'Gentle' Jeets And Lily: Huntington Pets Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Jeets and Lily, 10 years old, are the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pets of the Week.

Jeets and Lily are siblings from different litters who were adopted from Grateful Paw back in 2014, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter. They were both kittens at the time — about 4 months
old — when they were dumped in front of the shelter's building on separate days.

They were checked out by the shelter's veterinarian, spayed or neutered and placed for adoption.

A young man came in looking to adopt two kittens, Larkin said. He had cats all his life and knew what to do.

"Jeets and Lily brought so much joy to his life and they were loving, adventurous and full of kitten energy," Larkin said. "They were by his side throughout his life through job changes, moves and new faces in the house. Unfortunately, there were now new family members who — although
they adored Jeets and Lily — had severe allergies that were causing problems."

Although the family tried many things, the allergies to the cats were becoming very serious, Larkin said.

"That is when we received the call looking for help," she said. "After a very lengthy and difficult discussion, it was decided that Jeets and Lily would come back to us. We have always had the policy that if an adoption does not work, we would take the cat/kitten back into the shelter."

The rescue arranged for Jeets and Lily's return.

"A very emotional event for all involved — cats, owners and volunteers — but we welcomed them with open arms and reassured the family that all will be OK since we are a no-kill rescue and shelter," Larkin said.

Jeets and Lily are both 10 years old and both in excellent health, Larkin said. They are tigers with white, but Lily has more white on her bib. They have striking green eyes and gentle personalities.

They are bonded since they were adopted together the first time, and the shelter is trying to not
separate the two.

"Unfortunately, after having them in the shelter for 6 months, we have not had anyone who wants to give them a forever home together," Larkin said.

They were re-checked by the shelter's veterinarian, including a complete panel of bloodwork. They again tested negative for FELV and FIV. They are up to date on all of their vaccines and are litter box trained.

"Our vet commented that they are gorgeous and healthy for 10 year olds," Larkin said.

Jeets and Lily are currently in one of the shelter's free-roaming rooms and have settled in nicely, according to Larkin.

"The only issue lately is that we have determined that while Lily loves her brother Jeets, she really does not like any other cats in the room and that is becoming a problem," Larkin said. "They hang out in their condo together but the minute you approach, they are up and ready for headbutts, ear scratches and definitely brushing! And they both have been having a blast playing with the laser toy and the feather toy. Amazing how active they can be when given the chance!"

The rescue said it would allow them to be separated so they could leave the shelter and be adopted back into loving homes, with Larkin calling it a "very difficult decision."

"Lily loves people and will throw herself at your feet when you come into the room to get your attention," Larkin said. "It’s as if she is saying, 'Pick, me please.'"

Jeets is not as outgoing as Lily, but he also loves people and the attention that goes with that, Larkin said.

"We do not want to see them spend the rest of their lives in the shelter," she said. "We are aware that most people think that 10 years old is geriatric for a cat, but it definitely is not! It can actually be 'middle aged' for some cats. So, please don’t let the age scare you away. Cats can live to be 20,
21, 22 — so you would have plenty of time with one or both of them."

If Lily is separated from her brother, she will need a home with no other animals, just humans, Larkin said. She would do well if someone is looking for a lap cat to spend the rest of their days with.

"Jeets, although we believe he would be fine without his sister, would definitely love another feline companion in the house…not a kitten, but an older cat with the same mellow personality," Larkin said.

If you are interested in meeting Jeets AND/OR Lily, 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.

"Jeets and Lily deserve another chance at finding a new home together again, but if that is not possible we will adopt them out separately to the purrfect home," Larkin said. "Won’t you please give one or both of them a chance so they can shower you with their love and you can shower them with whatever they need or want, as it should be according to them?"