Adopt Petunia: A cat whose only birthday wish is a loving home
Petunia, a 4-year-old female domestic shorthair, was found three years ago casually strolling around the Belleville Area Humane Society’s “catio,” their outside patio exclusive to cats. With her pink nose and striking emerald eyes, she warmly accepted the shelter and the chance to find her forever home.
“We don’t know how she got there or why,” shelter volunteer Allison Sobczak. “I like to think of it as her choosing us instead of us choosing her.”
Estimated by her teeth and other signs of growth, they feel Petunia’s age is fairly accurate. Being a stray, the shelter made her intake day, April 19th, her birthday.
They are hoping that her early birthday present is a chance at her forever home.
“A lot of cats don’t usually end up staying here that long,” Sobczak said. “It’s a matter of her sticking around a little bit longer than others but that’s okay. They always find their way home.”
Being one of the longest tenured cats at the shelter, Petunia is very warm with people. Her relaxed manner is complemented by a love for back scratches. She will actively jump between her favorite mouse toy and a warm lap, whichever is more adventurous.
“She likes to explore, she likes attention,” Sobczak said. “She likes to do her own thing but loves interacting with people.”
Because of her kind nature and exposure to so many people, the shelter thinks she would thrive in any home. She is comfortable with dogs but might prefer to be the only cat. The shelter provides time for Petunia to meet animals of potential adopters. They only stress that she, like most cats, are given time to adjust to their new environment.
“She could probably adjust fairly well to any home so as long as anyone wants to spend time with her,” Sobczak said. “Whether she would be best in an active home or a retired home could go either way.”
As much as the shelter loves seeing Petunia, they are hoping that finding a loving home is at the top of her birthday list.
“It would be pretty awesome if she could get out of here before then and find her forever home,” Sobczak said.
Petunia is available for adoption at the Belleville Area Humane Society, 1301 S. 11th St in Belleville. For more information visit their website or call the shelter at 618-235-3712.
Pet of the Week
Last week’s pet, Cricket, is still available for adoption at the Highland Animal Shelter.
Sadie, is also still available for adoption at the Belleville Area Humane Society.
Jazzica, Sunshine, Samson and Henry have all been happily adopted to warm and loving homes.
Pet of the Week is a weekly feature highlighting metro-east animals with a story to tell. It includes pets at every stage of their journey — from shelter to forever home. If you would like to nominate a pet, contact Patrick McCarthy at pmccarthy@bnd.com or at 618-239-2513.
This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Adopt Petunia: A cat whose only birthday wish is a loving home."