A Vocal 3-Month-Old Kitten, Is Ready For Her Forever Home: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

EAST NORTHPORT, NY — Nutmeg is a striking tabico kitten just three months old, but her short life has already been full of chapters, according to Debbi Larkin, president of the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter.

She arrived at the shelter in November alongside her entire small family — her mother, her aunt, three cousins, and three siblings. Born outdoors, Nutmeg faced the uncertainty that comes with life on the street at a very young age. But kindness reached her early.

A Good Samaritan noticed the family and brought them inside, giving the kittens warmth, safety and stability during their most vulnerable weeks, Larkin said.

From there, Nutmeg was placed into foster care, where her personality began to shine. She grew up surrounded by love, other cats, and even dogs, learning that the world could be “friendly and fun,” Larkin said. By the time she was ready to come to the shelter for adoption, Nutmeg had become confident, curious, and highly social.

Because the kittens arrived during the holiday season, they were given festive names — Nutmeg, Poppy, Pepper, and Clove.

Larkin said Nutmeg “wore her name perfectly: warm, a little spicy, and impossible to forget.”

Nutmeg is known for being both very social and very vocal.

“She always has something to say,” Larkin said, whether she is announcing her arrival, calling out to her friends, or reminding everyone that she exists — and deserves attention.

Her playful energy is impossible to miss. Watching Nutmeg for even a moment reveals her racing across the room, leaping over litter boxes, darting in and out of cubbies and scaling the cat condo as if it were “her own personal playground.”

“Any toy that enters the room becomes her toy,” Larkin said.

Nutmeg takes her role as the official “taste tester” very seriously. She plays hard until she completely wears herself out, then stretches out in a sunny spot to nap.

Once she finds that sun-soaked perch, Nutmeg makes her boundaries clear.

“This is Nutmeg’s spot, and no one else is invited.” Larkin said.

One by one, Nutmeg’s siblings were adopted. Now, she is the only kitten from her litter still waiting.

“That part is hard for us to see,” Larkin said. “She has a wonderful personality and gorgeous markings, yet somehow she keeps getting overlooked.”

Nutmeg is healthy and fully vetted. She has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, tested negative for parasites, is fully vaccinated, litter box trained, spayed, and microchipped.

She gets along well with the other cats in the room, though she has one clear boundary. If another cat approaches the food plate she is eating from, Nutmeg will issue “a loud, firm meow” to let them know she is dining and they can wait their turn.

Nutmeg would do best in a home with another kitten her size or a slightly older cat who can be her playmate and companion. While the shelter often encourages kittens to be adopted in pairs, Larkin said that option is no longer possible for Nutmeg, as she is the last of her litter.

“What is possible is Nutmeg finding a home," Larkin said. “She needs one — and she needs one now.”

The shelter encourages residents to consider visiting during the holiday season, which stretches into January. “What better way to celebrate giving than by coming in to meet her?” Larkin said.

Nutmeg is available for adoption at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter, located at 3 Verleye Avenue in East Northport. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 12–4 p.m., with Thursday evening hours from 7–9 p.m. by appointment.

Those interested in meeting Nutmeg can call 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, visit the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by during visiting hours.

Nutmeg is ready to give “plenty of love, laughter and loud happy conversations” to the person who chooses her.

“All she’s waiting for is you," Larkin said.