'Very Shy' Sunkist: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Sunkist, an 8-month-old orange tabby, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Sunkist's eye color matches that of his fur, according to Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter. He is the newest resident at the Grateful Paw.

Sunkist arrived this past Saturday and has been trying to decompress at the shelter, according to Larkin. He has been moved around quite a few times in the past week and he is not sure of his surroundings just yet, she said.

"But I am sure that typical 'orange cat' personality will surface once he feels safe," Larkin said.

Sunkist was living in a colony out east. Larkin said she is not sure if he was dumped there or if he was born outside.

"A local family found him and brought him into their house, but unfortunately they have 10 other cats and this baby was the 'straw that broke the camel’s back.' It was just too much for the family, so they reached out for help. And that is where the shelter stepped in."

Sunkist right now is "very shy and unsure of himself," according to Larkin. He has been cuddling under one of the blankets in the cubbies or hiding in one of the beds just watching what is happening in the room. The other cats in the room are taking turns introducing themselves to him, no hissing or spitting or growling involved, just sniffing and watching.

"[On Monday] he made his way out from under the blanket and perched himself on the top of one of the condos with a bird’s eye view of the outside," Larkin said. "Probably wondering how he came to be where he is."

The volunteers have been trying to encourage him to eat more, because he has been very fussy even though the shelter is feeding him what he had before, according to Larkin.

"But, we recently learned that he had a sister who was rescued and went into a home and he may be missing her," Larkin said. "We will try some Michelin star meals to entice him!"

Sunkist has tested negative for FELV and FIV, negative for parasites, ears and heart checked,
received all of his vaccines, neutered, litter box trained and microchipped.

"Although Sunkist is not ready for adoption just yet, we would like to give him more time to settle in and see how he interacts with the other cats/kittens in the room and with other humans, you can still come to meet him," Larkin said.

If you are interested in meeting Sunkist, 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 that 'orange' cats have very unique personality traits (some good and some not so good), and we are sure that he will start exhibiting some of these traits very shortly," Larkin said. "Orange cats are known for their friendly, social and affectionate temperament. They are also described as mischievous and independent, which can manifest in playing, searching for food (they love people food) or exploring on their own. I wonder which one of these 'orange cat' attributes are going to be the first to make an appearance when he comes out of his shell! Is there anyone out there who has had lots of experience with 'orange or ginger' cats that would like to make a bet?"