BERNIE! Bengal & Domestic Short Hair Mix Philadelphia, PA

MEET BERNIE!

This handsome dude is named Bernie (or Bernard)! Bernie originally found his way to rescue after being abandoned at Philly's animal control shelter. He was adopted but recently returned due to housing troubles.

Upon joining entering the shelter in 2021, Bernie was diagnosed with untreated diabetes. He now receives twice daily insulin injections (with breakfast and dinner) to help regulate his blood sugar. Since coming to us as a sick little guy, he has filled out and he now has a healthy coat. He can now walk, run, and jump with ease. With his improved health, it is now evident that Bernie is not a senior and is probably a young/middle-aged cat! Bernie is a very handsome Bengal mix with a unique golden/brown coat, gorgeous light green eyes, with a lot of personality. In true Bengal form, he is very, very smart and loves to talk and to sing his songs. Bernie loves to do "treat puzzles" and to learn tricks... he currently knows "sit", "stay", "come", and "up" (he goes up on his hind legs). In addition to being very smart and photogenic, Bernie loves company. He loves to play, to talk to his people, and to hang out and get head scratches. Bernie is also very easy to get in and out of his crate for car travels and by all reports he is a good boy at the vet.

Bernie will need regular checkups going forward to continue managing his diabetes. Since Bernie was technically a stray while his diabetes was uncontrolled, he does have some behavioral issues around food and his forever home should be prepared to restrict his access to any food items, plants, and garbage as he will persistently try to access and eat anything that slightly resembles food. His doctors believe this behavior is due to suffering from diabetes long-term and always feeling hungry as a result. His forever home will also need to make sure he remains securely inside, as he will try to dash out the door so he can munch on whatever he finds outside (he loves grass). Bernie is currently in foster care with other cats. He doesn't love sharing his food (same) but otherwise seems comfortable sharing his space with them. He doesn't enjoy the company of dogs, however.

Bernie is available for adoption through City of Elderly Love. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He is also FIV/FeLV negative. Bernie came to the shelter declawed. Interested in adopting him? Visit www.cityofelderlylove.org to complete an online adoption questionnaire or email us at info@cityofelderlylove.org!