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Domestic Shorthair kittens & cats in Somerville, Massachusetts

Looking for a Domestic Shorthair kitten or cat in Somerville, Massachusetts? Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Domestic Shorthair near you.

Picture of Domestic Shorthair

Adopt a Domestic Shorthair near you in Somerville, Massachusetts

These Domestic Shorthairs are available in Somerville, Massachusetts.
We'll also keep you updated on Neeko's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Neeko

Neeko

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Neeko is a 2 year female cat with a lot of personality. Here’s what her foster volunteers say about her: How would you describe the cat's general personality? Neeko is a: intelligent, social, independent, Feisty, black cat!   Does the cat enjoy being pet? Neeko enjoys being pet on her terms   If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? Under the chin and on top of the head   Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? Anywhere that is not on top of the head or under the chin is off limits   Does the cat come on your lap? No   Does the cat like to be held? No   Does the cat sleep in your bed? No   Does the cat seek your attention? Yes! She’s an attention seeker and will rub up against your legs while you’re standing or walking around and sit very very closely incase there’s any food that needs to be cleaned up or toys that need to be hunted!   Does the cat like to play? Neeko LOVES to play she has endless energy!   What are the cat's favorite games and toys? She loves all things toys, -Feather on a stick -Toys that crinkle /have catnip mini mouse toys Self started balls with a string in the end Scratch boards (make sure to have a few through the house)   How vocal is the cat? Not very vocal   What kinds of sounds does the cat make? Neeko is not big into purring or meowing we’ve never heard her purr and a meow pops up every so often but we rarely ever hear her!   Does the cat scratch a scratcher? She does not scratch the scratch board. Although she does have 4 of them. Neeko is a cat that needs a low stress area due to her getting overstimulated in certain situations. We’ve found that scratch boards create a low stress environment for her to sit on-top of to calm down. We have a few placed next to each other in our apartment living room that she utilizes and it’s really helped give her a space that she feels is uniquely her own.   Does the cat always use the litter box? She’s very good with the litter box.   What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? Fancy feast wet food   Is the cat picky about food? No!   What is the cat's favorite treat? Anything! She loves salmon treats of any form and loves her churu’s   Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? Yes, Neeko is not fully used to the idea of being pet / picked up. Therefor when we try it’s usually disputed with a swat (claws in)   Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? Yes   Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? Yes   Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? Yes     To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? She’s very social Neeko loves being around others and will smother you with her classic leg rubs!   If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? No I do not know that she would like that.   Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? Ugh. So many. Neeko has to be one of the cutest cats I’ve ever laid eyes on. From the way she sits backwards to listen to what you have to say. To the little white hairs that poke out of her silky black fur we adore her and her huge personality. While playing, look out for her “helicopter spin” you truly can’t miss it. As vulnerable as she sounds she’s not afraid to be near you and be exposed! Miss Neeko likes to lay belly up In the middle of the room, exposing her beautiful and unique white spots all over her underside. She also is very welcoming every-time we come home with a quick but necessary “leg scan” where she rubs intensely against your legs getting all the textures and smells she can possibly capture in the moment before letting you more forward into the room. She also has a little grey patch of hair under her bottom lip that makes it look like she has her mouth open 100% of the time! It’s adorable.  Last but not least you can’t possibly say no to those big beautiful eyes!   In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? Neeko is overflowing with personality, playfulness, love and adventure she will need a very low stress environment to thrive, with caretakers who will accept her past and continue to work with her to give her the life she deserves. The best part about fostering her is seeing the progress in real time! With the right amount of work, persistence & grace Neeko will thrive forever in the right environment with a caretaker that has time and patience for her sweet soul.       What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them?   Neeko’s challenges are: -not being able to fully trust hands or feet which leads to the issues of being pet or picked up. -Food. She will break into any bag or container of food that is left out even if you think it’s sealed. Think again! -eye contact she will sit very close to you and stare at you until you look which leads to some uncomfortable moment as eye contact is very intense for cats (don’t look) - scratching baseboards and frame of doors   As far as managing these few things, medication has helped a ton, Neeko is on Prozac and gabapentin to help calm her down and regulate her nervous system. We noticed a HUGE difference seeing her unmedicated vs medicated. Another big thing is understanding how cat body language works. From the smallest things like her eyes dilating to bigger signs like a puffy tail and a growl Neeko’s done it all! if you pay attention you can catch this behavior before it goes south. To de-escalate these situations things such as toys help (keeping a basket of toys in corner of the room helps us redirect that behavior).   Neeko’s extremely food motivated, when she gets a little feisty we find that playing with her and offering her treats directly after really helps show her that good behavior is always rewarded! Giving no reaction & dropping what you’re doing to walking away into another room in a time where she is swatting, biting, or stalking us around the house has helped us a-lot so she doesn’t confused us with toys and doesn’t get the gratification of “play” when she tries to “play” with our hands and feet. This also shows her that “bad” behavior is not tolerate and not rewarded this last bit has been the biggest saving grace of them all. To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  October 5, 2025, 1:09 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Midnight's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Midnight

