Stella, Long-Haired Kitten Found Alone, Seeks Home: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Stella, a 3-month-old long-haired kitten found wandering alone in Massapequa, is this week’s Huntington adoptable pet of the week.

Not long after Memorial Day, Stella was spotted on the streets by herself, according to Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

“At just three months old, beautiful little Stella should have been safe at home, curled up in a warm lap, not struggling to survive on her own in a world far too big for such a small kitten,” the shelter said.

A Good Samaritan contacted rescuer John Debacker for help, and he brought the frightened kitten to Grateful Paw, where the shelter said “her journey toward a brighter future could finally begin.”

When Stella arrived, it was clear she had been fending for herself. Her long fur was tangled and disheveled, giving her what volunteers described as “a wild and unforgettable appearance.”

“In fact, she looked so scruffy that she could have stepped right out of the pages of Where the Wild Things Are,” the shelter said. “Fortunately, that’s where the comparison ends.”

Beneath the messy fur, volunteers found “one of the sweetest, most loving kittens imaginable,” the shelter said.

Stella adores people, according to Grateful Paw. When she sees a friendly face, she comes running, hoping for one of her favorite things: a brushing or gentle belly rub.

“Her affectionate nature shines through in everything she does, and her playful spirit brings joy to everyone she meets,” the shelter said.

Stella is currently living in a foster home with Luna and Nova, two other kittens recently featured by Grateful Paw. There, she is discovering the fun of kittenhood, including access to an exercise wheel.

“She hasn’t quite decided whether it’s meant for working out, lounging, or taking naps,” the shelter said. “Most days, it seems to serve all three purposes equally well.”

With her long coat and striking features, volunteers said Stella appears to possibly have Siberian or Norwegian Forest Cat ancestry in her background, though that has not been confirmed.

“It would certainly be fascinating to see what a DNA test might reveal someday,” the shelter said.

Stella has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, and has had her eyes, ears and heart checked. She is litter box trained and will be spayed alongside Luna and Nova before becoming available for adoption after June 24. She will also be up to date on vaccinations and microchipped.

Grateful Paw said it would prefer Stella be adopted with another kitten from the shelter, since she has been in foster care with other kittens. If there is already another kitten around her age in the home, that would also be acceptable, the shelter said.

After everything she has been through, volunteers say Stella deserves a home where she never has to feel abandoned again.

“She deserves a home where her beautiful fur will be brushed, her belly will be rubbed, and her heart will always know that she is loved,” the shelter said.

Those interested in meeting Stella can call Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, follow her progress on the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by to meet her in person.

Grateful Paw Cat Shelter is located at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with additional Thursday evening hours from 7 to 9 p.m. by appointment.

“Let’s give this unique and lovable little girl the forever home she has been waiting for,” the shelter said, “so she can leave behind the memory of being lost and alone and spend the rest of her life knowing she is exactly where she belongs.”