Papaya is a gentle, observant, and quietly affectionate cat who forms deep bonds once he feels safe. He isn’t a lap cat, but he truly enjoys companionship and being near his people. He shows affection through head-butts, purring, and by offering his tummy for belly rubs, and he especially loves kisses on the top of his head. In a household with more than one person, he may choose a favourite. He communicates clearly and will follow you around and meow when he’s hungry. Papaya thrives in a calm, emotionally attuned home and is best suited to someone looking for a quiet, steady companion rather than a high-energy or busy household.
Papaya has some wonderfully endearing habits that make him a joy to live with. He will happily steal your spot on the couch or your favourite chair the second you get up. He prefers to eat where the action is and genuinely enjoys having company while he eats. He’s also a grazer — he often won’t finish a meal in one sitting, but he’ll return to it until it’s done. Papaya is an inquisitive night owl who tends to explore after dark, and he enjoys gentle visual stimulation, such as bird-feeding videos, especially as a way to ease him into being awake and comfortable during the morning.
Papaya does best in a quiet home with predictable routines. Sudden or loud noises — such as vacuuming, sweeping, furnace start-ups, doors opening and closing, creaking stairs, or heavy footsteps — can startle him, though he continues to gain confidence over time. He benefits from having a designated sanctuary space where he can retreat if he feels overwhelmed, and he reliably uses this space to self-soothe.
Easy access to his litter box is important, particularly during periods of unfamiliar activity or visitors. If he feels unsure or blocked from reaching it, he may occasionally choose a nearby quiet area instead. Gentle reassurance and prompt cleaning resolve this quickly, and as his confidence grows, these moments become less frequent. Papaya is also not a big water drinker and does best with moisture-rich food.
Papaya does best on a consistent routine and currently eats on an 8 a.m. / 8 p.m. schedule. He strongly prefers gravy-style wet food over pâté, and full cans are often too much for him, so dividing meals works well. In a new home, his appetite may be modest at first, but once he feels safe and settled, he can become very enthusiastic about food. He often prefers to eat with company and may follow you around and meow to let you know he’s ready for a meal. Treats are best kept limited and offered after he’s eaten.
Papaya responds best to respectful, low-pressure interaction. Avoid direct eye contact, and if he doesn’t respond when called, it’s best not to persist or hover — sitting nearby and looking away has worked extremely well for building trust. He will clearly show when and where he wants affection, and when he’s had enough, he’ll simply turn away. He loves dark, enclosed resting spots (a covered bed with a towel to keep it dim is ideal), and he benefits from having scratching posts in the rooms where he spends time. As his comfort grows, he gradually explores more of the home at his own pace and continues to become more confident with steady routines and a calm environment.
DOB: May 7, 2019
Papaya is a gentle, observant, and quietly affectionate cat who forms deep bonds once he feels safe. He isn’t a lap cat, but he truly enjoys companionship and being near his people. He shows affection through head-butts, purring, and by offering his tummy for belly rubs, and he especially loves kisses on the top of his head. In a household with more than one person, he may choose a favourite. He communicates clearly and will follow you around and meow when he’s hungry. Papaya thrives in a calm, emotionally attuned home and is best suited to someone looking for a quiet, steady companion rather than a high-energy or busy household.
Papaya has some wonderfully endearing habits that make him a joy to live with. He will happily steal your spot on the couch or your favourite chair the second you get up. He prefers to eat where the action is and genuinely enjoys having company while he eats. He’s also a grazer — he often won’t finish a meal in one sitting, but he’ll return to it until it’s done. Papaya is an inquisitive night owl who tends to explore after dark, and he enjoys gentle visual stimulation, such as bird-feeding videos, especially as a way to ease him into being awake and comfortable during the morning.
Papaya does best in a quiet home with predictable routines. Sudden or loud noises — such as vacuuming, sweeping, furnace start-ups, doors opening and closing, creaking stairs, or heavy footsteps — can startle him, though he continues to gain confidence over time. He benefits from having a designated sanctuary space where he can retreat if he feels overwhelmed, and he reliably uses this space to self-soothe.
Easy access to his litter box is important, particularly during periods of unfamiliar activity or visitors. If he feels unsure or blocked from reaching it, he may occasionally choose a nearby quiet area instead. Gentle reassurance and prompt cleaning resolve this quickly, and as his confidence grows, these moments become less frequent. Papaya is also not a big water drinker and does best with moisture-rich food.
Papaya does best on a consistent routine and currently eats on an 8 a.m. / 8 p.m. schedule. He strongly prefers gravy-style wet food over pâté, and full cans are often too much for him, so dividing meals works well. In a new home, his appetite may be modest at first, but once he feels safe and settled, he can become very enthusiastic about food. He often prefers to eat with company and may follow you around and meow to let you know he’s ready for a meal. Treats are best kept limited and offered after he’s eaten.
Papaya responds best to respectful, low-pressure interaction. Avoid direct eye contact, and if he doesn’t respond when called, it’s best not to persist or hover — sitting nearby and looking away has worked extremely well for building trust. He will clearly show when and where he wants affection, and when he’s had enough, he’ll simply turn away. He loves dark, enclosed resting spots (a covered bed with a towel to keep it dim is ideal), and he benefits from having scratching posts in the rooms where he spends time. As his comfort grows, he gradually explores more of the home at his own pace and continues to become more confident with steady routines and a calm environment.
Rescue
This organization is committed to providing a positive adoption experience!
Learn more.
Decided on the cat or kitten you would like to adopt? Call, email or even better - submit an online application at torontocatrescue.ca
2.
Interview
An adoption counsellor will follow up with you and give you more details about the cat you are interested in and ask some questions.
3.
Meet the Pet
Arrange a virtual meet and greet, so that you can see the cat in the foster home setting where they're comfortable.
4.
Sign Adoption Contract
Sign the contract, pay the fee, and welcome your new family member home!
Additional adoption info
Adoption fee is $225 per adult cat, and $300 for kittens (under 8 months old).
This ensures that the cats that come into our care receive the attention they need, are spayed or neutered, and receive a rabies vaccination at the appropriate age. For City of Toronto residents, the adoption fee includes a mandatory City of Toronto cat license that is valid for one year. As you can imagine, these fees only begin to cover our costs; donations and ongoing fundraising efforts carry us the rest of the way!
Note:
-Senior cats (8 years or older) have an adoption fee of the adopter's choice, vs. our standard adult adoption fee of $225.
-Our adoption fee for an adult bonded pair (8 months or older) is $175 per cat vs. $225 per cat. Thanks for giving two loving friends a home together!
Adoption fee is $225 per adult cat, and $300 for kittens (under 8 months old).
This ensures that the cats that come into our care receive the attention they need, are spayed or neutered, and receive a rabies vaccination at the appropriate age. For City of Toronto residents, the adoption fee includes a mandatory City of Toronto cat license that is valid for one year. As you can imagine, these fees only begin to cover our costs; donations and ongoing fundraising efforts carry us the rest of the way!
Note:
-Senior cats (8 years or older) have an adoption fee of the adopter's choice, vs. our standard adult adoption fee of $225.
-Our adoption fee for an adult bonded pair (8 months or older) is $175 per cat vs. $225 per cat. Thanks for giving two loving friends a home together!