Midnight

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Midnight is a sweet, playful, and affectionate 5-year-old cat who has been through an incredible journey of resilience. After surviving a dog attack that left her with nerve damage and incontinence, she has adapted beautifully with the love and care of her foster family. Her tail had to be amputated, and she now wears a diaper that is changed several times a day, along with a few diaper-free breaks. While she does need some extra care, her condition is manageable (Midnight has learned to thrive in her routine) and she's ready to bring her joy and companionship into a forever home. What makes Midnight so special is her wonderful personality. She is a friendly and social cat who bonds quickly with people—even on the first day she met her foster family, she jumped into their laps and gave kisses. She loves being petted on her cheeks, head, and belly, and happily curls up in laps many times a day. Though she isn’t fond of being held, she adores closeness and even tries to sleep in bed with her humans. Midnight is also very playful and clever; she loves toys, especially chasing and gathering them all together, and she makes her needs known with a soft, sweet voice. Her silly “supergirl” sleeping pose—stretching her legs straight behind her—never fails to make her foster family laugh. Midnight isn’t just loving with people—she even enjoys the company of dogs and gets along well with other pets, making her a great fit for an animal-loving household. She’s a little picky with food, preferring salmon and pate flavors, and she absolutely can’t resist Churu treats. While her incontinence means she doesn’t use the litter box, she has adjusted beautifully to wearing diapers and continues to be gentle, affectionate, and easy to love. Midnight truly has the heart of a survivor and the spirit of a best friend. She is affectionate, loyal, and fun, with endless love to share. All she needs is a family who is willing to look past her challenges and see the amazing, one-of-a-kind companion she is. By opening your heart and home to Midnight, you won’t just be adopting a cat—you’ll be giving a brave and wonderful soul the happy ending she deserves. To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  September 17, 2025, 3:40 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Patchouli's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Patchouli

Patchouli

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Senior
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Patchouli is social a 10 year old senior male cat who has diabetes. Here’s what his foster volunteer says about him: How would you describe the cat's general personality? Patchouli is a gentle, affectionate cat who loves attention, food, and pets. He has a huge sense of curiosity and enjoys spending time wherever the humans are. Although he is diabetic, it doesn’t stop him from living life to the fullest. He happily chases green worm toys, begs for freeze-dried fish, and greets you at the door every day when you come home. Does the cat enjoy being pet? Yes, Patchouli LOVES being petted. He’s often the first to come over asking chirping asking for pets and attention, and if you hold out your hand, he’ll walk right up and rub his head against it for pets. If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? He likes being pet around his head the most, including the top of his head, chin and cheeks. Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? He doesn’t particularly like to be touched on his stomach, his paws, and his tail, which is pretty typical for a cat. Does the cat come on your lap? I’ve only seen him climb onto my lap as a way to get to other places, but I’ve tried holding him on my lap before. He’ll tolerate it for a short moment and then jump off. Does the cat like to be held? Patchouli doesn’t enjoy being held for too long. He will let me hold him for long enough for me to move him around, but he will start struggling after about 10 seconds. Does the cat sleep in your bed? Yes. Patchouli comes to sleep in my bed every single night. He likes to stay wherever his humans are. He’ll nap in the living room when I’m there, and will follow me to bed to sleep through the night. Does the cat seek your attention? Yes, Patchouli often seeks out my attention. He’s such a sweet boy who loves people and affection. When I come home, he’ll wake up from his nap and greet me at the door, chirping hello and asking for attention. Throughout the day, he’ll come over and meow for treats, playtime, or pets. He is also very curious of the activities you are engaged in, and will often meow to ask to sniff various objects you are holding. Does the cat like to play?  What are the cat's favorite games and toys? Patchouli is a happy and active cat, and loves playtime. He enjoys chasing mouse toys, kicking his catnip-scented stuffed banana, and hunting the little green worms on a wand toy. When he wants to play, he’ll come over and meow for attention, then walk to his toys and start dragging the wand around to let you know it’s playtime. How vocal is the cat? Patchouli is a pretty vocal cat, and he uses vocalization to express a lot of his mood and needs. What kinds of sounds does the cat make? He mostly makes cute chirps and meows. I have never heard of any aggressive sounds from him. Does the cat scratch a scratcher? Yes, Patchouli loves to scratch the scratcher that is built into the cat tower that I have. He also sometimes scratches fabric furniture. Does the cat always use the litter box? Yes. Patchouli always uses the litter box. The only time he made a mistake on the floor was on his first day adjusting at my home. After learning where his litter box is, he has never made a mistake since. What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? Patchouli currently eats 1.5 cans of 3-oz diabetic wet food (Royal Canin Glycobalance) per meal, with breakfast and dinner at 9 AM and 9 PM alongside his insulin shots. As a snack, he gets about 25 g of Royal Canin Glycobalance dry food, and he also gets a few pieces of freeze-dried chicken or salmon as treats. Is the cat picky about food? I’ve found that Patchouli isn’t particularly too picky about food. He enjoys his current wet food (Royal Canin Glycobalance), as well as other diabetic-friendly brands like Tiki Cat and Wellness. Although he seems to enjoy dry food a little bit more than wet food, he has no problem finishing his wet food meals every day. What is the cat's favorite treat? Patchouli absolutely adores his freeze-dried salmon/chicken treats, as well as an occasional Churu as a “high-value” treat. Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? Never. Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? Never Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? Patchouli is very food motivated and will sometimes nip your hand/arm when he is frustrated that he is not getting all the food/treat he is asking for. Sometimes, he gets very excited about the food that you are eating and might nip your hand to ask for the human food, which he is not allowed to have. He also may nip if he has been petted for a while and gets overstimulated. Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? Patchouli’s nips may range from very gently to harder nips, but he has never drawn blood. To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? Patchouli is a very friendly and social cat and will happily interact with new people, beg for their attention, and rub against them to ask for pets. He will also give extra points to people who give him treats! If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? I have not observed Patchouli with other animals, but in a previous home he did well with most other cats. Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? Patchouli is always eager to give affection. Whenever he sees a hand reaching toward him, calling him, he never fails to come over and rub against it. He’s also a very curious cat. He loves to follow you around the house and investigate whatever you’re doing. It’s the cutest thing when he tilts his head to the side and watches you closely, trying to figure out what you’re up to. Patchouli is also very intelligent. Thanks to his curious nature, he picks up on associations pretty quickly, and learns that doing one thing will lead to another. In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? If you’re looking to adopt a mature, energetic, and affectionate gentle cat who loves to observe whatever you’re doing and is always eager to spend quality time with you, Patchouli is the perfect match! What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? The only challenge Patchouli has is managing his diabetes. He currently receives 3 units of insulin twice a day, about 15 minutes after his meals at around 9 AM and 9 PM. Fortunately, giving him insulin is extremely easy and he has a freestyle libre fitted which makes monitoring his blood glucose levels easier. Patchouli is very cooperative with his shots and clearly understands they come after his mealtime. He stays completely still while I administer them and never protests or flinches.   To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  November 19, 2025, 4:57 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Soda's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Soda

