'Inquisitive' Molly: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Molly, an 8-month-old female dark tiger cat, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Molly was found wandering the streets of Valley Stream with her brother, Mike, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

"Both of them were very frightened and much too tiny to be wandering around the extremely busy main street where they were found," Larkin said.

Molly was extremely frightened of people and loud noises, according to Larkin.

"She was very hand-shy, so we can only imagine what happened to her outside," Larkin said. "She was probably wandering around looking for food and shelter and was constantly being chased away by people waving their arms and hands at her and possibly using their feet to get her out of the way."

When Molly arrived at the shelter at the beginning of July, she had been in a foster home for about a month but was still very timid, Larkin said. She was trying to imitate her brother, who was very outgoing, but she wasn’t that brave.

"Thank goodness he was very protective of her and watched her constantly," Larkin said. "She slowly started to come out of her shell and became a little more curious every day, but she never lost her fear of fast movements. Now that Molly is in the kitten room with five other furbabies, she is more inquisitive and a bit bolder when out and about. She runs and chases the other kittens and is always willing to join in a game of steal the spring, or soccer with the fluffy balls in the room."

Molly responds to chin or back scratches.

"She wants to have the human contact, but it is hard for her," Larkin said.

She loves to sit on the top shelf of the condo where she can look out the window and see the birds and the squirrels.

"But, this window is directly behind a 7-Eleven on another very busy road, so I can only imagine what must be going through her head when she sees all of the people and the traffic," Larkin said. "She has a very good appetite and when it is nap time she loves to cuddle with one of the other kittens. The cuddling probably makes her feel safe."

Molly has tested negative for FELV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, been wormed, received all of her vaccines, been spayed and is litter box-trained.

"Molly needs a home with someone who is very patient and is willing to take the time to show her you are not going to hurt her," Larkin said. "She is still very hand-shy, but once she relaxes enough to let you start petting her she warms up and will give you a soft purr. She would do best with another kitten or young cat in the home because she is not afraid of them and may blossom under her interactions with them."

If you are interested in meeting Molly, 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.

"This little girl needs a special home, one where she can feel safe and loved," Larkin said. "I am sure your kindness, patience and sense of security will be paid back 100 times over when she becomes the love of your life!"