Romeo Domestic Short Hair Mount Clemens, MI

Romeo is a very special guy who slipped through the cracks. He is finally getting his second chance after he was abandoned and homeless for 9 years, living in someone's backyard.

It has been concluded that most likely he lived in the house and the occupants moved and left him behind. The current occupant has lived there about 9 years and Romeo has always been there in her backyard. In the past, he would leave the yard to fend for himself, but always returned as his home-base. He had some friends back then, he liked hanging out with other neighborhood cats. He was a fixed male that protected a couple of mothers with kittens. He would watch over and fend off the unfixed males. He was mistaken as the father and how he got his name, until it was confirmed that he was fixed all along. He was a brave protector of his outdoor friends, even when life had turned it's back on him. See, he was also mistaken as a feral because he didn't know the new occupants and was nervous to approach them. The mothers and kittens were all rescued and got homes, while Romeo was overlooked. He missed his buddies when he was left behind. Then he would look at the house like "why can't I come in?"

He began to acquaint himself with the home occupant who began feeding him regularly and interacting with him. He made the effort to show his potential as a loving boy who would greet her with excitement, thankful for any type of handout. They formed a bond, but Romeo remained outdoors in the yard due to a landlord rule. He had nothing back there, his only shelter was the bushes. It is truly unimaginable what that must have been like year after year through all of the weather with no hope of a comfortable life. Over the years the occupant spent time with him outdoors playing with a toy, talking to him, petting him, feeding him. He became her loyal friend and grateful for any attention, but still night after night alone in the yard.

We learned of this during the pandemic, took him into rescue. He seemed weary, but very sweet and loving. He purred and purred for as long as you pet him and then rub his face against your hand.

After the initial vetting and time to get familiar with his new foster and indoor environment... his foster mom still felt he wasn't up to par. Considering his age, est 10 yrs old and his life outside, she began veterinary care to make sure he was well. He had full bloodwork that came back healthy. He had pretty bad teeth and needed a dental with several extractions, so he got that and now has a diet of mainly wet food. It has been a slow heal for the ole guy, but his follow ups have been good. Sometimes his mouth seemed to still bother him, so he began a prescription for inflammation which may be longterm or possibly permanent. The prednisone is affordable at $19/month and easy, just crush a tablet into his wet food twice a day and he eats it with no problem. His foster mom has spared no expense to get him the best care possible and make sure he is healthy and ready for a home.

Here are some of her words about fostering him...
"He is a very sweet cat and will make a great pet for the right person. He's so appreciative of having a nice place to stay. He's so sweet that he often meows for me to pet him before he'll even eat his food.  He's still a little skittish during the day, comes out more in the evening, lays on the bed and wants me to pet him. He's come such a long way since he first showed up and he IS really cute!  Sometimes I call him my little Dracula because his two front teeth hang out of his mouth."

Typically these profiles try to sound uplifting, despite the sad backgrounds we encounter in rescue. In Romeo case, we are truly heartbroken by his story and there's really no other way to tell it. We are so grateful that we were able to rescue him and make sure he never spends another lonely night surviving the elements.

Romeo would do best as an only cat or with other cats who are friendly and gentle. He is a nice boy who knows how to make friends. Considering he's been through a lot we are looking for a smooth transition so it would have to be a cat that cohabitates well and would readily accept him. A quiet home where he can settle and thrive. He will make a loving, loyal companion for 1 or 2 people. No small children, no dogs.

He is all black with white whiskers and some white sprigs on his chest and belly. He moves around a lot for the camera and wanting to be pet, so we'll add better photos soon to come. Don't hesitate on this handsome, good boy. He is waiting for his special person to love forever.