'Shy' Mary Lou: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Mary Lou, almost 9 years old, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

She is a petite grey beauty with light green eyes that look like sea glass, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

Mary Lou was brought into the shelter in August 2017 with her four babies. She was found in the
training facility at the Dix Hills Fire Department, according to Larkin. She had given birth in one of the buildings that they used weekly for practicing putting out raging fires.

"Not a very safe place at all, but thankfully one of the firemen brought her and her babies to us," Larkin said.

All four of Mary Lou's babies were less than 3 weeks old, so they were placed into foster care immediately because they were struggling, Larkin said.

"Mary Lou was still very young and terrified and did not know how to take care of the babies," Larkin said. "Mary Lou was checked by the vet and spent a few days recuperating with him before coming back to the shelter to be placed in one of the rooms for adoption."

She was very frightened of everyone who came near her, Larkin said, so as soon as a volunteer or visitor came into the room, she ran and hid.

"She never fully gained the trust of anyone until recently," she said. "It took her seven long years before she started to interact with people. She loves all of the other cats in the room. Her new
best friends are Lulu and Hope, and you can constantly see them hanging out and cuddling together or walking around with their tails intertwined."

Mary Lou loves the laser toy, any of the wand toys, and if one of the volunteers set up their phone or
tablet with "birdie tv," she has a front row seat.

"And don’t forget she is first in line for any treats that may be coming her way!"

Mary Lou has tested negative for FELV and FIV, had her ears and heart checked, tested negative for parasites, is up to date on all of her vaccines (FVRCP and rabies), was spayed when she first came into the shelter and is litter box trained.

"Mary Lou needs to know she is loved and nobody is going to hurt her," Larkin said. "She needs someone with a lot of patience and understanding of her special needs. She would need to be
confined to a small room at the beginning because her first instinct is going to be run and hide, and you don’t want to stress her out with a large open area. She will never be a typical 'lap cat,' but she will show you love if given the chance. And if there is another cat in the house (as long as it is
not a kitten that can be crazy and out of control), that is even better. A companion would probably help to ease her nervousness of people."

If you are interested in meeting Mary Lou, 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.

"Everyone knows we are starting 'kitten season' and we will be inundated with those babies that will also need to be adopted," Larkin said. "But in the meantime, the older cats always get overlooked when visitors come into the shelter, especially Mary Lou because she is so shy."

There are advantages to adopting an older cat, Larkin said.

"They have already developed their manners and are less likely to be disruptive or destructive…they have lower energy levels which is good for busy professionals… mature cats gets along with other pets…they are perfect companions for senior citizens because they already have the same type of lifestyle..and the best reason is that after being adopted they show gratitude and love and a strong willingness to give back.

"Spring will soon be here and we would love to see Mary Lou have the chance to get some more 'spring in her step' by getting the home she so richly deserves (not in a burnt out building like the one she came from)," Larkin continued. "Won’t you be that person to make her feel welcome, have a fresh start and a new beginning?"