Shahtoosh

Shahtoosh is a male, Turkish Angora/Turkish Van cat. His estimated date of birth is August 20, 2024. Shahtoosh is the kind of cat who makes you slow down, pay attention, and let him tell you who he is. He is absolutely glorious, with a long, flowing white coat and the beautiful look of a Turkish Angora/Turkish Van mix. But underneath all that beauty is a very sensitive boy who needs the right person to help him discover just how wonderful life can be.<br/><br/>Shahtoosh was adopted as a kitten and recently returned to ARF as an adult. His family loved him deeply and gave us a very honest picture of what he needs. They described him as a gentle giant with zero aggressive behaviors. He does not scratch, hiss, or bite. When he is frightened, he flees. Their busy household, young children, frequent visitors, and general commotion were simply too much for him, and he would become stressed and retreat for days. They noticed a remarkable difference when the house became quieter. During a week when the men and boys were away, Shahtoosh became active throughout the home, affectionate, and much more comfortable seeking attention. They truly believe his environment, rather than Shahtoosh himself, was the problem.<br/><br/>And his foster mom is seeing that same sweet boy here at ARF.<br/><br/>Shahtoosh is curious about his foster mom. When she walks into his room, he comes to see her and meows for attention. He loves having his face and head petted and will happily soak up affection when he feels comfortable. He is particular about his boundaries, though. His rump and tail are sensitive, and he will let you know when he has had enough. He has never been aggressive with his foster mom. He is simply a cat who needs someone willing to listen when he says, “Not there... try here instead.”<br/><br/>Shahtoosh can also coexist peacefully with other friendly cats with slow, thoughtful introductions. That said, he isn’t really looking for a feline best friend. He mostly wants to be near his person. He seems happiest simply sharing space with someone he trusts, rather than interacting with other cats. Because of that, he could do well as an only cat or with other calm, cat-friendly cats who won’t expect too much from him.<br/><br/>He is also a boy who will need some special attention when it comes to grooming. His previous family said he enjoyed being brushed, and with patience they were able to work through some mats. Because Shahtoosh is sensitive around his rump and tail, keeping the areas that tend to mat or become uncomfortable trimmed may actually be the best option for him. His foster mom recently gave him a sanitary-style shave, trimming his underbelly, the backs of his legs, the underside of his tail, and around his bottom—and the difference in his comfort was remarkable. He is noticeably happier with those areas kept short and free of mats.<br/><br/>His future person will need to be comfortable maintaining his beautiful coat and may find that regular brushing combined with a sanitary-style trim is the best way to keep Shahtoosh comfortable and happy. He is worth the extra grooming effort, and he deserves someone who will see grooming as part of caring for this sensitive boy rather than simply a cosmetic chore.<br/><br/>Shahtoosh would be happiest in a quiet, predictable home without young children, lots of visitors, or constant commotion. He is particularly uncomfortable around dogs, and a calm home with someone experienced with sensitive cats would be ideal. His foster mom would especially love to see him with a mature woman who has the time and patience to simply spend time with him... someone who understands that confidence is built in tiny steps.<br/><br/>But this doesn’t mean Shahtoosh needs someone who will leave him alone in a room and wait indefinitely for him to come around. He needs someone cat-savvy who understands shy cats and can gently encourage him to stretch beyond his comfort zone without ever pushing him past his boundaries. Someone who will sit with him, talk to him, invite him to interact, celebrate the little victories, and help him learn that new things don’t have to be scary.<br/><br/>More than anything, Shahtoosh needs a calm home with a person who understands his needs and is willing to let their relationship develop at his pace. He doesn’t need a busy household full of activity. He doesn’t need constant attention. He just needs someone who will appreciate the quiet companionship of a sensitive cat who wants to be near his person and, little by little, learn to trust the world around him.<br/><br/>Shahtoosh has already shown us that there is a confident, affectionate cat underneath his anxiety. He just needs the right person and the right environment to bring that cat out.<br/><br/>He isn’t broken. He isn’t difficult. He is a sensitive, particular, incredibly beautiful boy who deserves a home willing to understand him. His foster mom has a feeling that once Shahtoosh decides you’re his person... you’re going to be very, very loved.<br/><br/>Shahtoosh is fully vetted, healthy, and ready to find his forever home. Because we know he will need a very special person who understands and appreciates his unique needs, we have reduced his adoption fee to just $90. He can be adopted outside the immediate Tulsa area. Apply online here (please read all requirements prior to applying): https://arftulsa.wufoo.com/forms/arf-cat-adoption-application/<br/> <br/>Note: ARF reserves the right to deny any application that is deemed unsuitable for the animal. Please be aware that our animal adoptions are NOT on a first come- first serve basis. Our sole purose is to find the best possible home for the animals that fall under our care. We do not ship our animals. All adopters are expected to come to Tulsa if approved. <br/><br/>For details on how to adopt please visit http://www.arftulsa.org/adopt.

Shahtoosh is a male, Turkish Angora/Turkish Van cat. His estimated date of birth is August 20, 2024. Shahtoosh is the kind of cat who makes you slow down, pay attention, and let him tell you who he is. He is absolutely glorious, with a long, flowing white coat and the beautiful look of a Turkish Angora/Turkish Van mix. But underneath all that beauty is a very sensitive boy who needs the right person to help him discover just how wonderful life can be.

Shahtoosh was adopted as a kitten and recently returned to ARF as an adult. His family loved him deeply and gave us a very honest picture of what he needs. They described him as a gentle giant with zero aggressive behaviors. He does not scratch, hiss, or bite. When he is frightened, he flees. Their busy household, young children, frequent visitors, and general commotion were simply too much for him, and he would become stressed and retreat for days. They noticed a remarkable difference when the house became quieter. During a week when the men and boys were away, Shahto

Shahtoosh is a male, Turkish Angora/Turkish Van cat. His estimated date of birth is August 20, 2024. Shahtoosh is the kind of cat who makes you slow down, pay attention, and let him tell you who he is. He is absolutely glorious, with a long, flowing white coat and the beautiful look of a Turkish Angora/Turkish Van mix. But underneath all that beauty is a very sensitive boy who needs the right person to help him discover just how wonderful life can be.

Shahtoosh was adopted as a kitten and recently returned to ARF as an adult. His family loved him deeply and gave us a very honest picture of what he needs. They described him as a gentle giant with zero aggressive behaviors. He does not scratch, hiss, or bite. When he is frightened, he flees. Their busy household, young children, frequent visitors, and general commotion were simply too much for him, and he would become stressed and retreat for days. They noticed a remarkable difference when the house became quieter. During a week when the men and boys were away, Shahtoosh became active throughout the home, affectionate, and much more comfortable seeking attention. They truly believe his environment, rather than Shahtoosh himself, was the problem.

And his foster mom is seeing that same sweet boy here at ARF.

Shahtoosh is curious about his foster mom. When she walks into his room, he comes to see her and meows for attention. He loves having his