JustAnswer PixelPaws and Effect

Sugar Kitty WednesdaySugar Kitty Wednesday marches on! This week I want to introduce you to my pal Linus. He’s been at my former temporary residence, HART of Maine, since August 28, 2012. Linus is about 9 years old, a white cat with big gray tabby stripes and amazing ocean-blue eyes. He’s a very big boy with super-soft fur and a lovely disposition.

He came into HART’s care because his former guardian couldn’t take care of him and was actually going to have him Put To Sleep! Eek! But the wonderful vet who was overseeing his care asked the person to surrender him to the clinic, and from there he came to HART.

I sure do understand that people get overwhelmed when it comes to taking care of diabetic kitties, and I don’t have any hard feelings about that. Do you, Linus?

Linus: No, I don’t. But I sure do miss living in a home of my own and sleeping on the couch next to a warm person.

Linus, a white and gray tabby cat with blue eyes, sitting on a fleece bed

Linus, resting in his favorite place — a nice soft bed on top of a cage row.

Bella: Well, I totally get that, Linus? Did you know that I came to the shelter because my former people almost Put me To Sleep, too? I was a pretty sick kitty at the time, but the people at HART nursed me back to health, just like they’ve done for you?

Linus: I remember first meeting you. You were such a skinny, peakéd-looking thing. How are you doing now?

Bella: Oh, wonderful! I’ve got a snuggle buddy (he’s a gray and white tabby cat like you) and lots of great food, and I don’t have to take insulin any more. How about you?

Linus: Well, I’m still on a very little bit of insulin — one unit of Lantus, once a day — which is a lot better than when I first got here and I was on 4 units, twice a day. Maybe if I were in a forever home, I’d be less stressed and wouldn’t have to be on insulin at all. Good thing, because I hate, hate, HATE getting my insulin shots!

Bella: Does that mean you might do better in a home with a more experienced caretaker who won’t get intimidated by your grumping and swatting?

Linus: Probably. Your mama managed to give me my shot this weekend. She did a little scruffing maneuver and was able to get the needle in. I did give her a swat to show her how much I didn’t love her ministrations, though.

Bella: Oh, Linus! Mama was just trying to help you!

Linus: I know. I just can’t help it! *sniffle* I think maybe if I were in a home and thing were more chill — and my new mama or dad had a quiet confidence about them — I’d do better.

Bella: And speaking of homes — what are you looking for in a forever home?

Linus: Well, I’m a really laid-back and calm cat (they call me sedentary, can you believe it?) and I’d like to live in the same kind of home. I’ve never been around dogs, so I don’t know how I’d get along with them, but maybe if the dog is really mellow, we could do well together. I don’t think I want to live with small kids — they move too fast for me — but older children or an adults-only home would do me just fine.

Bella: And what are you eating these days?

Linus: I only want Fancy Feast flaked fish and shrimp or 9 Lives tuna cat food.

Bella: Do you think someone could convince you to eat different food?

Linus: Um … I could try, I guess.

Linus, a gray tabby and white cat, looking down and to the right.

How could you not love this face?

Bella: Linus, I totally know somebody’s going to fall in love with you. You’re such a sweetheart (well, except for the insulin thing, I suppose) and I remember watching you get so happy and purry when you got brushed or petted.

Linus: Oh yeah, maybe if I lived in a forever home, my person would have lots of time to brush me … oh, *purrrr, purrrr, purrrrr*

Bella: Well, thanks for talking to me, Linus.

If you’re interested in adopting Linus, HART has lots and lots of perks for you: You’ll get $100 worth of Fancy Feast cat food, a year’s supply of insulin, a free blood glucose monitor and testing supplies, and free boarding for Linus at HART if you need to go out of town. Oh, and a free class on how to do glucose tests and give insulin shots. Get in touch with one of HART’s adoption counselors for more information — call 207-829-4116 or e-mail info@hartofme.com. You can download HART’s adoption application here. Do it now! You know you want to. *purrrrrrrrr*