'Pure Affection' Mitzi: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Mitzi, a 1-year-old female cat, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

She is a "pleasantly plump" mackerel tabby who has stolen the hearts of the cat shelter's team, as well as everyone else who has met her, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

"Weighing in at almost 15 pounds of pure affection, Mitzi is the definition of a sweetheart in a soft, striped coat," Larkin said.

Mitzi was previously known as Robin when she first entered the shelter in August 2024. She came in with her two sisters after being trapped in a neighbor’s backyard, according to Larkin. She adjusted quickly to foster home life and shelter life but was only there for a short time before being adopted.

"Mitzi came back to our shelter through no fault of her own — her former owner was concerned about tripping over her underfoot, and without family to help out, Mitzi was returned to us," Larkin said. "When she first arrived, she was understandably scared and unsure. She had lived with her single owner for almost year and they had formed quite a bond. We gave her space in a quiet free-roaming room with a few calm feline friends, and within just three days, Mitzi’s true personality came shining through."

Mitzi is now the official door greeter at the shelter.

"The moment you walk in, Mitzi’s there — tail high, purring loudly, and ready for cuddles," Larkin said. "Take a seat on the bench, and she’ll jump right up beside you, starting her signature purr motor that doesn’t quit until you’ve given her your full attention (and she deserves every bit of it)."

Mitzi gets along wonderfully with the other cats in her room, especially her "boyfriend," Phoenix, who is another sweet tabby who shares Mitzi's gentle, loving energy.

She enjoys playtime with toys, springs, and her beloved fishing wand, though sometimes her enthusiasm gets ahead of her jumping abilities — "again, she’s delightfully round."

"This girl loves her food, is happy to sample everything on the plate, and is just as happy rolling over for belly rubs from visiting children," Larkin said. "Though she lived in a quiet home before, Mitzi clearly adores people and thrives on affection. She’d be happiest in a home that can shower her with the love and attention she so freely gives—and she’d definitely enjoy a feline companion."

She’s been fully vetted by the shelter's in-house veterinarian and is ready to find her forever home.

Mitzi has tested negative for FELV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, had her ears, eyes, teeth
and heart checked, received all her vaccines, and is litter box trained and spayed.

If you are interested in meeting Mitzi, 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.

"If you’re looking for a loving, loyal, snuggly, and slightly squishy companion — Mitzi might just be
your perfect match," Larkin said.