all of his vaccines, is litter box trained, tested negative for FELV and FIV, and neutered.

If you are interested in meeting Nicholas, 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.

"Nicholas has struggled and survived what most other animals or even humans would have given up on," Larkin said. "He retained his gentle, loving personality throughout all of his life changes. He would be so thankful to be chosen as a constant companion for someone who is looking for a gentle boy who would make the perfect lap cat to snuggle up with every night. He has watched all of the kittens come and go the past month at the shelter and yet he still waits patiently. Let’s give Nicholas his Christmas wish…to find his human to spend the rest of his young life with. Won’t you be that person?"