Soda

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Senior
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Soda is a sweet senior lady of 15 years, who has recently been diagnosed with stage 1 kidney disease. She was rescued as a kitten and spent her whole life in a multi-cat situation with one loving owner, who recently moved into assisted living. This is what her foster volunteer says about her:   How would you describe the cat's general personality? Soda is a sweet and very opinionated little old lady! She spends most of her days curled up on cushions or in little hidey-holes around the apartment. In the evening, she alternates between sitting on my lap and hunting catnip mice. She's very energetic for her age, and VERY chatty!   Does the cat enjoy being pet? Yes! If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? More or less all over - head, back, sides, belly Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? She doesn't love having her feet touched Does the cat come on your lap? Yes! Does the cat like to be held? Not really, she tolerates it sometimes Does the cat sleep in your bed? Yes! Does the cat seek your attention? Yes - if I enter a room she's in, she'll meow for attention and sometimes trot over to say hi. Especially in the evenings, she'll find me in the apartment and help me with whatever task I'm working on by inserting herself between my hands and my projects.   Does the cat like to play? Yes! What are the cat's favorite games and toys? I have a cat tunnel that makes crinkly noises that she loves to crawl into and roll around in. She especially likes it if I pet her while she's in the tunnel, or dangle a string toy on the far side for her to ambush. She also carries catnip toys around the house in her mouth, mrowing victoriously like the mighty hunter she is (especially late at night). When she's on the prowl, she will sprint around the house at top speed for a few minutes and then settle back down in one of her cozy spots.   How vocal is the cat? Very! What kinds of sounds does the cat make? She has a lot of different sounds! There's a warbly mrrrrrrow sort of noise to say hi when you enter a room, an imperious MRAH when she wants you to make space on your lap for her, and a repeated sort of chirpy noise that she seems to like it when you mimic back at her when she's wandering around the house.   Does the cat scratch a scratcher? Yes If no, please explain. Does the cat always use the litter box? Yes If no, please explain.   What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? She eats Royal Canin renal support type D (slices in gravy) - one can in the morning and one in the evening. She also has Hill's prescription diet renal support kibble that I leave out for her to graze on, though she doesn't eat much of it. Is the cat picky about food? Yes - she will not eat other textures of Royal Canin renal support, and had strong opinions about non-prescription food brands before she was switched to the special diet. What is the cat's favorite treat? She's not very treat-motivated Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? No Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? No Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? No Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? No   To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? She is almost completely unbothered by strangers - she's a little jumpier when new people are around, but she's also very interested in getting pets from them if they're around when she's feeling active. If she's lying down, she enjoys getting pets from new people when approached gently, and will roll around on her back to get her belly rubbed!   If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? She seems nervous when she can hear the dog that lives upstairs, but I don't know how she is with dogs in general. She used to live with another cat and it sounds like that was okay.   Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? She likes to hide in dark enclosed spaces, but this seems to be because they're cozy rather than because she's afraid, because when you enter a room where she's hiding she'll start chirping to say hello! Also, when I was out of town for the weekend, my friend said she piled up all of her toys in the doorway to my bedroom in an attempt to summon me back.   In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? She's the perfect mix of cuddly but not too clingy. She's chatty but not yowly. She doesn't need to be around people 100% of the time, but she's very social and likes to be able to check in on what you're doing. She will be your friend and she'll make friends with your friends!   What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? Soda isn't very food-motivated, and I've struggled a bit to get her to eat as much as she should. She also has some (mild) kidney issues so making sure that she drinks plenty of water is also important (I have a regular water dish out for her as well as a water fountain). To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  November 20, 2025, 6:09 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Morgana's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Morgana

