'Timid' Norbert: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Norbert, a 1-and-a-half-year-old grey boy, is the Huntington Pet of the Week. He almost looks like a Russian blue, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

Norbert is patiently and quietly waiting for his forever home, Larkin said. He always seems to be overlooked.

"Unfortunately, we don’t have much background info for him, but what we do know is that he showed up in someone’s backyard with an injured front paw," Larkin said.

Norbert was being fed by a good Samaritan who reached out to get him checked out by a veterinarian and off the streets, where he "clearly did not belong," Larkin said.

"The injured paw turned out to not be an issue...he could have twisted it running away from another animal or hurt himself when trying to find a warm, safe place to sleep," Larkin said. "If only they could talk and tell us their story but we know that would be heartbreaking to hear for many people."

When Norbert arrived at the shelter back in December 2023, the shelter placed him in one of the free roaming rooms with about eight other cats and kittens, Larkin said. Norbert was very shy at first, hiding in the cubbies, but he was always interested in what was happening in the room, she said.

"He was not brave enough to come out to the food and water bowls so we made sure he had his own 'special plate' of food," Larkin said. "Now, he eats with the others at the food plate and likes
to be next to [fellow felines] Grace or Hope. The last thing you want when bringing in new cats is for them to stop eating because they are too nervous."

The shelter also checked for "bathroom issues" outside of the litter boxes and observed none, according to Larkin. That means Norbert comes out at night when the shelter is quiet, she said.

"Little by little, with lots of encouragement from the socializers, visitors and the shelter volunteers, he would come out of the condo and allow brief moments of petting," she said. "Along with those quiet moments, he also started purring so we could tell he was relaxing. Now he is one of the first to approach you when you enter the room, but usually steps back until you put the food plate down. Treats such as Temptations or Churus are his favorite and will help him relax so you can be friends."

Currently, Norbert has found some "good friends" that he is hanging out with. He either plays with the laser toy, wand and feather toys, or the toy mice, and he has been seen cuddling in the condos with either Grace or Hope. He is such a big boy he takes up most of the room, Larkin said.

He also loves to watch "birdie TV" when any of the socializers bring in their phone or tablet.

"And you have to move fast or pretend you are taking someone else’s picture because he really is camera shy," Larkin said. "You will need to take about 25 pictures before you will get a good one of him."

Norbert has beautiful yellow eyes that sometimes show how timid he can be and has the "softest grey fur you can imagine," she said.

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

If you are interested in meeting Norbert, 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.

"Norbert would fare well with another cat/kitten in the home because he loves all of the cats in his current room," Larkin said. "He would be able to learn that he doesn’t need to be afraid because he is safe now. Grey cats have a very calm and serene personality but they can also be playful and curious. They are kind, elegant (he looks like royalty) gentle and stoic and will quietly look at you from afar. He needs a sibling who could show him the ropes and a loving, patient family. Won’t you be the one to help him along this journey?"