'Low-Key' Vance: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Vance, a kitten around 8 months old, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Vance's brother, Vaughn, was adopted last week. The two "very shy kittens" were found in Franklin Square as part of a colony, according to Debbi Larkin, president of Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

They were trapped with the intention of being re-released, but the trapper saw something in them that said they deserve a chance at a better life, according to Larkin.

"We told the trapper to bring them to us and we would take care of them," Larkin said. "Unfortunately we do not have any other background information about them."

Vance is a silky grey kitten with "mesmerizing" yellow eyes, Larkin said. He has been with the shelter since September and is still getting used to "inside" surroundings, according to Larkin. Vance would usually cuddle with his brother in one of the many cubbies and watch the rest of the kittens with curious looks.

"Unfortunately since his brother was adopted, he is trying to find a new 'buddy' in the room," Larkin said. "He can sometimes be seen playing together with one of the many toys in the room, stuffed mice, springs, crinkle balls, etc., but he doesn’t always interact with the visitors that come into the room. If he is feeling adventurous enough, he will join in the chaos with the other kittens."

Vance has tested negative for FELV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, had his ears and heart checked, received all his vaccines, is litter box trained and neutered.

"Since Vance is still timid he really needs some extra TLC," Larkin said. "You have to be patient with him and not move suddenly. If you approach him calmly and quietly or sit on the floor in the room he will respond to you … if he gets close enough you may be able to give a head scratch which he likes but you have to move slowly and calmly."

If you are interested in meeting Vance, 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.

"Vance would be a perfect kitten for the family that is looking for a 'low-key' furbaby as compared to some others that are like the Energizer Bunny and never stop!" Larkin said. "He also likes the other cats so he would do best in a home with another kitten/cat that can show him he doesn’t need to be so frightened all of the time. This boy will be so appreciative of having a warm, dry place to live with plenty of food and toys and people that love them unconditionally, even though he may never be a warm and snuggly baby based on his personality right now. But, miracles do happen, and maybe he is just waiting for his 'person' to arrive to take him home."