Morgana

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Morgana is a loving 1.5 year old female cat. Here’s what her foster volunteer says about her:   How would you describe the cat's general personality? She is honestly the perfect cat. She loves being around us at all times, and will follow you wherever you go. She is very curious about everything!   Does the cat enjoy being pet? Yes If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? Everywhere, she will jump into you for pets. Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? No Does the cat come on your lap? Yes Does the cat like to be held? Yes Does the cat sleep in your bed? Yes Does the cat seek your attention? Yes, all the time. If she hears that you are home she will meow until you give her attention.    Does the cat like to play? Yes, loves to. What are the cat's favorite games and toys? Food puzzles and toys with catnip.  How vocal is the cat? Very What kinds of sounds does the cat make? Meows Does the cat scratch a scratcher? Yes, and the couch  If no, please explain. Does the cat always use the litter box? At first she didn't because she was thinking my open drawers was also the litter box, but once I closed them yes. If no, please explain. What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? I leave a bunch of dry food out right now, so unlimited of that but she probably has < 1 cup of it a day now. And one can of tiki cat after dark pate a day. Is the cat picky about food? No What is the cat's favorite treat? Churu Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? No Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? No Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? She will give you love bites (not hard at all) for attention and food. Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? No To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? She loves all people   If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? She is wary of cats at first, but warms up. I do think having a cat sibling would be best for her in the long run because she requires a lot of attention and stimulation. Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? She tries to bite the churu once it runs out. She also knows how to open garbage cans. She loves watching cat tv, but this should be supervised bc she might try to jump on the tv. She likes to scoop water out of her water bowl with her paw before drinking from it. In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? She is a very special cat, and she should go to a really good and experienced owner. She is genuinely so loving and fearless. She is VERY quick and good at getting out of doors if you open them. She has gotten a lot better since I started leaving dry food out. She is also extremely trainable. I have taught her to sit and she is learning the back command when I open doors. She is super smart. She is content with just hanging out and sleeping near you, but  she either needs to go to someone who can provide a lot of stimulation and time with her or who at the very least has another cat that will help stimulate her. I could see her getting bored really easily.     To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  December 4, 2025, 3:48 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Birch's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Birch

Birch

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Kitten
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Birch is a young cat, estimated to be around 10 months old, who was found outside. She is spayed and up to date on vaccines, and we think would do best with another feline friend. Here's what her foster volunteers say about her:  How would you describe the cat's general personality?  Birch is a shy cat.  She is sweet, but skittish.   We’ve had her a little over a month, and while she has made some progress, she is still timid around people, like many young cats. Does the cat enjoy being pet?  She has let us pet her a handful of times, but usually prefers not to be pet. If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet?  When we have pet her it's been on top of her head or her back. Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched?  No specific body area. Does the cat come on your lap?  No, Birch has never tried to come on our laps. Does the cat like to be held?  No, we have actually never tried to pick Birch up. Does the cat sleep in your bed?  No, although we have been keeping her in her foster room at night so far. Does the cat seek your attention?  Typically not attention from her humans.  However, she does seem interested in the other cats we have in our house! Does the cat like to play?  No, she has not yet demonstrated any interested in playing so far. What are the cat's favorite games and toys?  Nothing specific yet. How vocal is the cat?  Birch sometimes meows at night.  We think it is because she is interested in leaving her foster room to explore the house, but right now we keep her in her room at night and open her room only during the day when we are home. What kinds of sounds does the cat make?  Occasional nighttime meowing.  She will also hiss if we try to pet her and she is not ready to be pet. Does the cat scratch a scratcher?  Not in front of us, but she has access to one in her room. If no, please explain.  See above.  It is possible she uses the scratcher in private when we are not with her. Does the cat always use the litter box?  Yes, Birch has never had a problem using the litter box. What food and frequency is the cat currently eating?  We had been offering her dry food in the morning, but she is a little picky about dry food.  For now, we are giving her one can of Fancy Feast kitten food in the morning and one in the evening. Is the cat picky about food?  Just the dry food, but we leave it out during the day and she sometimes does eat it. What is the cat's favorite treat?  Birch loves Churu treats!  She will eat it out of the tube if we hold it out to her and even lick it off our fingers. Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances?  She has a couple of times swatted with her claws in when we dry to pet her, but typically she just hisses when she is not interested in petting. Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you?  No, she has never scratched us. Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you?  No, Birch has never nipped us. Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)?  No, she has never bitten us. To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful?  We had a friend over who said that Birch let him pet her when she was in the office chair.  Right now though, we think she would be generally shy with new people. If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on?  She seems very interested in our other cats and our dog, and sometimes will come into the middle of the room to observe them.  She does not directly play with them, but seems most comfortable around other cats.  We think she would do best in a home with at least one other cat. Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions?  She has incredibly soft fur and a cute fluffy tail.  She’s got a cute, high pitched meow! In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt?  Birch is a young, sweet cat who has a lot of potential.  While she is shy, she is starting to come out of her shell and gets along great with other cats and even our family dog. What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them?  The biggest challenge has been her shyness.  The good news is that she is very food driven, and we make a point to feed Birch a Churu treat from our hands once a day or so.  We think this will make her more comfortable with human interaction  in time.  While it may take several weeks or months before she is fully comfortable with her humans, this will make their forever bond even more rewarding.   To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  December 9, 2025, 3:12 pm

Or, how about these Domestic Shorthairs in cities near Somerville, Massachusetts

These Domestic Shorthairs are available for adoption close to Somerville, Massachusetts.
We'll also keep you updated on Neeko's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Neeko

