Kittens and cats in Hamilton, Ontario

When Jewel’s owner passed away, a friend of Jewel’s owner took her in. In the few weeks the friend had her, Jewel wasn’t using the litter box, so the friend brought her to Hamilton Animal Services. The friend did not give much information about Jewel, other than she was 11 years old and spayed. We wanted to give this sweet, purry persian a chance, so we took her into our care and she went straight to the vet for a health check, and much needed dental surgery. Blood and urine tests came back normal, but xrays showed that Jewel was suffering from arthritis. This was likely the cause of her litter box issues. She was started on pain medication to help her feel more comfortable. It was also noted that Jewel has a slight head tilt and a bit of a wobble when she walks. It doesn’t seem to trouble her, but she was put on medication to see if it would help. Jewel has been using her litter box perfectly since she came into our care. Her foster family provided her with a litter box made from a rubbermaid bin with the front wall cut down so she can walk right in. That, and the injectable pain meds for her arthritis seem to have done the trick! Jewel’s forever home should speak to their vet about continuing the injectable medication for arthritis so she can continue to live pain free. Though Jewel is less wobbly on her feet now, she still has moderate balance issues and doesn’t like to be up off the ground. To keep her safe, she’ll need a home where there are not a lot of stairs. Keeping her food and water on the floor as opposed to on a table would be best for her. A tray under her food helps to keep things a bit cleaner, as she can be a messy eater. She has a bowl of dry food to graze on whenever she likes, and she gets canned food every morning that she devours. She really likes canned food! A small ulcer on Jewel’s lip was biopsied, and it turned out to be an eosinophilic granuloma. The exact cause of EG is unknown, but research suggests that it is a form of allergic response. We don’t know what caused Jewel’s case, but the ulcer is now gone and she hasn’t had any reoccurrence. Jewel is a sweetheart of a cat. She loves to be petted and has a very happy purr. If you aren’t petting her enough, she will reach out and tap you to remind you. It’s the cutest thing! She isn’t thrilled about being picked up, and she prefers to sit beside you for pets as opposed to on your lap. She can be vocal when she wants attention. She likes to play with her mouse toy and will chase the string on a wand toy. She has a couple of favourite beds that her foster family would be happy to pass along to her new home – as well as her modified litter box. She is currently using Fresh 4 Life Pellet litter. Though she does like to be brushed, Jewel’s fur can quickly become matted and tangled, so hew new people will need to keep up with frequent brushing, and professional grooming when required. Other cats are not Jewel’s thing, so a home without them would be best. She has not been around dogs since coming into our care, so we don’t know how she would be with them. A quiet home where she can live out her days in peace and where she can get lots of pets would be ideal. Please adopt Jewel! Visit ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com to apply

At eight years old, Taffy has perfected the art of being shaped like a very elegant ottoman. Plush, round, and delightfully substantial, she’s what one might politely call curvy…generously upholstered…magnificently plush. The truth is, Taffy carries a little more fluff than is comfortable, which means grooming herself can be tricky. She may need a patient human who can help her with the things she can’t quite reach. Life hasn’t been very steady for Taffy lately. She’s been moved around more than a cat ever should, and it’s left her feeling a bit unsure about the world. When hands come toward her too quickly, she sometimes responds with a small hiss or a grumbly complaint — her way of saying, “Please go slowly with me.” Underneath that cautious exterior is a cat who simply hasn’t had the chance to feel safe for a while. Taffy isn’t looking for perfection. She’s looking for patience. She’ll do best with someone who understands that trust takes time, especially for a sensitive soul who has had her routine turned upside down. She may not be the kind of cat who enjoys being scooped up and fussed over right away. But give her a calm home, gentle voices, and the space to settle in, and she’ll show you the quieter kinds of affection — sitting nearby, keeping you company, and slowly letting her guard down. Because of her size, Taffy may benefit from a gradual wellness plan — a little help with grooming, a thoughtful diet, and encouragement to move at her own pace. Nothing extreme. Just small, loving steps toward feeling better. What Taffy really needs is someone who sees past the hisses, past the extra fluff, and recognizes a cat who has been through a lot and still has so much heart left to give. If you have a warm home, a gentle approach, and a soft spot for a slightly grumbly, magnificently plush companion…Taffy might just be waiting for you. Please complete an adoption application: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/animals-pets/adopt-or-foster-pet/adoptions Animal adoptions and viewing are by appointment only. This allows our Adoption Staff to spend quality time with each potential home to ensure the most successful matches are made between the animals and their new families. *Please note: we only adopt within Ontario

