Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Rusty

HUNTINGTON, NY — Rusty, a 7-year-old male ginger tom cat, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Rusty has a big heart, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter. He was found as stray in a local colony and brought into a loving home by a young girl who was working on trap-neuter-returning the colony.

"We are not sure if he was previously neutered under TNR or that he was taken from the colony by another family who saw his loving personality and had him vetted," Larkin said. "But, unfortunately he was returned to the same place he was taken from. He is a bit cautious, but who wouldn't be, after thinking that he finally found his forever home only to be tossed outside again to fend for himself."

Rusty has been thoroughly examined by the shelter's vet. He had two teeth removed but is in good health otherwise, Larkin said. He tested negative for FELV and FIV, is litter box trained and was also neutered before he was rescued.

"He is a bit hand shy, but once he gets to know that you will not hurt him or remove him from his bed, he relaxes," Larkin said. "He just needs some extra TLC to bring out his 'ginger' personality. Most ginger cats are known to have an even temperament, are affectionate and more friendly than your average house cat. He loves other cats and can be found snuggling up with the others or climbing on the condo to look out at the neighborhood birds and squirrels. Or you can find him sitting patiently on the bench in the free roaming room waiting for you to sit down and talk to him."

If you are interested in meeting Rusty, 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.