Andrew Domestic Short Hair Mix Minneapolis, MN

Are you up for a challenge with an incredible reward? A reward that will warm your heart daily and remind you of the beauty of second chances? If so, take a minute and read about Andrew.

Andrew is a part of a program called The Community Cat Initiative.

What is a Community Cat?
Un-owned cats that live outdoors in the community. They may be feral or friendly, may have been born into the wild, or be lost or abandoned pets.

Cats in this program were brought in terrified, aggressive (rooted in fear), or shut down, and simply had no reason to trust humans. After Patience, Understanding, a routine, and a consistent supply of resources, these amazing and resilient animals begin to trust and love.

What does PURR mean?

P - Patience. This will take time. We ask for a MINIMUM of 3 months. It could very well be sooner than this, but our mission is to set up both the cat and their new human for success. We know this works, as every cat up for adoption from this program has gone from unable to handle, hiding, and terrified to cuddled in their caretaker's arms, engaging in play, and asking for pets - THIS is the incredible reward we speak of!

U - Understanding. These cats each have their own story. Often it is one of abuse or neglect, but it could also be a story of once knowing love and companionship and then losing it. Or, it could be one of never knowing it at all. Whatever the story, we must understand they come with their fears, quirks, and a need for time/space to adjust.

R - Routine. Often these cats have never had a routine or rituals of any kind. Simply being present makes all the difference in the world. Sitting on the floor offering toys, offering treats, speaking to them in a familiar voice - even though it may take some time for them to engage - is the foundation of starting your amazing relationship.

R - Resources. One of the best ways to bond with an animal and to build trust is to offer a consistent flow of resources. The bonding and trust-building process starts with the first fill of the food bowl. Have food, water, and litter boxes where the cat can see and hear you - talking while you are scooping boxes or filling a dish. When your cat realizes that YOU are the source of the things he/she needs and loves, the bonding happens quickly.

Keeping P.U.R.R. in mind while your new family member adjusts will help ensure that the bond is strong and the trust is unwavering and the payoff is priceless.

Andrew came to me in January of 2021. He was pulled from animal control after being deemed "feral" and "aggressive". He was scheduled to be euthanized within 48 hours if not tagged for rescue.

When I met Andrew, I met one of the most scared and reactive cats I had ever met. He was in the back of his steel kennel, growling, hissing, and swatting. When I went to open the kennel door, in an attempt to move him into a carrier, he jumped over it and climbed the wall of the room. It took 2 hours to get him into a carrier. After being so tired of fighting, I was able to take advantage of his exhausted state and he surrendered to me. I knew right away this cat would never be in a kennel again. I got him back to my home and he was cage-free from then on. Within 72 hours he was a different cat. Within 3 weeks he was investigating me and initiating interactions. Within 6 weeks, we were on my lap. When I look back at videos I simply can't believe this was the same cat! He needed P.U.R.R. to be in full effect, and the payoff was amazing.

Andrew is neutered and has UTD on Rabies and Distemper. he has tested Negative for FIV/FeLV.

Andrew does great with other cats - probably prefers it. Dogs are ok, as long as they too give him the space and respect that he needs.

There is no guarantee of age and breed as a rescue animal's history is unknown. All ages and breeds are best estimate.

Adoption fees include a mandatory sales tax of 7.525%.

All cats have received comprehensive veterinary care and tested negative for feline leukemia and FIV unless otherwise stated. Cats are up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations and have been spayed/neutered, treated for fleas and/or ear mites, de-wormed, and microchipped. Please note there may be additional follow up visits and boosters that are not covered by Pet Haven after adoption.

Interested in adopting or learning more about this cat? Please fill out Pet Haven's adoption application: http://bit.ly/2fd9U2F

www.PetHavenMN.org/adopt