November 24, 2009
ASPCA Happy Tails: Sweet ‘n’ Salty
Earlier this year, when Kim Moore of Manhattan was surfing the ASPCA website, she became intrigued by a fetching feline named Cora. The 2-year-old Tabby is a gorgeous, mellow lass who has one extra-distinguishing feature—the iris of her left eye is a slightly different size and shape than her right iris. Kim thought it made the young cat unique and compelling.
Soon after, Kim visited the ASPCA Adoption Center to meet Cora and some other cats looking for homes. “I remember walking by Cora's habitat and thinking, ‘Oh, that's the cat with the funny eye!’” laughs Kim. “She was very shy and just hid in her bed—unfortunately, she wasn't too keen on meeting me.”
But Cora’s reserve didn’t put off the determined potential pet parent. Says Kim: “I didn’t end up adopting a kitty that day, but came back two weeks later to try my luck again—Cora was still very shy but sweet. When I picked her up, she burrowed her head in the crook of my arm like a little bunny, and I decided to adopt her.”
Since that fateful day, Kim and Cora—now named Salty for her “salt-and-pepper” markings—have officially bonded. According to Kim, it took about a month for the introverted kitty—who was deemed a Private Investigator by our behaviorists—to fully emerge from her shell. “The first couple of weeks she camped out in the bathroom and was more than content to stay there with a few brief excursions to the kitchen for exploration,” Kim explains. “Now I can't believe what a spunky, sassy, energetic, playful kitty is inside of her! She is full of personality and is non-stop rolling around on the floor, stalking toys and chasing her tail. She even sleeps on my bed with me at night.”
She adds: “Some advice to potential adopters—don't overlook the Private Investigators! They might just need some time to warm up, but once they do, look out! Salty is so much fun and cracks me up every day.”
The beaming new pet parent is even considering returning to the ASPCA Adoption Center to find a friend for Salty. Here’s hoping she meets another fun-loving sweetheart to warm her days and brighten her nights.
“I'm so happy to have Salty in my life,” Kim says. “I love coming home to a warm, fuzzy kitty, full of chirps and purrs.”