Stanley, Shy Tuxedo Cat Still Waiting: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Stanley, a young tuxedo cat who has spent much of his life waiting at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter, is this week’s Huntington adoptable pet of the week.

“Some cats demand your attention the moment you walk into a room,” the shelter said. “Stanley isn’t one of them.”

Stanley prefers quiet places, often sitting by the door, watching and listening, volunteers said.

Over the past year, the shelter said, Stanley has seen countless families come through the shelter. He has watched kittens leave in the arms of excited adopters and heard the sounds of new beginnings before seeing the door close behind them.

Without him.

“It’s hard to believe that this striking young tuxedo, only about 14 months old, has already spent so much of his life in the shelter waiting for a home of his own,” the shelter said.

Stanley’s story began outdoors, where he and his two brothers were born around May 2025 to a trap-shy feral mother who tried to keep her kittens safe, according to Grateful Paw.

“She taught them to hide, to stay still, and to disappear into their surroundings,” the shelter said.

The kittens learned so well that rescuing them required patience, persistence and compassion from a local rescuer who refused to give up, volunteers said.

Their mother was too wild to live indoors, so she was humanely trapped, spayed and returned to the care of the family who had been supporting her. Stanley and his brothers were brought inside.

Once safe, examined by a veterinarian and placed into foster care, the kittens began to blossom.

Stanley quickly showed curiosity and energy, the shelter said. He explored, climbed the highest perches he could find and chased feather toys with intense focus.

Even now, feather toys remain his favorite.

“Playtime often turns into a playful wrestling match when it’s time to stop,” the shelter said.

When Stanley first arrived at the shelter, the change was overwhelming. The noise and activity made it hard for him to settle, and he gradually faded into the background, volunteers said.

His brothers were adopted.

Stanley remained.

Over time, he became a familiar part of the shelter’s routine. He is often the first to announce dinner, calling out so everyone knows it is time to gather, the shelter said.

He still waits by the door, alert to every sound in the hallway, “as if each set of footsteps might finally be his,” volunteers said.

When a tiny kitten wanders too close and reaches a paw under the door, Stanley is there to gently return the greeting.

“That’s Stanley,” the shelter said. “Gentle. Curious. Hopeful.”

Though Stanley has grown into a “big boy” in size, volunteers say his kitten traits still surface with the right person.

A tuxedo cat always looks ready for a special occasion, the shelter said, and Stanley wears his black-and-white coat with quiet elegance. Beneath that polished appearance is a shy cat who needs time and patience.

Stanley will not rush into someone’s arms, but when he feels safe, he responds to gentle attention. Soft head and ear scratches are his favorite, and once he relaxes, his purr “says everything,” volunteers said.

Like many tuxedo cats, Stanley is playful, intelligent and observant, according to Grateful Paw. He still dashes for feather toys and sometimes nudges his buddy Rover aside to get there first.

Stanley enjoys the company of other cats and is especially comfortable with feline friends. He was closely bonded with his brothers, and now often spends time with Rover in the Purple Room, where having a companion nearby seems to give him confidence.

“Maybe what Stanley has been waiting for isn’t just a home,” the shelter said. “Maybe he’s been waiting for his person.”

Volunteers believe Stanley needs someone patient enough to let trust grow at its own pace — someone who sees past his shyness and recognizes the affectionate cat underneath.

“This summer is a season of growth, change, and new beginnings,” the shelter said. “Stanley has already grown. He has already adapted. He has already watched others leave while he stayed behind.”

The shelter hopes this will be the summer that changes everything for him.

“Come meet Stanley,” volunteers said. “Bring a feather toy. Bring a few treats. But most of all, bring patience. Bring kindness. Bring the love he’s been waiting for.”

Stanley has tested negative for FeLV, FIV and parasites. He is up to date on vaccinations, neutered, microchipped and in excellent health. He is also tidy with his litter box, and volunteers said he sometimes even covers for his roommates.

Those interested in meeting Stanley can call Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the shelter’s Facebook page or stop by 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport.

The shelter is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening visits from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.

“Stanley is ready, and he and the volunteers are tired of waiting and waiting,” the shelter said. “He has grown from a frightened baby to a handsome young man.”

Now, volunteers hope someone will finally see him.

“He just needs someone to finally see him so his wait is over,” the shelter said. “Won’t you be that person?”