My name is Carl of Shadowfluff Keep!

CARL: THE CAT WHO WILL CHOOSE YOU (EVENTUALLY)

Before You Fall for Carl

Ask yourself two non-negotiable questions:

1. Do you have a confident, cat-friendly cat already living with you?


2. Do you have real-life cat experience (the kind that includes winning over shy cats, handling zoomies, and surviving claw trims)?

If the answer to both is YES — wonderful. Read on.
If the answer to either is NO — Carl’s not the one.

Bonus points if you’re open to hand-feeding treats or wet food to build trust. It’s not required, but it works wonders.

Carl’s Journey

Carl arrived in May — a feral kitten who wouldn’t let us get near him, barely even let us look at him. We had to hand feed him to build trust with him. He lived in shadows and silence. And now? He somersaults onto laps, begs for belly rubs, interrupts typing, demands attention during cooking, and sleeps on Foster Dad’s chest. He is, simply put, an amazing cat. 

Carl seeks out our golden retriever, Wally, to cuddle with. He makes biscuits on Wally’s fur, curls up against him like a little spoon, and melts into the kind of soft, trusting sleep that only comes from feeling safe.

Carl has discovered the joys of play and goes hard. He jumps higher than any foster we’ve had when the feather wand comes out. The laser pointer? He turns into a blur. His speed and vertical leap are Olympic-level.

He is loyal, silly, affectionate, and persistent in his love — once he decides you’re his. He plays full-tilt with the other cats, chases and wrestles and grooms and gets groomed. He’s truly a joy.

But you won’t see that Carl on Day 1. Or even Day 10.

Carl’s Clock Doesn’t Run on Your Schedule

Carl needs time. Possibly a lot of it.

• He may hide under the bed for weeks.


• He’ll come out when he’s ready — and not a moment before.


• But if you give him the space, the patience, the trust he needs, he will give you his whole heart.

We know, because we’ve lived it. We didn’t force Carl to become a lap cat. He chose to. And his new family will need to let him choose again.

It’s also important to know that Carl does not like to be picked up. He may or may not ever enjoy it. He shows affection in his ways — and expects you to meet him there.

What Carl Needs (No Exceptions)

• A confident, cat-friendly cat already in residence


• An adopter who understands that trust is earned, not owed


• A home that doesn’t expect instant affection, but is ready to wait months for it


• People who won’t be discouraged if Carl hides at first — even under the bed for a long time


• A home without small children — Carl needs calm, cat-savvy handling. He won’t tolerate being picked up, carried around, or dressed up like a plushie. That kind of love freaks him out.

The Ask

Carl is not a starter cat. He’s not a casual impulse.
But if you’re someone who can love without rushing, who can trust the process the way Carl must learn to trust you, then you may be exactly who he’s been waiting for.

And when Carl chooses you?
It will be worth every moment of the wait.

Age/DOB: 3-30-2025

I am neutered, tested negative for FIV/ FeLV, microchipped, dewormed, treated with Revolution, and am up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccines.

You may apply to adopt at www.purrsandwhiskers.org/adopt