Squeaky Has Waited Nearly A Year For Home: Northport Kitty Of The Week

NORTHPORT, NY — Squeaky, an affectionate cat with a tiny voice and a big personality, has spent nearly a year in foster care waiting for someone to see past a diagnosis and fall in love with her.

The cat is Northport Cat Rescue Association's Kitty of the Week.

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Squeaky and her sister suddenly appeared at the back door of one of the rescue's sponsors in East Northport, just off Larkfield Road, according to NCRA.

Her sister was a new mother caring for four tiny kittens. Beside her was Squeaky, acting as "the attentive aunt" and helping watch over the little family, the rescue said.

NCRA said it was suspected the cats had been left behind when neighbors moved away.

From the beginning, volunteers said, there was something special about Squeaky.

"She was incredibly affectionate, outgoing, playful and trusting," the rescue said. "She loved people. She loved attention. She loved other cats."

Everyone who met her seemed to fall in love with her, NCRA said.

Then, unexpectedly, everything changed.

Squeaky had been active and healthy, but after her routine spay surgery, she began showing signs of lethargy, according to the rescue. Bloodwork revealed chronic kidney disease, or CKD.

"For such a young, vibrant little girl, it was difficult news to hear," NCRA said.

But Squeaky responded well after being placed on a prescription diet designed to support cats with kidney disease, the rescue said.

"Her bloodwork improved, her energy returned, and that silly, playful, affectionate little cat came right back," NCRA said.

Today, Squeaky is stable, doing well and thriving in foster care, where she has been for almost a year.

Her CKD does mean her adopter will need to make one important commitment, the rescue said: Squeaky must remain on her special kidney-support diet for life.

The food costs more than a typical cat diet, NCRA said, but the rescue hopes adopters will see the cat behind the diagnosis.

"And in exchange? You get Squeaky," the rescue said.

Squeaky has an adorable overbite and tiny fang-like teeth, according to NCRA. Her meow is more of a squeak, which is how she got her name.

Her foster family describes her as one of the most playful cats they have ever had.

"Give Squeaky some spring toys and she can entertain herself for hours," the rescue said.

She is also a lap cat.

Her foster mother said Squeaky regularly curls up on her lap while she works and often wakes up with Squeaky sleeping in her arms, according to NCRA.

Squeaky greets visitors, loves being petted, enjoys attention, loves snacks and is ready each morning to remind her foster family that breakfast should be served immediately, the rescue said.

Although managing Squeaky's special diet may be simplest if she is the only cat, NCRA said she genuinely enjoys other cats and could do well in a two-cat home if the family can manage separate feeding.

She has lived happily with other cats throughout her foster experience, the rescue said.

For almost a year, Squeaky's foster family has given her everything she needs. Now, NCRA hopes to find her what foster care was never meant to replace: a forever home.

"We know adopting a cat with CKD may cause some people to hesitate," the rescue said.

But volunteers hope someone will see what those who know Squeaky already see.

"Not a diagnosis, but a funny, affectionate, playful little soul who happens to need special food to help keep her healthy," NCRA said.

The rescue said Squeaky will crawl into a person's lap, curl up in their arms, make her funny little squeak and "somehow crawl straight into your heart."

"Maybe her almost year-long wait has simply been because she has been waiting for you," NCRA said.

Squeaky is spayed, fully vaccinated, microchipped, litter box trained and has tested negative for both FeLV and FIV.

Those interested in adopting Squeaky can complete an adoption application through the Northport Cat Rescue Association website. For more information, call 631-606-2631 or email info@northportcatrescue.org.