My name is Gibbons and Blair!

1. How would you describe the cat's general personality?

Both boys are fluffy little sweethearts and a true bonded pair. They spend their days going from room to room with their tails linked, playing with or rubbing against each other, and chilling on the couch. Their antics are quite entertaining!

Gibbons has lots of street-smarts and is very protective of Blair (who -- and we say this with all the love in the world -- endearingly has only one brain cell). This means that at first Gibbons may hiss and try to scratch/claw if you get too close to him or Blair, but he's secretly a big softie who will rub himself all over your legs and lick your toes to remind you it's time for food.

Both cats may look bigger or older than they are (must be all the floof!) but they are still quite young at heart and love to play. They are the perfect addition to any home looking for the chillest, fluffiest friends! :)

2. Does the cat enjoy being pet? If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? Does the cat come on your lap? Does the cat like to be held? Does the cat sleep in your bed? Does the cat seek your attention?

Gibbons and Blair have done a terrific job learning to trust humans despite their rough start to life (survived the streets, separation, and multiple moves within their first year)! They will now come up to us, especially when food/treats are involved. :)

We are building a positive association with hands, which can be triggering (especially to Gibbons), by squeezing Delectable treats into our hands/fingers and letting the boys approach to lick it off.

3. Does the cat like to play? What are the cat's favorite games and toys?

Blair is a play-motivated kitty and loves the cat dancer toy + interaction with other cats! Gibbons likes to play too (he appreciates a good box) but is more food-motivated.

4. How vocal is the cat? What kinds of sounds does the cat make?

They are generally quite chill but do occasionally meow, especially when they think no one is around or looking. They also make trills and chirps when getting the zoomies and have even been caught purring in contentment.

5. Does the cat scratch a scratcher? If no, please explain. Does the cat always use the litter box? If no, please explain.

Gibbons and Blair are great roommates :) They have always used their litter box and are very good about using scratchers!

6. What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? Is the cat picky about food? What is the cat's favorite treat?

The boys get a can of wet food a day (split into 3-4 feedings) and ~1/2 cup of dry food each. We've tried different brands and proteins and the boys are not picky. As a snack, they particularly love Delectable treat tubes (any flavor) and plain, boiled, shredded chicken breast.

7. Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)?

Both cats may get startled by humans who get too close too fast, but they are not naturally aggressive and will want to run/hide instead of fight. They used to hiss and (Gibbons especially) would scratch/claw, but they have not done that past the first month or two.

They do occasionally swat with claws in, but always in the context of play (e.g. Gibbons is trying to grab the Delectable tube or lick the treat off his paws, Blair wants to play with your socked feet when he's hiding under the bed).

8. To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful?

Both boys are a little shy, especially in the beginning, but they have come a long way in trusting humans and are making great progress everyday They went from running away at the mere sight of humans to hopping onto our bed and sitting next to us on the couch in just 2 months!

9. If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on?

Gibbons and Blair get along well with our 2 resident cats. They have no trouble with sharing space, toys, and initiating play without swatting or hissing. They will likely stay put and observe at first, though Blair might be ready to meet and make cat friends sooner if there is another younger/playful cat (matches his personality). Both boys are very sweet to each other and we've never heard them fight!

10. Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions?

11. In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt?

This duo is fun and funny! Their love for each other is evident, heartwarming, and is a joy to witness everyday. It is obvious that they are ready to love and be loved, even if they may need time to warm up in the beginning. Both are sweet, silly little souls who will teach you all about patience and trust, and it will be very rewarding! :)

12. What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them?

Gibbons acts tough, especially in the beginning, but please understand that he had to learn to be this way to survive the streets. He is genuinely a not-so-secret sweetie, and he is learning that he is safe and is allowed to be soft. Once Gibbons warms up to you, he will encourage Blair to be brave (e.g. rub/cuddle, push Blair to approach you, walk alongside Blair for moral support, etc.).

Understand and accept the fact that the boys need time, especially at first.  Give them space and allow them to decompress. Don't force interactions (e.g. petting, touching) but do spend time with them so they get used to you (use treats and play with them as an incentive / to build positive association).