Jack, Who Has 'Very Sad Story': Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Jack, a 5-year-old male tuxedo kitten, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter Huntington Pet of the Week.

Jack arrived at the shelter with a "very sad story," but the rescue hopes he will have his "forever happy ending," said Debbi Larkin, president of Grateful Paw.

A woman messaged the rescue saying she had about 30 days to leave her home and move to another state, and that she would not be able to take Jack with her. She had reached out to a few rescues and some sanctuaries but nobody was able to help her, according to Larkin.

"Part of that problem is because we are in the middle of kitten season right now and everyone is short on space," Larkin said. "Although we could not help with the living situation we told her to bring him to us and we would bring him into the shelter to get him adopted into a loving home again."

Jack was a stray cat from a trap-neuter-release job in Hicksville. He was someone's pet before they either dropped him off at the colony or just turned him loose, and he found the particular colony and food source, Larkin said.

He was trapped last fall, but because the trapper realized he didn’t belong there, she brought him to her vet and had him checked out thoroughly so she could integrate him with her pets.

"Unfortunately, Jack had a very bad issue with his teeth and had to have a full mouth extraction…very painful for him but he has healed nicely and doesn’t appear to be in any discomfort at all, and he loves to eat!" Larkin said.

Jack was slowly introduced to another cat and dog in the home after he recuperated from dental work and the neutering.

"Everyone got along just fine, he was not aggressive at all and didn’t even scratch the furniture," Larkin said. "Because he was an outside cat, for who knows how long, he is much more comfortable with cats and dogs rather than people. But, in the short time he has been in the shelter he has really started to come out of his shell."

Grateful Paw placed Jack in its kitten room where the cats are friendly and quiet so he wouldn't get overwhelmed.

"Jack just needs someone to give him some extra TLC and the love he so deserves," Larkin said.

Jack has been totally vetted, litter box trained and neutered.

He is a big boy, coming in at 18 pounds, so he might be a little more agile if he were to lose a few pounds, but that should come once he relaxes enough be part of the action in the shelter or in a home, Larkin said.

Tuxedo cats are said to be the most intelligent of all of the colors and the most loyal to their owners, according to Larkin. And because most of them are on the larger side, they are almost dog like.

"[Jack] loves to have his head and chin scratched, and if your hand doesn’t fall off from that, he will turn over and want you to start rubbing his belly. He wants to be loved and to trust you, he just needs a little time."

If you are interested in meeting Jack, 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.

"This big boy deserves a second chance at finding his forever home…won’t you be the one to make it happen?" Larkin said.