Orpheus Domestic Short Hair Grand Rapids, MI

Our enigmatic ebony boy was found wandering around a Wyoming neighborhood with a very snug flea collar on; word on the street says that his 'owners' (and I use that term loosely) abandoned him when they moved out, after having had him since kittenhood. His rescuer couldn't bring him indoors, but she did set up a temporary shelter for him and offered food, water, and human companionship, which he was lacking - and missing. Thankfully he had been neutered, but his pads on his paws were pretty thickened and weathered, so even though he had only been noticed a few weeks prior, I suspect he was primarily an outdoor cat. He was out of his element upon arrival at Feline Wellness Center, but quickly found comfort by hunkering down in the blankets provided, and although quite a shy guy while he was there with me, he relished gentle pets and cheek rubs.

When I asked by shelter director to summarize 3 year old Orpheus for me, she commented " He’s a complete nut:) On one hand he can be total scaredy cat, preferring to hide out and observe from a distance, but then on the other, he’s dropping in from out of nowhere, rubbing all over you like he hasn't seen you in ages. He is quite a kitty contradiction:) He paired up nicely with former Crash Cat Willie Jack, as she brought out the silly side of him, and because of this interaction we feel he would do best with an over-confident, self-assured cat to chum around with."

Maybe it is his name, as it means 'darkness of night' that has led to him to spend quiet time in the shadows, but when this black beauty is out and about, it is delightful to see him shine! And although he has only been at Crash's since January 8th of 2024, he sure has made an impression on all of us!