We introduce you to a sweet senior lady who is doing amazing in a foster home and we just had to share! Arabella (about 14 years old) arrived to HSMC about 2 weeks ago after being found by a Good Samaritan and taken to a local vet hospital. She had an eye injury that they treated and then she was taken in by the county shelter. After finding out that she had the potential to be put back out as a TNR cat we decided to take her into our shelter program. We immediately recognized that she does NOT like other cats and the shelter environment was going to be a bit stressful for her to adjust to at her age. A foster came forward that was able to provide her with space and decompression time and 1 week into the foster with Miss Arabella here is what she had to report:
"Day 1: Our girl did great in the car, seemed completely unconcerned with the drive and seemed to like the windows open -- which really surprised me! (i find that usually cats are disturbed by the wind and noise, but she wasnt bothered at all and gently sniffed at the air from inside the carrier). When we got home i let her explore. She was upright and interested, and i am sure she can smell my cat even though its been ten months. Almost no hissing at all, she has eaten some and seems to be enjoying exploring the house and trotting between rooms.

Day 3: She is an unexpected lap cat! She likes to jump up and lay on my chest and be held while she falls asleep. I've also been able to pick her up since the first day! It's not really her favorite to be held while in the air, but she stays longer and longer every time. She also likes to nap on the corner of my bed, but if she hears me move around the house, or if I happen to make eye contact with her, she jumps up and runs to see me every time. She is super social, and really wants to be around, but it's also curious and likes wandering around to check everything out.
she likes to sleep at the foot of the bed during the night, but as soon as she senses that I'm awake, she runs up and stands on my chest and starts making biscuits. She's a super big lover, and has showed almost no signs of anxiety. there were a couple of little hisses when she smelled things that my cat had been near, but otherwise, no problem at all.
She's been really friendly with the two people that have been at my house since I got her, and she's still a little wary of people, unless they squat down to her level, and then she is sold. She also likes to follow me around the house, including into the bathroom. She has the tiniest little mews, and shes incredibly quiet, but she really likes to be around and see what I'm doing. A very charming and sweet little companion.

Day 6: Arabella continues to be a snuggle lovebug. food is her favorite thing, and she dances around in the kitchen in hopes i will give her more (no matter how much she has had)... but laying on my lap or my chest is her second favorite."

We can't thank our amazing fosters for the time and love they dedicate to animals that aren't even their own! If Arabella sounds like a good fit for your quiet home with no other animals please email sheltermanager@humanesocietymanatee.org

Meet Dumplin! After arriving through our TNR program in December of 2022, Dumplin was put under medical watch for possible ringworm. After the designated quarantine period she was officially ringworm negative but sadly was presenting with a Upper Respiratory Infection. A wonderful foster stepped forward and kindly took Miss Dumplin into her home to let her heal and receive some much needed TLC. Here is what her foster reported: "Dumplin was a very welcome visitor at our home for 3 1/2 weeks. She is frisky and friendly, very curious and energetic. She loves racing from one end of our home to the other end and leaping atop our high cat tower which seems to be her favorite place. She was a bit shy and hesitant the first week but quickly adapted to new surroundings. Dumplin has an engaging personality and makes friends easily. She enjoys all types of balls, small stuffed toys and especially the tiered turntable with revolving balls! Early on, Dumplin frequently became ensnared in curtains and soft fabric, but she's since learned how to retract her claws. On the plus side, she's very quiet -- just a squeaky little meow now and then and sleeps soundly at night. She loves to be stroked and has short but silky multi-colored fur. Shedding is minimal and she never scratched our furniture. With her lively antics she is sure to entertain and charm the residents of her fur-ever home!" Come and meet Dumplin today!

Meet Wu! She arrived through our TNR program with her siblings. All of her sibilings have been adopted and she is still awaiting her forever home. Wu spent some time in a foster home over the holiday for a break from the shelter but also to become more comfortable with people and handling. Her foster reported the following: "She does not like to be picked up and held. She loves to be pet and play and likes to sit right next to you and will sleep with you, but does not like to be held. She comes up to us to be pet when we wiggle our fingers. When she sleeps she does still like to be hidden under the bed or between the pillows on the bed. She is still startled by noises like someone knocking or kids playing outside, and will run and hide. If she doesn't think you will pick her up she will chill on the bed or couch with you let you pet her." If you are looking for an independent yet playful cat, Wu is your gal! Come and meet her today!