Rover Carries His Stuffed Mouse Everywhere — Still Waiting For A Home: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Rover has a favorite feather toy, a stuffed mouse he carries everywhere and a best friend named Stanley. What the 2-year-old tuxedo cat does not have is a home of his own.

Rover, a gray-and-white cat with bright yellow eyes, is this week’s Huntington adoptable pet of the week through Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

“There is a boy at the shelter who has been waiting for someone to notice him,” the shelter said. “His name is Rover.”

Rover arrived at Grateful Paw in February 2025 after being separated from his mother and four siblings. The family had been living around a neighborhood deck in an area that was not safe for cats, according to the shelter. Rover’s feral mother was released, and all four of his siblings were adopted.

Rover was the one left waiting.

A rescuer who knew him contacted Grateful Paw, believing he might do better in an open, free-roaming environment where he could move around, spend time with other cats and gradually learn to trust people. He has been at the shelter ever since.

When visitors enter his room, Rover is unlikely to rush over for attention. Instead, he watches.

“He quietly studies the room,” the shelter said. “He notices who comes in. He notices what you’re carrying. He notices the other cats.”

For someone willing to sit with him and approach quietly, however, Rover begins to respond. And once he feels comfortable, volunteers say, his playful personality becomes impossible to miss.

Hand him a feather toy, and the quiet observer becomes an athlete.

“He jumps. He runs. He chases. He plays,” the shelter said.

Rover also loves springs and balls, but his feather toy is a particular favorite. Grateful Paw compares watching him play to seeing a “furry little Olympian.”

Then there is his stuffed mouse.

Rover carries the toy throughout the room, taking it along when he visits the litter box, gets a drink or heads to a meal. Sometimes, volunteers find the mouse floating in the community water bowl.

“We have absolutely no idea whether this is intentional,” the shelter said. “We’re choosing to believe it is ... because Rover has always marched to the beat of his own little drum.”

Rover’s enthusiasm extends to food. Churu and Delectables treats are among his favorites, and he takes a keen interest whenever another cat receives a special plate.

The shelter jokingly calls him its “Official Taste Tester,” though his inspections have a drawback: Rover tends to eat the entire sample, leaving the other cat wondering what happened to dinner.

For all his quirks, volunteers say Rover’s friendships with other cats are among his most endearing qualities.

His closest companion is Stanley, another black-and-white tuxedo. The two are frequently found curled up together in a cubby, lounging on top of a condo or simply spending time side by side. They also share a favorite lookout.

“You can usually find Rover and Stanley on bird and squirrel patrol watching from the top of the highest condo,” the shelter said.

Rover has also formed a bond with a favorite socializer. When he hears her coming down the hallway, he is often the first cat waiting at the door. He recognizes her footsteps and voice, the shelter said, and is eager to see whether she has brought a treat, toy or something else interesting.

“He may be shy, but he is not indifferent,” Grateful Paw said. “He cares.”

Volunteers hope an adopter will recognize those signs of connection rather than pass him by because he does not seek instant affection.

They want someone to see Rover as more than a shy cat in the background: the boy with marble-yellow eyes, the stuffed-mouse companion, the self-appointed food inspector and the remarkable feather-toy athlete.

“The boy who loves his cat friends,” the shelter said. “The boy who waits at the door for someone he trusts. The boy who has watched other cats come and go while he remains behind.”

Rover has been waiting since February 2025. His siblings have found homes, as have other cats who shared his room. Grateful Paw hopes he will now get that opportunity.

He does not need someone who expects immediate affection, the shelter said. He needs a person who will sit quietly, let him approach at his own pace and understand that trust takes time.

Rover does not enjoy being picked up and carried around, but volunteers say that should not overshadow his playful, observant and social nature.

Because feline companionship is important to him, Grateful Paw believes Rover would do best in a home with another friendly cat or kitten around his age. The shelter would especially love to see Rover and Stanley adopted together.

Rover is fully vetted, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and litter-box trained. He has tested negative for FeLV, FIV and parasites, and his ears, eyes and heart have been checked.

Those interested in meeting Rover can call Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, contact the shelter through Facebook or Instagram, or visit him in person.

The shelter is located at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening visits from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment only.

When visitors enter Rover’s room, Grateful Paw has a suggestion: Look for the yellow eyes. Sit down. Give him a little time.

“You just might discover the most wonderful boy who has been waiting patiently for someone to finally say: ‘Rover… I’ve been looking for you.’”