Tommi: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Tommi, a 2-and-a-half-year-old female tabby, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Tommi is still waiting for her future family to come and take her home, and it has been "two very long years for her," said the shelter's president, Debbi Larkin.

Tommi was brought into the shelter in April 2023 with her two sisters from a "very unfortunate situation," according to Larkin. She was enclosed in a very tight space with more than 15 cats, which was "just too much for her."

"It took weeks for Tommi to feel safe," Larkin said. "Every time someone would go into the room she would hide. She does not do that now, but she is very selective about who she will bond with. She sits and watches and analyzes all who enter the room waiting to see if there is a 'connection,' and if there is one, you will be summoned to reach over and pet her until she has decided she has had enough."

She loves treats, but it is not always a guarantee that she will approach someone who has them.

Tommi has white paws and a white belly, along with "beautiful gold eyes that sparkle when you stare into them," Larkin said. She loves to sit in one of the cubbies with any of the other cats in the room. She is the first to greet someone at the door, especially if she sees the food plate or the treat jar coming. She will sound the alarm to the others when she sees the food plate. She is the official taste tester for the room, and will sample from each corner of the plate.

Tommi loves to climb to the highest spot on the condo where she is constantly on bird and squirrel patrol, Larkin said.

"It is a good thing she is an indoor cat, because she would give the wildlife outside a good chase," Larkin said.

She is also very quick when playing with the balls and other assorted toys in the room, according to Larkin. One of Tommi's favorite toys is one of the springs, which she parades around the room as if she just completed a successful hunt.

"Tommi is very good with the other cats in the room so she would do well with another cat in a quiet house…preferably one her age or a bit older," Larkin said. "Young kittens are much too active for her. I guess she forgets she was a kitten at one time! Tommi needs a little extra TLC and patience to coax her out of her shell."

Tommi has been totally vetted, up to date on her vaccines, tested negative for FELV and FIV, checked for parasites, litter box trained and spayed.

If you are interested in meeting Tommi, 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.

"Tommi has spent the last two years watching and waiting as the other kittens and cats her age get to go home and all she wants is that same chance. She can sometimes be found sitting in the room with her eyes squeezed shut, almost as if she is taking a line from 'The Wizard of Oz.' 'Close your eyes and click your heels three times, (in her case, her paws) and repeat there is no place like home.' Won’t you be the one to give her that chance?"