'Sweet' Acorn And Butternut: Huntington Adoptable Pets Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Acorn and Butternut, 10-month-old boys, are the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pets of the Week.

These two were part of a larger colony that took up residence at one of the community gardens in the area, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter. The rescue received a call from one of the local trappers and feeders that she had Acorn and Butternut in her house and wanted to work with them, because they were still very young and she did not want to release them back outside.

"We told her to call us when she thought they were ready to come into the shelter," Larkin said. "They were set up in a large crate with exposure to other cats and people to get them acclimated for when they would come into the shelter."

The Squash boys arrived in February and were checked by the shelter's in-house veterinarian. They were found to be "very healthy but still a bit shy," Larkin said.

"We decided at that time to give them a little bit more hands on experience with one of our fosters to see their reactions," she said. "They have since entered the shelter, but they are taking their time to check out their surroundings."

Both Acorn and Butternut look exactly like their mother: golden brown tigers with eyes the color
of lemons, Larkin said. They are long and sleek with markings that "look like someone used a
paintbrush...very symmetrical," she added. Their eyes are very inquisitive and when they are relaxed, you can see their faces soften.

"We don’t have too much info about them, but they can make their own story once they are adopted and start making memories with their forever family,'" Larkin said.

Tiger cats, classically known as tabby cats, are "quite popular" in the feline world, she said. It is not a
singular breed but rather a color pattern variation, and there are a total of four recognized patterns
which are classic, mackerel, spotted and ticked. The Squash boys fall into the classic category, according to Larkin.

"They can be described as sweet and curious, and we are hoping to see that side of them after they
relax a little bit more," she said. "Tigers are not usually shy once they get to know you, so the humans can expect sniffs, bunts and meows as a formal greeting. Tiger cats also have a natural knack for
hunting, so you need to keep them inside so they don’t try to surprise you with a mouse or bird. But, if you give them enough activity and plenty of toys to play with, you should be fine, unless you have a wayward mouse or bird in your house!"

Acorn and Butternut are currently with other cats just a bit older than they are, but that is not causing any issues, Larkin said.

"They were with other cats and kittens — not sure how many — where they came from. Only this time, they do not have to find a place to sleep or hide or hope that another meal is coming. They are still shy and will hide under one of the beds in the room, but they will be watching you as you move about."

During breakfast on Monday, they cleaned their "special plates" of food first and then joined the others at the community food plate, Larkin said.

"They are not brave enough yet to play with any of the toys, because of course there were none
in the community garden, but give them some time they will," Larkin said. "Right now they prefer to just sit and watch and take it all in. But, once the socializers start spending time with them, we will
definitely see them blossom, just like the spring flowers we see outside right now. As with all of
our 'siblings' that come in together, we would like to see them adopted the same way, unless
there is another cat in the household. They will love having a friend to hang out with."

Both Acorn and Butternut have tested negative for FELV and FIV, negative for parasites, had their ears, eyes and heart checked, had all of their vaccines, have been neutered, and both are litter box trained.

If you are interested in meeting Acorn and Butternut, 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.

"These teenagers need a chance with a family that will allow them to grow and be the center of
attention," Larkin said. "They need to be able to let their gentle and affectionate nature shine and to not have to worry about surviving outside. Won’t you be that family that will do that in this season
of new beginnings and fresh starts?"