Age: 2 years Rank: Undisputed Commander of the Living Room Fleet Distinguishing Features: Whiskers. We’ll get to those. When this distinguished gentleman first arrived, he was…let’s say…strategically cautious. A cat of his stature does not simply stroll into unknown territory — he observes, he calculates, he silently judges your furniture choices. But now? With the slow, deliberate grace of royalty inspecting their kingdom, he has begun to engage. Not recklessly. Never recklessly. But willingly. On his terms. As is proper. Now. The unicorn in the room. Yes, the whiskers. They are not normal. They are not reasonable. They are, frankly, a maritime hazard. Blinding white. Impossibly long. Styled as if by a tiny, overachieving naval barber. They don’t just exist — they announce his presence several seconds before the rest of him arrives. Small breezes may occur when he turns his head. We suspect they have their own gravitational pull. We have theories: He is part aristocrat, part myth. He once commanded a fleet. Those whiskers have seen things. Personality-wise, the Admiral is a quiet, dignified soul who appreciates a calm environment and respectful company. He’s not here for chaos. He’s here for measured affection, slow blinks, and the occasional inspection of your daily operations. Earn his trust, and you will be granted the highest honor: voluntary proximity. A peaceful household where his command is recognized, his whiskers are admired (but not tampered with), and his slow-burn affection is treated like the rare treasure it is. You are not adopting a cat. You are accepting a posting under a very fluffy, very watchful commanding officer. Apply accordingly. https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/animals-pets/adopt-or-foster-pet/adoptions Animal adoptions and viewing are by appointment only. This allows our Adoption Staff to spend quality time with each potential home to ensure the most successful matches are made between the animals and their new families. *Please note: we only adopt within Ontario

Meet Honda – the smoothest ride you’ll ever take home!! (case #8729) At 5 years old, this handsome little hatchback of a cat is fully broken in, road-tested, and ready to run his motor straight over to his forever home. Turn the key (aka open a can of food) and you’ll hear that steady purr engine fire right up. Honda is the total “boy next door” model — friendly, dependable, and easy to love. No high-maintenance sports car drama here! He’s built for comfort, companionship, and long-lasting loyalty. Safe around the house, reliable with his manners, and smooth in every interaction, he’s the kind of cat you can count on for years of happy miles. When Honda first pulled into the shelter garage, he had a bit of a rough start thanks to a flea infestation, so he’s still sporting a few patchy spots. Think of it as cosmetic wear from a previous owner — his fur is already tuning itself up and will grow back in beautifully. Under the hood (and under the fluff), he’s in great shape and ready for the open road of home life. Honda is also FIV positive (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). FIV is a virus that affects a cat’s immune system, meaning Honda may need a little extra care to stay healthy. The good news is that many FIV-positive cats live long, happy, completely normal lives with proper care. FIV is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds between cats, so it’s not easily transmitted through casual contact like sharing bowls, grooming, or lounging together. Because of this, FIV-positive cats can often live peacefully with other friendly cats, and they thrive best as indoor companions where they can stay safe and healthy. If you’re looking for a safe, reliable, well-loved companion who will cruise by your side through every season, Honda is ready to pull into your driveway and stay parked in your heart forever. Please complete an adoption application: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/animals-pets/adopt-or-foster-pet/adoptions Animal adoptions and viewing are by appointment only. This allows our Adoption Staff to spend quality time with each potential home to ensure the most successful matches are made between the animals and their new families. *Please note: we only adopt within Ontario

