'Very Sociable' Oreo: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Oreo, male tuxedo cat who is nearly 10 years old, is the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter's Huntington Pet of the Week.

Oreo's mother recently died, and he was brought to the shelter, said Debbi Larkin, president of the rescue.

"Sometimes a cat is surrendered to us due to unforeseen circumstances, but when you receive
one that wants to do nothing but sit on your lap and be pet all day, you jump for joy, and that is
what we are doing with this very handsome tuxedo boy named Oreo," Larkin said.

Around nine years ago, Oreo was found in a car engine in Queens, and some precinct police officers were able to rescue him, Larkin said.

"Thankfully, he was not hurt in the process," Larkin said.

Oreo was given to two brothers who worked in that particular precinct, and they decided that their aunt needed a furry companion, according to Larkin. Oreo, then 6 months old, was brought to what was meant to be his forever home.

He had a younger companion, Leo, who arrived a few years later, who he spent his life with. Leo was able to be placed with another family member, but they already had a full house and Oreo was not part of the relocation, Larkin said.

"Very sad for Oreo who only knew his mom and his brother Leo, but we will do everything possible to make him feel at home while he is with us…and we hope that isn’t too long," Larkin said.

Oreo is a big, chunky boy — weighing in at 14 pounds — with typical tuxedo markings that make him look like he is wearing special evening clothes to attend a black-tie event. His white fur runs from his mouth down his chest and all the way to his back legs. He has "short socks" on his front
paws and "knee socks" on his back paws, Larkin said.

"His fur is so thick and luxurious and that is how you get roped into petting him and not wanting to stop!" she said. "His eyes are like marbles, except that right now they appear to be very sad and expressive, but we are confident that will change as soon as he 'finds his person' and goes into his final forever home."

When Oreo was placed in one of the shelter's free-roaming rooms this week, he was "very nonchalant," Larkin said.

He made the rounds checking out who his roommates were, or maybe looking to see if his brother was there, Larkin said. He then plopped himself down on the bottom of one of the condos and just relaxed in front of a group of five cats — shelter staff lovingly refer to them the lunch bunch —and surveyed the room.

"They were not exactly happy that he decided to sit there; after all they had no idea who he was, and proceeded to let him know he should move elsewhere until a proper introduction was made," Larkin said. "They were giving small hisses and growls to him but he wasn’t paying any attention to their objections. Finally everyone calmed down when they saw he wasn’t moving."

Tuxedo cats do not have a specific personality, Larkin said, but they are often described as friendly,
sociable, approachable, intelligent, talkative and even "dog-like" in their loyalty and affection.

"Oreo is very sociable and approachable, just walk into the room and his head pops up out of his bed and those eyes are what draw you toward him," Larkin said. "He then proceeds to roll over indicating you can start petting him ASAP…he doesn’t want you to wait, he wants the attention NOW! Once you
start, he starts purring and does not stop. He also loves having his head and chin scratched. Your arms will get tired, but Oreo will let you know when it is time to stop."

Oreo will play with you with his favorite toys, especially his big blue mouse, but what he really wants is undivided attention, according to Larkin.

"He is the perfect companion cat if that is what you are looking for. He is older so he has a routine, which does not include running around the house like a kitten would be doing and causing all sorts of chaos. He has polite manners and is perfectly happy lounging all day with you."

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

If you are interested in meeting Oreo, 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.

"This dapper boy deserves to be back in his own home again…it wasn’t his fault that there was
nobody to keep loving him and keep him safe like his previous mom," Larkin said. "Please come in to meet him, you will not be disappointed in his looks or his personality, and he will make himself
comfortable with you almost as if he has always been there. That is a match made in heaven!"