Let's be real with each other for a minute. I can be an @$$hole when I want to be. But can't we all?

I was a 'bite case' at animal control, but I was still intact (not neutered, which means all bets are off), so my foster mom (who is a sucker for 'bite' cases) took me in, got me neutered, and let me chill for a few weeks until my hormones dissipated. I calmed down A LOT after that, but I can still have some 'misdirected anger' on rare occasions. Oh, sure, there is a Feliway diffuser in my room and I'm on Prozac, but I can still have my moments (although I'm pretty predictable).

If I want to enter a room and you try to block me, I *may* nip at you. If you try to pick me up, I *may* nip at you. If I am overstimulated, I *may* nip at you. If something else has upset me and you're in the vicinity, I *may* nip at you. Get the idea? I just like to let my presence and feelings be known; I'm not actually trying to hurt anyone. I'm actually pretty affectionate and love petting and attention. I like to reach up and nose boop my foster mom. I let her give me kisses, and I like to snuggle in her lap.

Now the good thing is that I will do ANYTHING for food, so that's one way to get me to do what you want (like leave or enter a room, go into a carrier, etc.) Shake a bag of treats or stick a can of food in front of me and I become much more compliant. I also like toys. I suggest the fishing pole style with long handles and long strings, as this will help me redirect my behavior towards a more appropriate target. A laser pointer would also be cool. Interactive toys will help us bond.

Absolutely, positively no kids. Like, not even visiting kids (unless I'll be in my own room while they are there). Older kids (like teens) who can understand me and my quirks would be okay. I do fine with other cats if they are submissive. Dogs - who knows? Oh, and you'll want to keep my nails trimmed (it's a two person job, but do-able). And now a word from the food lady:

Bennie (DOB 1/2014) is a very handsome boy and is actually a pretty cool cat with a big personality, and he does enjoy petting - you just have to learn his body language and signs that he's done. He needs an experienced, cat-savvy owner who has the patience to get to know him (which shouldn't take too long). He is in a foster room with several other cats right now, which is stressful, so having more space in his own home and only having one or two other submissive cats (or no cats) around should significantly decrease his stress level and decrease or eliminate his undesirable behaviors (which are rare, but do occur on occasion if he is stressed).

We know there are people out there who like 'challenging' cats with strong personalities like Bennie. Please give this boy a chance at a good life!

More photos: https://link.shutterfly.com/4tSKHv9Rwdb

For more information, please email shannon@catnetwork.org.

https://link.shutterfly.com/4tSKHv9Rwdb

Our adoption application can be found here: http://catnetwork.org/adoption-application-and-fees/

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