Nicholas 'The Gentle Mountain Lion' Is Huntington 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 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. Recently, he lived with cats and also many dogs. Even more recently, in another home after his rescue from Fire Island, he has 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, Larkin said. 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 adapts quickly.

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," Larkin said. "Especially since he is a big cat with an even bigger appetite."

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.

"Because he was in a stressful environment with lots of cats and little attention for many months and then in a house that was noisy with many animals, Nicholas would prefer to be with just maybe a few animals and not dozens," Larkin said. "In so many ways he is a very soulful and deep kitty. 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.

"In my opinion, Nicholas is a Rockstar," Larkin said. "He has struggled and survived what most other animals or even humans would have given up on. He retained his gentle, loving personality throughout all of his life changes. How do we treat a Rockstar? We treat them with all the love, adoration, patience and courage you can give so he knows he is 'larger than life' in your eyes!"