Neeko

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Neeko is a 2 year female cat with a lot of personality. Here’s what her foster volunteers say about her: How would you describe the cat's general personality? Neeko is a: intelligent, social, independent, Feisty, black cat!   Does the cat enjoy being pet? Neeko enjoys being pet on her terms   If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? Under the chin and on top of the head   Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? Anywhere that is not on top of the head or under the chin is off limits   Does the cat come on your lap? No   Does the cat like to be held? No   Does the cat sleep in your bed? No   Does the cat seek your attention? Yes! She’s an attention seeker and will rub up against your legs while you’re standing or walking around and sit very very closely incase there’s any food that needs to be cleaned up or toys that need to be hunted!   Does the cat like to play? Neeko LOVES to play she has endless energy!   What are the cat's favorite games and toys? She loves all things toys, -Feather on a stick -Toys that crinkle /have catnip mini mouse toys Self started balls with a string in the end Scratch boards (make sure to have a few through the house)   How vocal is the cat? Not very vocal   What kinds of sounds does the cat make? Neeko is not big into purring or meowing we’ve never heard her purr and a meow pops up every so often but we rarely ever hear her!   Does the cat scratch a scratcher? She does not scratch the scratch board. Although she does have 4 of them. Neeko is a cat that needs a low stress area due to her getting overstimulated in certain situations. We’ve found that scratch boards create a low stress environment for her to sit on-top of to calm down. We have a few placed next to each other in our apartment living room that she utilizes and it’s really helped give her a space that she feels is uniquely her own.   Does the cat always use the litter box? She’s very good with the litter box.   What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? Fancy feast wet food   Is the cat picky about food? No!   What is the cat's favorite treat? Anything! She loves salmon treats of any form and loves her churu’s   Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? Yes, Neeko is not fully used to the idea of being pet / picked up. Therefor when we try it’s usually disputed with a swat (claws in)   Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? Yes   Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? Yes   Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? Yes     To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? She’s very social Neeko loves being around others and will smother you with her classic leg rubs!   If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? No I do not know that she would like that.   Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? Ugh. So many. Neeko has to be one of the cutest cats I’ve ever laid eyes on. From the way she sits backwards to listen to what you have to say. To the little white hairs that poke out of her silky black fur we adore her and her huge personality. While playing, look out for her “helicopter spin” you truly can’t miss it. As vulnerable as she sounds she’s not afraid to be near you and be exposed! Miss Neeko likes to lay belly up In the middle of the room, exposing her beautiful and unique white spots all over her underside. She also is very welcoming every-time we come home with a quick but necessary “leg scan” where she rubs intensely against your legs getting all the textures and smells she can possibly capture in the moment before letting you more forward into the room. She also has a little grey patch of hair under her bottom lip that makes it look like she has her mouth open 100% of the time! It’s adorable.  Last but not least you can’t possibly say no to those big beautiful eyes!   In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? Neeko is overflowing with personality, playfulness, love and adventure she will need a very low stress environment to thrive, with caretakers who will accept her past and continue to work with her to give her the life she deserves. The best part about fostering her is seeing the progress in real time! With the right amount of work, persistence & grace Neeko will thrive forever in the right environment with a caretaker that has time and patience for her sweet soul.       What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them?   Neeko’s challenges are: -not being able to fully trust hands or feet which leads to the issues of being pet or picked up. -Food. She will break into any bag or container of food that is left out even if you think it’s sealed. Think again! -eye contact she will sit very close to you and stare at you until you look which leads to some uncomfortable moment as eye contact is very intense for cats (don’t look) - scratching baseboards and frame of doors   As far as managing these few things, medication has helped a ton, Neeko is on Prozac and gabapentin to help calm her down and regulate her nervous system. We noticed a HUGE difference seeing her unmedicated vs medicated. Another big thing is understanding how cat body language works. From the smallest things like her eyes dilating to bigger signs like a puffy tail and a growl Neeko’s done it all! if you pay attention you can catch this behavior before it goes south. To de-escalate these situations things such as toys help (keeping a basket of toys in corner of the room helps us redirect that behavior).   Neeko’s extremely food motivated, when she gets a little feisty we find that playing with her and offering her treats directly after really helps show her that good behavior is always rewarded! Giving no reaction & dropping what you’re doing to walking away into another room in a time where she is swatting, biting, or stalking us around the house has helped us a-lot so she doesn’t confused us with toys and doesn’t get the gratification of “play” when she tries to “play” with our hands and feet. This also shows her that “bad” behavior is not tolerate and not rewarded this last bit has been the biggest saving grace of them all. To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  October 5, 2025, 1:09 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Midnight's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Midnight

Midnight

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Midnight is a sweet, playful, and affectionate 5-year-old cat who has been through an incredible journey of resilience. After surviving a dog attack that left her with nerve damage and incontinence, she has adapted beautifully with the love and care of her foster family. Her tail had to be amputated, and she now wears a diaper that is changed several times a day, along with a few diaper-free breaks. While she does need some extra care, her condition is manageable (Midnight has learned to thrive in her routine) and she's ready to bring her joy and companionship into a forever home. What makes Midnight so special is her wonderful personality. She is a friendly and social cat who bonds quickly with people—even on the first day she met her foster family, she jumped into their laps and gave kisses. She loves being petted on her cheeks, head, and belly, and happily curls up in laps many times a day. Though she isn’t fond of being held, she adores closeness and even tries to sleep in bed with her humans. Midnight is also very playful and clever; she loves toys, especially chasing and gathering them all together, and she makes her needs known with a soft, sweet voice. Her silly “supergirl” sleeping pose—stretching her legs straight behind her—never fails to make her foster family laugh. Midnight isn’t just loving with people—she even enjoys the company of dogs and gets along well with other pets, making her a great fit for an animal-loving household. She’s a little picky with food, preferring salmon and pate flavors, and she absolutely can’t resist Churu treats. While her incontinence means she doesn’t use the litter box, she has adjusted beautifully to wearing diapers and continues to be gentle, affectionate, and easy to love. Midnight truly has the heart of a survivor and the spirit of a best friend. She is affectionate, loyal, and fun, with endless love to share. All she needs is a family who is willing to look past her challenges and see the amazing, one-of-a-kind companion she is. By opening your heart and home to Midnight, you won’t just be adopting a cat—you’ll be giving a brave and wonderful soul the happy ending she deserves. To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  September 17, 2025, 3:40 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Patchouli's adoption status with email updates.
Special Needs
Photo of Patchouli

