#AdoptMarco Top Tuxedo Cat & #AdorableAdoptables

We’re excited to announce our new weekly shelter adoption feature “Adorable Adoptables”. These are the cats I’m working with at the New Rochelle Humane Society including many recently rescued from a horrific hoarding incident near me. To see all the posts about these cats plus hoarding, behavior and adoption tips, check out our new category SHELTER CATS in our footer on the right side. Anyone adopting one of the hoarder cats will receive a complimentary portrait of their new family member. I will create a one-of-kind piece for each cat like this one of Kissy with a quote or personalized with their new name.

Good news! Kissy was adopted. It’s hard to believe that just three weeks ago the sweet dilute Calico with purrsonality to spare was rescued from a hoarder (along with 68 others). Nothing could keep this green-eyed beauty with a lust for life down for long. The first time I met her at the New Rochelle Humane Society she appeared serene in her cage as if she knew better times lay ahead. The third time I met her, she’d been transferred to a cage-free room (seen above) She bounded over, headbutting and playing kissy-face, a happy princess. She enchanted everyone she crossed paths with. It’s a happy ending for her but only the beginning for dozens of others who need permanent homes or temporary foster homes. Cats have stood beside us for over 10,000 years. They’ve survived and thrived for millennium despite the odds. I am optimistic for these brave hoarding survivors but they need your help.

Meet Marco. He was rescued at the same time as Kissy. He’s a young, neutered tuxedo cat ready for love and a home of his own. Fans of black and white tuxedo cats claim they are friendly and super smart. Marco certainly is a charming love bug with a super loud purr. Loves Reiki. Loves being petted. Bright-eyed and curious, he’s just about ready to join the cage-free cat room. If you or know someone in the NYC area who might want learn more about Marco and his pals visit New Rochelle Humane Society located in New Rochelle N.Y. If you have a specific question about Marco, email me [email protected]. If you are in the Westchester County area, there will a free workshop on fostering at the shelter on Not all the cats at the shelter are movie star gorgeous or perfect but each one is beautiful and purrfect in their own way. As I spend more time getting to know them, I believe more than ever: There is a lid for every pot. A perfect match of cat and person. By perfect, I don’t mean life with that cat will be all catnip and roses but your lives will be richer. Those lucky to have experienced a kitty soulmate know the countless everyday joys.

How can you tell if a cat is THE ONE?

Sometimes, it happens in a flash. You see a photo online or a friend tells you about a cat who needs a home. You just know. Sometimes you get a good feeling but have to see the cat in person. Once you do, you may know right away or need to go home and think about it. Everyone knows adoption stories of cats poking their paws between cage bars or flying into someone’s arms with a pleading look of take me home. But not all cats are friendly in a shelter setting. It helps to crouch down to their eye level and don’t stare. It’s especially intimating for cats in lower cages. Try a gentle slow blink and then slowly look away. If they return your slow blink, it’s the first step towards trust and bonding. Gently engage them with a catnip toy or playing with a wand toy. Talk very softly and tell them how beautiful they are, how they are loved and safe now and a better home awaits.

In a cage-free room, there’s usually the welcoming committee, those cats who coming running ready to sniff, be petted and played with. I imagine little signs above their heads saying: Pick me, Pick me! Your soul mate may be one of those or not. Your soulmate might be hiding. Look up to the highest shelf or perch and nooks and crannies, then sit down on or near the floor and allow the cats to come to you. Remember you are a guest in their home or space; respect it. If you’re there with children, tell them to act accordingly. Move slowly with awareness. Speak quietly and praise the cats. After studying the cats more closely, engage them with different kinds of toys. Notice who goes after a ball or likes a wand toy or who watches but doesn’t play. If certain cats appeal, look a their cage card to find out their gender, age etc.

Of all the cats, one will keep popping up in your head once you leave and it may not be the original one you liked! You may think you prefer female cats because you’ve never had a male but remain open minded. You may think you want a tabby but maybe it’s the black cat you can’t stop thinking about. It’s not about logic, past preferences or practicalities. Trust your gut. At that point if it’s not already clear, a second visit is in order and then hopefully hello, adoption papers. This is a decision that might impact the next 20+ years, take your time. Satisfaction Guaranteed. If for any reason, the adoption does not work out whether 10 days or 10 years from now, the NRHS like most shelters will take the cat.