My name is TAQUITO!

Meet Taquito, the orange tabby. This handsome guy came to the Shelter after his previous guardian was unable to continue caring for him. His favorite activities in the previous home were sunbathing, sitting next to his people, playing with his other cat friend and eating. He enjoys using his scratching post and playing with a wand toy. Vacuum cleaners and loud noises spook Taquito. Although Taquito has lived with another cat, it did take a bit of time for them to warm up to each other. Once they were integrated, they would cuddle and play together.

Our clinic team reports that Taquito history of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). FLUTD is a relatively common condition that is often stress-related and can cause a number of symptoms related to the urinary tract. He has not shown any signs of FLUTD while in the shelter. However, he did experience a prior episode of urethral obstruction during which inflammation blocked the outflow of urine from his bladder and required emergency medical care. This is the most serious complication of FLUTD and is an emergency when it occurs. His prior owner also reported that he did not use the litterbox when the litterbox was not cleaned regularly and did not like pelleted litter. FLUTD can be successfully managed for the majority of cats by providing lots of enrichment (play time, scratching and hiding spots, etc.), avoiding stressors (including dirty litterboxes), and potentially use of a urinary diet and/or medication as needed.

Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.