Patchouli

Domestic Shorthair

Male, Senior
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with cats, Needs special attention, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Patchouli is social a 10 year old senior male cat who has diabetes. Here’s what his foster volunteer says about him: How would you describe the cat's general personality? Patchouli is a gentle, affectionate cat who loves attention, food, and pets. He has a huge sense of curiosity and enjoys spending time wherever the humans are. Although he is diabetic, it doesn’t stop him from living life to the fullest. He happily chases green worm toys, begs for freeze-dried fish, and greets you at the door every day when you come home. Does the cat enjoy being pet? Yes, Patchouli LOVES being petted. He’s often the first to come over asking chirping asking for pets and attention, and if you hold out your hand, he’ll walk right up and rub his head against it for pets. If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? He likes being pet around his head the most, including the top of his head, chin and cheeks. Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? He doesn’t particularly like to be touched on his stomach, his paws, and his tail, which is pretty typical for a cat. Does the cat come on your lap? I’ve only seen him climb onto my lap as a way to get to other places, but I’ve tried holding him on my lap before. He’ll tolerate it for a short moment and then jump off. Does the cat like to be held? Patchouli doesn’t enjoy being held for too long. He will let me hold him for long enough for me to move him around, but he will start struggling after about 10 seconds. Does the cat sleep in your bed? Yes. Patchouli comes to sleep in my bed every single night. He likes to stay wherever his humans are. He’ll nap in the living room when I’m there, and will follow me to bed to sleep through the night. Does the cat seek your attention? Yes, Patchouli often seeks out my attention. He’s such a sweet boy who loves people and affection. When I come home, he’ll wake up from his nap and greet me at the door, chirping hello and asking for attention. Throughout the day, he’ll come over and meow for treats, playtime, or pets. He is also very curious of the activities you are engaged in, and will often meow to ask to sniff various objects you are holding. Does the cat like to play?  What are the cat's favorite games and toys? Patchouli is a happy and active cat, and loves playtime. He enjoys chasing mouse toys, kicking his catnip-scented stuffed banana, and hunting the little green worms on a wand toy. When he wants to play, he’ll come over and meow for attention, then walk to his toys and start dragging the wand around to let you know it’s playtime. How vocal is the cat? Patchouli is a pretty vocal cat, and he uses vocalization to express a lot of his mood and needs. What kinds of sounds does the cat make? He mostly makes cute chirps and meows. I have never heard of any aggressive sounds from him. Does the cat scratch a scratcher? Yes, Patchouli loves to scratch the scratcher that is built into the cat tower that I have. He also sometimes scratches fabric furniture. Does the cat always use the litter box? Yes. Patchouli always uses the litter box. The only time he made a mistake on the floor was on his first day adjusting at my home. After learning where his litter box is, he has never made a mistake since. What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? Patchouli currently eats 1.5 cans of 3-oz diabetic wet food (Royal Canin Glycobalance) per meal, with breakfast and dinner at 9 AM and 9 PM alongside his insulin shots. As a snack, he gets about 25 g of Royal Canin Glycobalance dry food, and he also gets a few pieces of freeze-dried chicken or salmon as treats. Is the cat picky about food? I’ve found that Patchouli isn’t particularly too picky about food. He enjoys his current wet food (Royal Canin Glycobalance), as well as other diabetic-friendly brands like Tiki Cat and Wellness. Although he seems to enjoy dry food a little bit more than wet food, he has no problem finishing his wet food meals every day. What is the cat's favorite treat? Patchouli absolutely adores his freeze-dried salmon/chicken treats, as well as an occasional Churu as a “high-value” treat. Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? Never. Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? Never Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? Patchouli is very food motivated and will sometimes nip your hand/arm when he is frustrated that he is not getting all the food/treat he is asking for. Sometimes, he gets very excited about the food that you are eating and might nip your hand to ask for the human food, which he is not allowed to have. He also may nip if he has been petted for a while and gets overstimulated. Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? Patchouli’s nips may range from very gently to harder nips, but he has never drawn blood. To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? Patchouli is a very friendly and social cat and will happily interact with new people, beg for their attention, and rub against them to ask for pets. He will also give extra points to people who give him treats! If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? I have not observed Patchouli with other animals, but in a previous home he did well with most other cats. Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? Patchouli is always eager to give affection. Whenever he sees a hand reaching toward him, calling him, he never fails to come over and rub against it. He’s also a very curious cat. He loves to follow you around the house and investigate whatever you’re doing. It’s the cutest thing when he tilts his head to the side and watches you closely, trying to figure out what you’re up to. Patchouli is also very intelligent. Thanks to his curious nature, he picks up on associations pretty quickly, and learns that doing one thing will lead to another. In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? If you’re looking to adopt a mature, energetic, and affectionate gentle cat who loves to observe whatever you’re doing and is always eager to spend quality time with you, Patchouli is the perfect match! What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? The only challenge Patchouli has is managing his diabetes. He currently receives 3 units of insulin twice a day, about 15 minutes after his meals at around 9 AM and 9 PM. Fortunately, giving him insulin is extremely easy and he has a freestyle libre fitted which makes monitoring his blood glucose levels easier. Patchouli is very cooperative with his shots and clearly understands they come after his mealtime. He stays completely still while I administer them and never protests or flinches.   To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  November 19, 2025, 4:57 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Soda's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Soda

