'Very Loving' Peekaboo: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Peekaboo, a 4-month-old black kitten, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week. He is the brother of Peppermint Patty, who was last week's featured pet.

Peekaboo was also found in May wandering around a Farmingdale backyard with two siblings. He was trapped and placed in a temporary foster home until the rescue was contacted, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

"We determined that he needed some extra TLC so we relocated him into a very quiet home so he could be evaluated and socialized," Larkin said.

Peekaboo has expressive yellow eyes that look like marbles, according to Larkin. He purrs occasionally, but if you give him time, he will relax and start his motor.

"He is very gentle and sweet and wants to be your baby boy," Larkin said. "He has a low-key, demure personality. Once Peekaboo is comfortable with you, and this will take some time, he
enjoys being held in your arms, curling up on your lap and snuggling next to you in bed at night or even when taking a nap. He has a favorite cat teaser toy that will get him interacting with you and he also loves the cat wand with some type of feather on the end."

Peekaboo has tested negative for FELV and FIV and parasites, and his ears, eyes and heart have been checked, he has received all of his vaccines, is litter box trained and is neutered, Larkin said.

"Peekaboo will be a wonderful kitty for a quiet family, preferably with older children, that understands that his temperament is shy and he will most likely be very timid at first," she said. "He must start off in a small enclosed room so he doesn’t get overwhelmed. He needs his carrier
available with his towel inside so he can retreat if he feels scared but he can also observe his surroundings. He will relax and grow to trust you if you don’t reach for him, let him come to you. Sit with him while he eats and talk to him quietly. And definitely play with him and his favorite toys."

If you are interested in meeting Peekaboo, 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.

"Peekaboo is very loving once he feels comfortable with you, so you have to be patient," Larkin said. "He prefers to be with his human — he does not like to be alone and he loves other cats. He also shows his affection by 'washing' his human. When he is feeling especially lovey-dovey he will gently nibble on your fingertips... That is his 'love language,' so do not reprimand him. Because he has such a mellow personality, and it takes a special human who feels the same way, he would be a wonderful companion for an older pet or he could possibly be paired with a rambunctious kitten who would get him to relax and feel safe and come out of his shell. Won’t you be that 'special person' who will give this striking mini black panther his forever home?"