'Friendly, Active, Playful, Loyal' Niko: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Niko, a 7-month-old male, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Niko is one of a litter of six kittens trapped outside a volunteer's backyard. He and his sisters were born in the beginning of June to a mom who was hanging out in the volunteer's backyard for quite awhile, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

One week featuring very heavy rainstorms two days in a row, the litter's mother moved her babies to higher ground but left behind one kitten — Jacob, Niko's brother — Larkin said.

"Jacob was quickly rescued and brought inside to be checked and vetted and he received the necessary care he needed, but Jacob became a 'foster fail' before he could enter the shelter," Larkin said. "Unfortunately, Niko and his four sisters were nowhere to be found. It took until the beginning of August when they were all finally located and trapped."

They were all vetted and placed into foster care, but the real problem, Larkin said, was just starting.

"Because they were almost 9 weeks old already, they were very difficult to handle," she said. "They did not like to be touched or picked up at all and would hiss, spit and lash out if you tried."

A very experienced foster mom never gave up, however. She worked with all five kittens individually and separately until they relaxed, according to Larkin.

"Niko was the first one to give in and allow handling and love, and that is reflected in his personality now that he is in the shelter," Larkin said.

Niko is a gorgeous tuxedo kitten with white feet and eyes that appear to be more green than yellow. He has the "softest and silkiest" fur and loves to be brushed," Larkin said.

"The minute you start to stroke his head, his motor turns on and does not stop," she said. "He loves to play with all of the toys in the room, especially the springs and can be seen chasing them from one end of the room to the other. When he starts, the others in the room usually join in and can create some chaos with all of those little bodies scampering about!"

Niko also loves to sit on the top of the condo by the window and survey "his kingdom" from the inside. He will sound the alarm when he sees a squirrel or bird, Larkin said, and most of the others will come running. All the cats will then try to crowd the top of the condo.

"It is quite comical to watch."

Niko has tested negative for FELV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, had his ears and heart checked, has been neutered and is litter box trained.

If you are interested in meeting Niko, you may call the shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the Facebook page or visit at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter is also open from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday nights only for those who cannot make it during the daytime hours.

He will also be available at the shelter's Valentine's Day Adoption Event scheduled for Feb. 15 at the shelter.

"Niko is friendly, active, playful and very loyal to those he has chosen as his people," Larkin said. "He is also sweet-tempered and gentle. He would do best with another kitten or cat in the house, especially since he was totally bonded with all of his sisters, who could be quite bossy at times! Let’s give this handsome fellow who is always 'dressed for success' a chance in a warm, loving home where he can show you how much he loves you and wants to be your best friend."