Soda

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Senior
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Soda is a sweet senior lady of 15 years, who has recently been diagnosed with stage 1 kidney disease. She was rescued as a kitten and spent her whole life in a multi-cat situation with one loving owner, who recently moved into assisted living. This is what her foster volunteer says about her:   How would you describe the cat's general personality? Soda is a sweet and very opinionated little old lady! She spends most of her days curled up on cushions or in little hidey-holes around the apartment. In the evening, she alternates between sitting on my lap and hunting catnip mice. She's very energetic for her age, and VERY chatty!   Does the cat enjoy being pet? Yes! If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? More or less all over - head, back, sides, belly Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? She doesn't love having her feet touched Does the cat come on your lap? Yes! Does the cat like to be held? Not really, she tolerates it sometimes Does the cat sleep in your bed? Yes! Does the cat seek your attention? Yes - if I enter a room she's in, she'll meow for attention and sometimes trot over to say hi. Especially in the evenings, she'll find me in the apartment and help me with whatever task I'm working on by inserting herself between my hands and my projects.   Does the cat like to play? Yes! What are the cat's favorite games and toys? I have a cat tunnel that makes crinkly noises that she loves to crawl into and roll around in. She especially likes it if I pet her while she's in the tunnel, or dangle a string toy on the far side for her to ambush. She also carries catnip toys around the house in her mouth, mrowing victoriously like the mighty hunter she is (especially late at night). When she's on the prowl, she will sprint around the house at top speed for a few minutes and then settle back down in one of her cozy spots.   How vocal is the cat? Very! What kinds of sounds does the cat make? She has a lot of different sounds! There's a warbly mrrrrrrow sort of noise to say hi when you enter a room, an imperious MRAH when she wants you to make space on your lap for her, and a repeated sort of chirpy noise that she seems to like it when you mimic back at her when she's wandering around the house.   Does the cat scratch a scratcher? Yes If no, please explain. Does the cat always use the litter box? Yes If no, please explain.   What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? She eats Royal Canin renal support type D (slices in gravy) - one can in the morning and one in the evening. She also has Hill's prescription diet renal support kibble that I leave out for her to graze on, though she doesn't eat much of it. Is the cat picky about food? Yes - she will not eat other textures of Royal Canin renal support, and had strong opinions about non-prescription food brands before she was switched to the special diet. What is the cat's favorite treat? She's not very treat-motivated Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? No Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? No Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? No Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? No   To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? She is almost completely unbothered by strangers - she's a little jumpier when new people are around, but she's also very interested in getting pets from them if they're around when she's feeling active. If she's lying down, she enjoys getting pets from new people when approached gently, and will roll around on her back to get her belly rubbed!   If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? She seems nervous when she can hear the dog that lives upstairs, but I don't know how she is with dogs in general. She used to live with another cat and it sounds like that was okay.   Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? She likes to hide in dark enclosed spaces, but this seems to be because they're cozy rather than because she's afraid, because when you enter a room where she's hiding she'll start chirping to say hello! Also, when I was out of town for the weekend, my friend said she piled up all of her toys in the doorway to my bedroom in an attempt to summon me back.   In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? She's the perfect mix of cuddly but not too clingy. She's chatty but not yowly. She doesn't need to be around people 100% of the time, but she's very social and likes to be able to check in on what you're doing. She will be your friend and she'll make friends with your friends!   What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? Soda isn't very food-motivated, and I've struggled a bit to get her to eat as much as she should. She also has some (mild) kidney issues so making sure that she drinks plenty of water is also important (I have a regular water dish out for her as well as a water fountain). To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  November 20, 2025, 6:09 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Morgana's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Morgana

Morgana

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Morgana is a loving 1.5 year old female cat. Here’s what her foster volunteer says about her:   How would you describe the cat's general personality? She is honestly the perfect cat. She loves being around us at all times, and will follow you wherever you go. She is very curious about everything!   Does the cat enjoy being pet? Yes If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? Everywhere, she will jump into you for pets. Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? No Does the cat come on your lap? Yes Does the cat like to be held? Yes Does the cat sleep in your bed? Yes Does the cat seek your attention? Yes, all the time. If she hears that you are home she will meow until you give her attention.    Does the cat like to play? Yes, loves to. What are the cat's favorite games and toys? Food puzzles and toys with catnip.  How vocal is the cat? Very What kinds of sounds does the cat make? Meows Does the cat scratch a scratcher? Yes, and the couch  If no, please explain. Does the cat always use the litter box? At first she didn't because she was thinking my open drawers was also the litter box, but once I closed them yes. If no, please explain. What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? I leave a bunch of dry food out right now, so unlimited of that but she probably has < 1 cup of it a day now. And one can of tiki cat after dark pate a day. Is the cat picky about food? No What is the cat's favorite treat? Churu Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? No Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? No Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? She will give you love bites (not hard at all) for attention and food. Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? No To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? She loves all people   If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? She is wary of cats at first, but warms up. I do think having a cat sibling would be best for her in the long run because she requires a lot of attention and stimulation. Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? She tries to bite the churu once it runs out. She also knows how to open garbage cans. She loves watching cat tv, but this should be supervised bc she might try to jump on the tv. She likes to scoop water out of her water bowl with her paw before drinking from it. In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? She is a very special cat, and she should go to a really good and experienced owner. She is genuinely so loving and fearless. She is VERY quick and good at getting out of doors if you open them. She has gotten a lot better since I started leaving dry food out. She is also extremely trainable. I have taught her to sit and she is learning the back command when I open doors. She is super smart. She is content with just hanging out and sleeping near you, but  she either needs to go to someone who can provide a lot of stimulation and time with her or who at the very least has another cat that will help stimulate her. I could see her getting bored really easily.     To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  December 4, 2025, 3:48 pm
We'll also keep you updated on Birch's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Birch

