Domestic Shorthair kittens & cats in Oak Island, North Carolina

Benjamin, Benny, is about 8 years old. I originally adopted him from the animal shelter and welcomed him into our home. He was very sweet and cuddly, but I believe his behavior changed when we moved residences and was separated from another cat. We thought the behavior would improve when we got a dog, but it did not. We now have a young child, and his behavior while majority of the time he is calm, almost distant, it is unpredictable. We can no longer chance his behavior around our child. I believe he will thrive in another home with other cats. He is not aggressive towards dogs, as he currently lives with one now. I really do not want to surrender him to the shelter or humane society. I would much rather find a home he will be loved for the remainder of his life. I will give all of his supplies, litter box, food, bowls, etc.

Meet BISCUIT! Why wait? Email rescueconnectnc@gmail.com and make an appointment to meet me. Tested, vaccinated, spayed and microchipped. Like and Follow "Helping Cats of Southeastern NC' on Facebook (@HelpingCatsSENC) for adoptable cat photos. Looking for forever indoor homes for rescue cats. To see MANY of our cats, go to https://www.AdoptaPet.com/shelter90065-cats.html And to submit an online adoption application, go to rescueconnectnc.com/adopt/application BISCUIT

Meet BOLT! Why wait? Email rescueconnectnc@gmail.com and make an appointment to meet me. Tested, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Like and Follow "Helping Cats of Southeastern NC' on Facebook (@HelpingCatsSENC) for adoptable cat photos. Looking for forever indoor homes for rescue cats. To see MANY of our cats, go to https://www.AdoptaPet.com/shelter90065-cats.html And to submit an online adoption application, go to rescueconnectnc.com/adopt/application BOLT

Meet Mattie! ? Mattie is a beautiful, sweet 6-year-old tabby who’s ready to find her true forever home. Originally adopted as a tiny kitten, Mattie has found herself back in foster care through no fault of her own — and she’s hoping her next chapter will be filled with love, comfort, and stability. Mattie is a smart, gentle, and well-mannered cat who enjoys the quiet life. She may be shy at first, but with a little patience and kindness, she blossoms into a loyal and affectionate companion. She loves to “cat chat” softly with her people and will happily curl up beside you while you read, relax, or watch TV. Mattie would do best in a calm, adult-only home without other cats. She’s looking for someone who spends plenty of time at home and understands the heart of an indoor cat. A cozy spot by a sunny window and a tall cat tower will help her feel secure as she settles in. Once you’ve earned her trust, Mattie will reward you with quiet gratitude and steady companionship. Mattie is spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. Adoptions are limited to within 40 miles of Wilmington, NC. To apply, please visit: rescueconnectnc.com/adopt/application

Meet DAPHNE! Why wait? Email rescueconnectnc@gmail.com and make an appointment to meet me. I am in a Wilmington NC foster home. See adoptable cats and dogs at www.rescueconnectnc.com Please share to us find loving homes! #AdoptDontShop #RescueCat #AdoptMe #ForeverHome #WilmingtonNC #RescueConnectNC #CatRescue #AdoptLocal To see pets in this rescue, go to https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter90065-cats.html Please LIKE and SHARE for "Helping Cats in Southeastern NC" on Facebook. Sharing for rescue cats can make a positive difference in the life of a cat and his or her future home. That's "Helping Cats in Southeastern NC"! **Interested adopters, please contact your current veterinarian and request your current medical records by e-mail for the pets in your home. This may expedite adoption your adoption.**

Meet Bernie, The Gentle Love Bug. Hampstead, NC with RescueConnectNC.com Bernie is a sweet, thoughtful 6-month-old neutered male with sleek black fur and graceful mannerisms. Rescued from a hoarding situation and into the Pender County Animal Shelter on July 11, 2025, Bernie has shown incredible courage and growth ever since. At first, he is shy and cautious, but with patient love, gentle hands, and the encouragement of playful foster kittens, Bernie has learned human laps are delightful. He enjoys soft naps, gentle pets, and a little curiosity peek here and there. Why You'll Love Bernie: Once he trusts, he is pure love! Enjoys cardboard scratchers, soft beds, and sunny windows Thrives with a friendly kitten companion to guide him Has been exposed to well-behaved dogs; he’ll appreciate tall safe spots early on Loves “cat TV,” bird-feeder livestreams, and observing from window perches Bernie will do best in a calm, patient home that understands shy cats take time—but the affection he offers is deeply rewarding. Adoption Details: 6 months old | Neutered | Vaccinated | Microchipped Indoor-only home required Resident pets must be current on vaccinations Fostered in Hampstead, NC Apply online: rescueconnectnc.com Email: spayneuter99@gmail.com Bernie is a gentle soul with a quiet heart, waiting for a patient, loving family to give him the confidence to shine. Could you be his safe haven? Strategies to Build Confidence in an Anxious Cat So, you’ve identified the signs of stress in your cat, and you understand the benefits of helping him feel more confident. The next obvious question is how to help a scared cat feel more confident. First, focus on safety. If your cat feels unsafe, he’ll always be stuck in fight-or-flight mode and won’t have the space to develop confidence. To help your cat feel safe, establish predictable routines for your household as much as possible. Find a food and a litter he likes, and stick to them. Create a safe space where he can retreat if it all becomes too much or if an acute fear–like a thunderstorm–crops up that you can’t control. Second, be a calm and secure presence. Despite misinformation all over the internet, it is actually okay to comfort a scared cat. In fact, we encourage it. Be your cat’s support person. And never, ever play a social media-inspired prank (cucumbers, anyone?) on your cat. The likes and shares are never worth the hit your relationship will take. Finally, work on a training plan that includes a balance of counterconditioning to his fears along with skill-building exercises that develop confidence. Plus, training can be filled with fun games that you and your cat play together, strengthening your bond and his faith in you. If your cat has experienced an acute trauma and doesn’t seem to be returning to his normal self after implementing these steps, or if none of these action items are helping to alleviate your cat’s general stress, check with your vet to see if a prescription anxiety medication is right for your situation. Watching your cat experience stress and anxiety can also be stress-inducing for you. Be sure you’re monitoring yourself for signs of increased anxiety as you work through your cat’s struggles. Remember, you are his safety net, so make sure your stress is well-managed so that you can best help her. As you work to build confidence in your anxious cat, observe your cat’s signs of stress and take note of any obvious stressors. Work on a plan to mitigate them together, while building your bond. Helping your cat move through anxiety and into confidence will help him live a longer, healthier, happier life–the ultimate reward! Source: AAHA's How to Build Confidence in Your Anxious Cat Some cats bounce back quickly after stress, while others live in a near-constant state of anxiety. From hiding and excessive grooming to changes in eating and litter box habits, feline anxiety can show up in surprising ways, and take a real toll on health and happiness. Learn how to spot the signs, reduce stress, and build your cat’s confidence with vet-backed strategies that deepen your bond. Published Aug 26, 2025 By Maggie Marton