FOREST Domestic Short Hair Mix Tillsonburg, ON

FOREST
D.O.B. November 20, 2021

- Male
- Grey & White Tabby
- Domestic Short Hair
- Neutered
- Microchipped
- Dewormed
- Fully vaccinated for Rabies, FVRCP, & FeLV with booster shots

Forest was dumped in the parking lot at a local plaza in town. He made his home hiding amongst the brush in a small forest beside the plaza. He was scared to approach humans and ran away if we got too close. He was tired, dirty, & very hungry. He was so hungry that he almost walked into a trap we set for him within minutes, but our plans were foiled when a nice couple came by at the exact same time to feed him as they had been doing for four whole months. We were very grateful to them for taking care of him, and they were happy to help us by giving us his favorite food for the trap we set. We stayed up all night long checking the trap every few hours, and finally, after the third check in and after dawn - success! (Video posted)

We immediately phoned our vet and made an appointment. Forest spent the night all set up with the essentials, and the following day we made a trip for neutering, microchipping, and vaccines. He did really well and was so quiet for the drive there and back.

Then began the hard work process of establishing trust... Every day, Forest was gently greeted with a soft voice and a gentle hand. We started with head scratches, and he really liked those. Each day we would try a little more petting contact down his back. He was skeptical at first and would quickly turn to see what was happening, but with gentle praise, reassurance, and treats, we were able to pet from head to tip of his tail successfully and he kept spinning around for more!

We love to hear him bouncing around playfully with toys when he knows he's alone, but Forest has displayed his curiousity in exploring the rescue, and surprising to us - he doesn't hide the way he did in seclusion. He's right out there, happily playing with toys without a care in the world. We are still lightfooted in order not to spook him, but we have to say that we are delighted with just how quickly he has acclimated... AND, he likes other cats! He just sits and watches them, and occasionally follows them wanting to catch their scents. It's obvious that he really wants to play but hasn't quite made another friend just yet. We are certainly up to the task, and will see what we can do about that!

Forest is still very much a kitten inside. His age is listed at 2 years old as an estimate by our vet, but we feel that he is much younger than that. He loves both carpeted and corrugated cardboard scratching posts, and anything involving catnip. He also loves playing with kicker toys, balls, and fuzzy mice. He is a clean boy, and will bathe himself thoroughly on your bed before he sprawls out comfortably beside you. (We were elated when he jumped up and did this on multiple occasions without coaxing!)

Forest is definitely ready for his loving forever home, especially one that has a true love for cats and the patience for a kitty that has been left to fend for himself for months. We wouldn't suggest that he be placed in a home with children as they wouldn't understand that he is not yet ready to be picked up and cuddled, and to be honest we don't know if he will ever be. He does come to us for affection though, loving chin rubs and to be pet, but he playfully scurries away afterwards.

If you’re interested in adopting this handsome boy, please contact us for an application.