Birch

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Kitten
Somerville, MA
Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs, Good with cats, Spayed or Neutered,
Story
To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Birch is a young cat, estimated to be around 10 months old, who was found outside. She is spayed and up to date on vaccines, and we think would do best with another feline friend. Here's what her foster volunteers say about her:  How would you describe the cat's general personality?  Birch is a shy cat.  She is sweet, but skittish.   We’ve had her a little over a month, and while she has made some progress, she is still timid around people, like many young cats. Does the cat enjoy being pet?  She has let us pet her a handful of times, but usually prefers not to be pet. If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet?  When we have pet her it's been on top of her head or her back. Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched?  No specific body area. Does the cat come on your lap?  No, Birch has never tried to come on our laps. Does the cat like to be held?  No, we have actually never tried to pick Birch up. Does the cat sleep in your bed?  No, although we have been keeping her in her foster room at night so far. Does the cat seek your attention?  Typically not attention from her humans.  However, she does seem interested in the other cats we have in our house! Does the cat like to play?  No, she has not yet demonstrated any interested in playing so far. What are the cat's favorite games and toys?  Nothing specific yet. How vocal is the cat?  Birch sometimes meows at night.  We think it is because she is interested in leaving her foster room to explore the house, but right now we keep her in her room at night and open her room only during the day when we are home. What kinds of sounds does the cat make?  Occasional nighttime meowing.  She will also hiss if we try to pet her and she is not ready to be pet. Does the cat scratch a scratcher?  Not in front of us, but she has access to one in her room. If no, please explain.  See above.  It is possible she uses the scratcher in private when we are not with her. Does the cat always use the litter box?  Yes, Birch has never had a problem using the litter box. What food and frequency is the cat currently eating?  We had been offering her dry food in the morning, but she is a little picky about dry food.  For now, we are giving her one can of Fancy Feast kitten food in the morning and one in the evening. Is the cat picky about food?  Just the dry food, but we leave it out during the day and she sometimes does eat it. What is the cat's favorite treat?  Birch loves Churu treats!  She will eat it out of the tube if we hold it out to her and even lick it off our fingers. Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances?  She has a couple of times swatted with her claws in when we dry to pet her, but typically she just hisses when she is not interested in petting. Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you?  No, she has never scratched us. Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you?  No, Birch has never nipped us. Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)?  No, she has never bitten us. To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful?  We had a friend over who said that Birch let him pet her when she was in the office chair.  Right now though, we think she would be generally shy with new people. If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on?  She seems very interested in our other cats and our dog, and sometimes will come into the middle of the room to observe them.  She does not directly play with them, but seems most comfortable around other cats.  We think she would do best in a home with at least one other cat. Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions?  She has incredibly soft fur and a cute fluffy tail.  She’s got a cute, high pitched meow! In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt?  Birch is a young, sweet cat who has a lot of potential.  While she is shy, she is starting to come out of her shell and gets along great with other cats and even our family dog. What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them?  The biggest challenge has been her shyness.  The good news is that she is very food driven, and we make a point to feed Birch a Churu treat from our hands once a day or so.  We think this will make her more comfortable with human interaction  in time.  While it may take several weeks or months before she is fully comfortable with her humans, this will make their forever bond even more rewarding.   To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  December 9, 2025, 3:12 pm

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Black Cat Rescue

PO Box 45036, Somerville, MA 02145

Pet Types: cats

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Rescue

2.3 miles

Kitty Connection

Medford, MA 02155

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

2.6 miles

Changing Tomorrow Animal Rescue

10492 Lake Vista Cir, Boston, FL 02108

Pet Types: cats

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Shelter

3.1 miles

Gifford Cat Shelter

30 Undine Road, Brighton, MA 02135

Pet Types: cats

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Shelter

3.2 miles

Animal Rescue League of Boston

10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, rabbits, small animals

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Rescue

7 miles

Boston's Forgotten Felines

Boston, MA 02130

Pet Types: cats

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Shelter

7 miles

MSPCA - Boston Adoption Center

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, small animals

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Shelter

7 miles

Second Chance Shelter For Cats

Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Pet Types: cats, dogs

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Rescue

7.9 miles

Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society, Inc. (PAWS)

411 Lowell Street, Wakefield, MA 01880

Pet Types: cats

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Shelter

11 miles

Animal Rescue League of Boston - Dedham

55 Anna's Place, Dedham, MA 02026

Pet Types: cats, birds, dogs, farm animals, horses, rabbits, small animals

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Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

If you're not seeing what you're looking for, try our shelter and rescue search. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

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Want to learn more about adopting a Domestic Shorthair kitten or cat?

We've got all the info you need on adopting and caring for a Domestic Shorthair kitten. Check out the links below for everything you ever wanted to know about Domestic Shorthair kittens and adults.

Domestic Shorthair basics

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Where do Domestic Shorthairs come from? How many types of Domestic Shorthairs are there? From the history of the breed to question about average height, weight and size, brush up on these basic facts about the Domestic Shorthair.

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