Quinn The Black Panther: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Quinn, a 6-month-old male, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Quinn is a mini black panther with a white spot on his chest and belly, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter. He was born to an indoor/outdoor mom before the homeowner could get her spayed. The homeowner reached out to Grateful Paw after spending weeks trying to get help from other rescues near her home in Queens, but she had no luck, according to Larkin.

She wanted to TNR the mom (this has now been done and the mom is back with the homeowners, much to everyone’s delight, Larkin said), but she wanted to give Quinn and his siblings a chance to find their own forever homes — inside, not outside.

Quinn was born May 9. He entered the shelter in August 2024 with his siblings but was only in foster care for about two weeks.

"All of the kittens were so social and friendly we wanted to get them seen so they could be adopted," Larkin explained. "And unfortunately for Quinn, he was always overlooked because of his color. Many people coming in were looking for the 'pretty' cat or the unusual-looking one and Quinn did not meet their requirements."

Quinn was a bit shy at first in the room, according to Larkin. But as soon as anyone reaches for him, it's "game on," she said.

"He loves to snuggle and get kisses. He gets along with all of the other kittens in the room. He
loves playing in the cat tunnel and with the wand toys, springs, balls and, most of all, his mice. He carries the mice around the room as if he is the mighty hunter."

He also loves to snuggle with any of the other cats in the room. He can always be found with a partner in the condos or beds, as he does not like to sleep alone.

Quinn was fostered with his two siblings, older cats and a dog in the house, so he gets along with any pet, Larkin said.

"When someone comes into the room he is always the first one to run up to the visitors as if he is saying 'pick me,' and he probably is...because he is another one of our single kittens still at the shelter, watching as all of his siblings get chosen."

Quinn tested negative for FELV and FIV and parasites, had his ears and heart checked, has been wormed and received all of his vaccines. He has been neutered and is litter box trained.

"It is said that black cats have magical traits," Larkin said. "Their presence is often seen as a sign of protection and intuition. Many people believe that black cats have a strong connection to the
spiritual realm and can help guide their owners through difficult times. Quinn can probably do that, but first he has to find his forever family."

If you are interested in meeting Quinn, 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.

"Do not be superstitious because of his color and do not let him wait any longer to find 'his people' and his forever home...he deserves a chance just like his siblings that left him behind," Larkin said.