Meet Rover, A Loyal Tuxedo Waiting A Year For Love: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Rover is a striking gray-and-white tuxedo gentleman of about a year and a half, with a long, sleek body and bright yellow eyes that “shine like marbles,” according to Debbi Larkin, president of Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

He has “a perfect white stripe down his nose, short white socks in the front and knee-high socks in the back,” along with long white whiskers that give him what the shelter calls a “distinguished look.” At first glance, Rover may seem shy, quietly observing the room. But once he decides someone is his person, “his devotion is instant and wholehearted.”

Rover’s story began under a neighborhood deck in an area that wasn’t especially cat-friendly. He, his four siblings, and their mother were discovered trying to stay safe together. Their mom was trapped, spayed, and released, while Rover and his siblings were welcomed into foster care when the original family could not keep all of the kittens.

Rover was the runt of the litter, but he blossomed in foster care — even if he was often overlooked. Because he disliked crates and confinement, he was allowed to roam freely in his foster room.

“There, he quickly became the official cuddle buddy to his foster mom — and even her small dogs,” the shelter shared.

Beneath his shy exterior is “an incredibly sweet, affectionate boy whose purring motor starts the moment he accepts your gentle scratches.”

Rover arrived at Grateful Paw in February 2025 and has now been waiting a full year for a home of his own.

While he has friends in the Purple Room — including his best buddy, a dashing black-and-white tuxedo named Stanley — volunteers say he longs for more space to stretch his long legs, investigate every corner, and “keep a watchful eye on his kingdom from atop a cat condo.”

Like many tuxedo cats, Rover is loving, loyal, and wonderfully playful. He adores scratching posts and will stretch tall “pretending to be fierce — though he’s all sweetness.”

He proudly carries around his small stuffed mouse — sometimes dropping it at your feet as a gift, sometimes placing it in the water bowl “just to keep life interesting.”

Wave a feather wand even once and “he’ll leap impressively high, determined to catch whatever floats.” And when treats or Churrus appear, Rover is first in line.

“Don’t let him knock you over,” the shelter said. “They are his favorite, and he will push the others out of the way to be first.”

Rover does beautifully with other cats and has experience living with small dogs. Because he bonds strongly and enjoys companionship, he would thrive in a home with another cat or kitten his age — perhaps even his buddy Stanley.

Medically, Rover is fully vetted. He has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, is parasite-free, has had his ears, eyes, and heart checked, is vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and perfectly litter-box trained.

Rover will also be one of the stars at the shelter’s Valentine Adoption Event on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter in East Northport.

“If you’re searching for a cat who will give you his undivided attention once he knows you’re his person, Rover is your guy,” the shelter said. “He’s been waiting patiently, and he deserves the same chance his siblings received — a real home.”

Now, he just needs someone to choose him.

Those interested in meeting Rover can call 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, or visit Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., with additional Thursday evening hours from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.