Birdie Domestic Short Hair Palmyra, VA

DSH- Sleek black and white coat. White legs, chest and belly area. Black saddle, tail and cap.
ADULT MALE; Est DOB: April 2016
ARRIVAL: November 9, 2018
HISTORY: Birdie found himself in need of a new home when he was no longer getting along with the other cats in his home. When added him to our Sanctuary when space became available.

Did the name Birdie come first or did the cat tree? Ahh, that is the big question for which no one really seems to have an answer. Our good friend Birdie is almost perpetually hanging out in the top of the cat tree to the left of the door as you exit to his patio area. A Bird in a tree, right? To the left of him, you are likely to find his sweet, quiet confidant Willow, the tabby cat. Birdie will happily give you head butts and then gracefully hop on down to sashay figure 8’s in between and around your legs. He enjoys laps, being held and loved on BUT the key is that he needs to know you! Staff and longer term volunteers gush about how fabulously loving and affectionate Birdie is. He has quite the fan club of admirers! He really does love his people, but he needs a bit of time to get to know you. Birdie has done well with the other cats in his room but does not seek them out per se and can act as a bit of loner around most of them. He quietly goes about his daily business and slowly builds his fan base hoping soon to find that one person who wishes to be his new, full time friend.

Winter Update 2025: My good human friend, Volunteer Scott continues to give me praise. He says I've been a good boy...aka...I'm not being as much of a bully to the others in my room as I have been in the past. Maybe..he thinks..I'm being good about taking my meds? And perhaps I am! I can still be a little hissy when I run to sit with Scott on the wooden steps and others in the room want time with him as well. I'll tell you though, senior statesman kitty Cole, is one kitty I won't disrespect and try to push around. We have a gentleman's agreement of sorts so the 2 of us can be flanked on either side of Scott as he gives us an equal amount of pets and TLC. He's very good in that way. I'm put up in my condo for overnights and eagerly await to be released in the morning. My health is intact and Scott sees no reason why our time together this winter should not continue as is...unless of course..someone comes to adopt me!! Til that happens, I'm happy where I am and want for nothing. BIRDIE

Update Fall 2024: I’ve made my eternally good volunteer friend Scott proud of me. I've been conducting myself in a much more appealing and pleasing manner and I know it warms his heart. As you know, I am not a huge fan of other cats. They annoy me and bother me and if they get too close, well I let them know I don't like 'em. To that end however, Scott has seen me tolerating kitty Tully. Tully is one of the younger kitties in my room and for whatever the reason, I'm not finding the desire to swat at him! More newbies have been added to my room, so let's see how that goes!! LOL. I still enjoy my petting sessions with Scott and while I won't sit in his lap, being near him and accepting his gentle caresses brings me plenty of joy. I'm still up in my condo at night time so I'm sure to dine on my special food but also as a safeguard so I don't bully anyone under the cloak of darkness. I'm thankful for your support. Each day is another chance to bring a smile to volunteer Scott's face so that makes me smile. BIRDIE

Update Winter 2024: For the most part, "bully" Birdie has been a good roommate to the others in his room. With a reputation to swat and be less than nice to those around him, more recently he's not had just a huge amount of timeouts in his condo. We might add that consistently he is a friend and actually amicable towards Cole, a senior kitty in his room. Way to go big guy!! Birdie is on a regular call cycle with one of our cat volunteers and he literally cries out when his friend Scott enters the room. How rewarding for both Birdie and Scott! Birdie enjoys all over body rubs from Scott and no matter how hard Scott might try, Birdie will give a polite "No thanks" when encouraged to join in a group game of laser dot. Despite his at times ill behavior, still Birdie makes us smile and we're honored to have him under our care.