Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Black cats. FIV+ cats. Senior cats. Special needs cats. These are just some of the factors that can make a cat seem “less adoptable.” To promote these special cats (and dogs, too), Petfinder has designated September 17 – 25 as “Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week.” I actually don’t like the term “less adoptable” at all, which is why I put it in quotes – I prefer to think of these cats as extra special.
And in order to celebrate these special cats in all their beautiful variety, I would like to introduce you to some of the cats that fall into one or more of these categories. They’re all looking for their forever home. I hope you’ll share this post widely – let’s get some special cats adopted this week!
Snuggle Bunny is approximately 4 years old, and appropriately named. As far as she is concerned, laps were made for one thing only, and that’s for her to sit on. Snuggle Bunny is a super-affectionate, charming little lady who adores attention. She is FIV positive, so she would be perfect in a single cat home or a home with another FIV cat like her best friend, Lyndee (hint, hint). Sunggle Bunny is fostered through Forever Feline Ranch in Springfield, IL.
At 8 years old, Daisy is considered a senior kitty. She is a very sweet girl who gets along great with other cats and small dogs. She likes to lay on the sofa and be your couch potato companion, but is also playful and acts much younger than her age. Daisy is being fostered through Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation in Northern Virginia.
Hadley is a 5 year young Russian blue neutered male with a wonderful disposition. He is a trusting, loving and cuddly lap cat who loves to have his tummy rubbed. He is playful, and loves his kitty toys – especially those he can run and chase after. His foster mom says that he climbs up on her desk when she is using her laptop, sits near the mouse pad and cuddles her head! Hadley is diabetic, so he will need a home with someone who is comfortable giving him insulin injections. He was given up by his previous family because an elderly family member was requiring so much time that they could no longer care for Hadley. Hadley is being fostered through Diabetic Cats in Need, a group which helps diabetic cats and their people by supporting diabetic cats in their original and adoptive homes, rehoming unwanted diabetic cats, and helping to educate caregivers on the appropriate treatment of diabetic cats.
Luray came to Casey’s House in Northern Virginia, with his three siblings who have all been adopted. He had a deformed chest but has had surgery to correct the deformity and is doing very well. The vet expects him to make a full recovery without any further complications. He is a little over a year old, and should live a long and happy life in his forever home. He is very sweet, loves to be picked up and cuddled and enjoys playing with his cat toys.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
I hope all these darling babies find a home. As you know little Miss. P. is asmathic. While we have had to make adjustments-not going on vacation until we found the right sitter-I am happy that we adopted her and can afford her medication. I could not imagine if she went to a home that did not have the financial means or did not want to take care of her. It may sound funny, when she gets her inhaler I cradle her like a baby-it is mama and baby time for us and this is the one time she is the calmest staying in my arms getting rubbed-otherwise forget it.
Ingrid, I couldn’t agree more, adopting a special needs kitty is a treat because these cats love you more than ever for “saving” them from their unfortunate circumstances. We have a cat who was born with only one eye and he is a character. He’s completely normal in every other sense and is very independent. My other boy kitty caught Cryptococcus and almost died, it left him blind in one eye and with a weakened immune system, but he is such a love bug, no one would know now that he’s been so ill. My third kitty was adopted out and returned twice before we were lucky enough to adopt her, she is a very shy kitty, so her previous owners kept returning her because she wouldn’t come out to play. She’s now my “little shadow” following me from room to room in the house as I work and write.
We’re getting ready to adopt a new dog, after having lost our Stabyhoun to the reaper, she was 15 years old and got along well with our cats, but Time caught up to her almost a year ago. Now we have mourned her for a year, and will never forget her sweet loving personality, but it’s time to open up our hearts once more and adopt a fun loving dog into our mixed home!
Bright Blessings,
Diane T. and furfamily
How wonderful that you have all these special babies to share your life with, Diane. The dog who will join your family soon will be a lucky dog indeed.
Ingrid, love this – we prefer “extra special” also.
“Extra special” is even better, Carole!
I encourage anyone who is thinking about adopting a pet to consider an “unadoptable” or special needs pet. We found our Sadie on Petfinder. He has no eyes and has never had sight. But you would never know it to see him catch bugs, and play chase with our 5 “normal” kitties! He has brought us such happiness and fits right in as a member of our family. We make no special concessions to him because of his blindness other than not to forget to leave a laundry basket in the middle of the floor. Rearranging the furniture doesn’t even slow him down!
Sadie sounds amazing, Becky – what a guy!
That’s a very good innitiative.
I would take all of them.
Gosh! I would if I could.
Wish them the best and happiest lives.
I think all of us would take all of them if we could, Maru!