Meet Ash! 8 1/2 mos. Neutered/Male Born in a colony of cats living outdoors, Ash was taken in by a member of the public as a kitten and was showered in lots of love, helping his adjust and adapt to indoor living with loving humans - he's a bit shy at first, but overcomes his nerves quickly, showing himself to be both affectionate and very playful, a wonderful young companion. Unfortunately, Ash was unable to call this his Forever Home due to allergies in the family, and he really hopes to find a family as special as he is to love! Ash has been living as the only pet in a home for some months, but we anticipate that he will do well with another cat companion given his colony-cat history and resulting fantastic social skills, but we have yet to explore this with him as he is new to his foster home and has not yet met the resident kitty! Quietly vocal in little meows and chirps, Ash loves petting, attention and affection and is quick to seek out attention from his people with many purrs to share! Ash is a very playful young guy, and he can play a little rough - this boy is known to be a little nippy and needs to be redirected toward his toys when he gets over excited and as a result of his exuberance he will be better suited to a home and family without young children who may find his rough play off-putting. Still just a baby, Ash is sure to calm down and learn better play manners with time, and well matched with an agreeable cat who can help him to burn off some energy romping and having fun these behaviors are sure to diminish with a little time and lots of fun to use up his ample energy and drive. A handsome little guy with a super soft and sleek coat, Ash has beautiful eyes that shine with affection and he's just full of personality! A loyal, fun and playful companion with loads of love to share, Ash is going to make an amazing little Forever Friend! Ash has been vet checked and fully vaccinated, he has been treated for routine parasites has been microchipped and has been neutered. An adoption fee of $250 applies. Apply to adopt today at http://priderescue.ca/

Meet Lexi! 3 yrs Spayed/Female Lexi is a cat's cat, and her future hangs in the balance of being able to connect with a compassionate and caring pet owner who can love a cat for the sake of that cat, not for what they get in return from that cat. Lexi was born and raised among a colony of community cats, she was incredibly difficult to catch with efforts spanning more than 10 months as she diligently worked to evade even the most skilled of trappers before she was finally secured, pregnant, and ready to begin adding her own little ones to the overpopulation crisis. Thankfully, Lexi was secured before she could give birth, and her babies never had to experience the harsh reality of being born on the street. Lexi was spayed, and she has been in foster care for well over a year, but Lexi is still a cat's cat, and she has very little use for humans beyond being grateful that they can ensure her comfort and a full tummy. Will Lexi meet you at the door after a long day at work? No. Will Lexi sit up on your lap? Nope. Does Lexi like cuddles? No thanks! Does Lexi love to be petted and show her appreciation with purrs? Also no! Will Lexi sleep up in the bed with you? Not a chance. Will Lexi leap around playing with toys with you? Not going to happen. Will Lexi sit up on the couch with you? Probably not. What WILL Lexi do or offer?? Honestly? Not a lot in terms of what she will give back, or show, but she will faithfully use a litter box, she will happily eat canned and dry food and she may even meow/chatter at you at meal times, and allow a head pet or couple of quick strokes (only at meal times, thank you kindly), she will use a scratching post, and she wont try to dart out your front door every time you come and go. And she is a really great hunter should you happen to have a mouse! And that's about it. Lexi is a good friend to other cats. She settles in really well with another mellow and relaxed cat, she seems to really like the boys to pal and chum around with, and she can make a comforting presence for another cat who would like a buddy who wont try to steal the limelight or try to hog any of the love and affection, but who will just hang around, being there, to watch, cuddle up beside, and hang out with. There is a great chance that Lexi will never become any more open or affectionate. She will probably never be a lap cat, will probably never want to be picked up or held, she will never be able to give what many people are looking for when they adopt a cat - but Lexi still needs to be loved, she still needs a Forever Home, where she can be free to be herself, do her thing and thrive, despite not offering the love, cuddles and sweetness that most people are looking for in a furry family member. Lexi needs someone special to take notice of her, to see her worth despite her aloof and independent nature, and who will offer her a truly unconditional love, that means sharing a home, a life and a love that does not meet the traditional expectations of pet ownership. Lexi can consider a safe barn or shop cat post, where she will be kept safe, well fed and cared for, or would be happy to be a house cat who is simply left to do her thing as she chooses with no expectation of her changing to suit the needs of her humans while they change their focus to accept and love her for who she is. Lexi is fully vetted, vaccinated, spayed, she is microchipped has been treated for routine parasites and is is great health, she has fantastic litter box habits and is a neat and tidy little room-mate who likes to keep herself to herself and is in no rush to change that. ADOPTION FEES WILL BE WAIVED FOR A SUITABLE ADOPTER. Please submit an adoption application for Lexi today at http://priderescue.ca/