Family Never Came Back For Pip: Northport Kitty Of The Week

NORTHPORT, NY — For a brief moment, it looked like Pip's story had the happiest possible ending.

The 1½-year-old orange cat had turned up unexpectedly at a construction company's warehouse, where a man began feeding her, caring for her and even built her a small shelter while trying to figure out where she belonged.

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Then Northport Cat Rescue Association stepped in.

Pip had a microchip. Her family was located, and according to the rescue, they said they had been searching for her for months. They promised to come get her.

"We were thrilled," NCRA said. "Pip was finally going home."

But they never came. Despite repeated attempts to contact them, the rescue said, Pip's family did not return for her.

"Once again, this sweet girl was left waiting for someone who wasn't coming," NCRA said.

Now Pip is Northport Cat Rescue Association's Cat of the Week, and volunteers are hoping to find someone who will understand that the affectionate, playful cat comes with a personality all her own.

A Cat With Opinions

After being left behind, Pip went into foster care.

There, volunteers began seeing the cat they hoped an adopter would eventually get to know.

She was affectionate, playful, entertaining and energetic.

NCRA initially believed a young orange cat like Pip would quickly find a home. That hasn't happened. As volunteers have gotten to know her better, they have also learned what kind of adopter she needs.

"Pip can be a little sassy," the rescue said. "Sometimes even a little bossy. And yes, occasionally unpredictable."

Pip loves attention and petting. But she also decides when petting time is over.

"She will happily soak up your attention, but when she's had enough, well, she'll let you know," the rescue said. "It's her way of saying, 'Okay, that's enough. We're done now!'"

NCRA acknowledges that she can sometimes be "a bit of a brat" about making her point.

"But that's Pip," the rescue said.

Volunteers describe her as a character who keeps people entertained.

She enjoys sitting beside windows and watching the world outside, loves to play and has even learned a trick more commonly associated with dogs.

Pip plays fetch.

"She has a way of making people laugh and smile just by being herself," NCRA said.

Looking For A Cat-Savvy Home

Because of Pip's personality, the rescue is specifically looking for an adopter familiar with feline behavior.

She needs someone who understands boundaries and does not expect a cat to behave predictably every moment of the day.

The ideal adopter, volunteers said, will appreciate Pip's independence, laugh at her antics and recognize when she has had enough attention.

NCRA also believes Pip would be happiest as the only pet in the household.

That would allow her to be the center of attention without having to compete with another animal.

"What Pip needs is a cat-savvy person or family," the rescue said. "Someone who understands feline behavior, respects her boundaries, and doesn't expect a cat to be perfectly predictable every moment of the day."

For volunteers, Pip's continued wait is especially difficult because she has already experienced losing one family.

She waited once for people who said they were coming back.

They did not.

Now NCRA wants the next person who chooses her to be someone prepared to stay.

"We don't want Pip to spend another season waiting," the rescue said.

Volunteers believe there is someone who will appreciate an affectionate orange cat with a strong personality — particularly an experienced cat owner who understands that independence and boundaries do not mean a cat is incapable of love.

"Sometimes the cats with the biggest personalities leave the biggest paw prints on our hearts," NCRA said.

The rescue is asking people not to dismiss Pip simply because she is not an easygoing lap cat every moment of the day.

"She has so much love, laughter, and companionship to offer the right person," volunteers said.

Pip is spayed, fully vaccinated, microchipped and litter-box trained. She has tested negative for FeLV and FIV.

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

"Somewhere out there is the person Pip has been waiting for all along," NCRA said. "We just need to help them find each other."