'Friendly, Active' Nico: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Niko, around 4 months old, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

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

"Unfortunately the one week where we had the very heavy rainstorms two days in a row, mom decided to move her babies to higher ground, and she left one behind (not Niko, but his brother, Jacob)," Larkin said. "He was quickly rescued and brought inside to be checked and vetted. He received the necessary care he needed and he quickly became what is known as a 'foster
fail' before he could enter the shelter."

Niko and his four sisters were nowhere to be found, Larkin said. It took until the beginning of August when they were all finally located and trapped.

"It was a challenge to capture Niko, because mom kept moving all of her babies when she sensed that people were trying to trap her and take the babies away," Larkin said. "It took six long and difficult weeks to finally accomplish the trapping and bringing the babies to the shelter."

They were all vetted and placed into foster care, but the "real problem was just starting," Larkin said. Because they were almost 9 weeks old already, they were "very difficult to handle," she said. The kittens did not like to be touched or picked up at all and would hiss, spit and lash out if someone tried.

But one of the rescue's very experienced foster moms never gave up, according to Larkin.

"She worked with all five of them individually and separately until they relaxed," Larkin said. "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."

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

"The minute you pick him up and start to stroke his head, his motor turns on an does not stop...even after you place him back where he came from," Larkin said.

He loves to play with all of the toys in the room, especially the springs. He 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!" Larkin said. Niko also loves to sit on the top of the condo by the window and survey "his kingdom" from the inside, she added.

"I am sure he is glad to be in where it is dry and warm and there is plenty of food, because I am sure it was difficult for his mom to feed all five of her babies," Larkin said. "He will sound the alarm when he sees a squirrel or bird and most of the others will come running and everyone will 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.

"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."