Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs experienced adopter,
Story
Bastion is a big tomcat originally meant for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), but fate had other plans for this handsome seal point bicolored siamese boy!
It was obvious that Bastion had a very hard life up until he was caught. When he came in, he had entropion in both his eyes, which then caused eye infections making him practically blind until properly treated. And because he had been forced to fight for his life on the streets, he is FIV positive. Very soon after his neuter, Bastion showed signs that maybe he could be successfully socialized though, rubbing all over the trap and meowing for his trapper's attention! Even so, after providing Bastion with the necessary medical care, his trapper had to decide what would give this boy the best outcome - the street life he was familiar with, or something new and unknown. She considered returning him to his trapping site per standard TNR practice, but after someone in the neighborhood said he would shoot Bastion because he'd previously seen him stalking birds, she knew the decision was made; she couldn't bear something like that happening!
We are VERY happy to report that Bastion has taken to his new life with absolute enthusiasm! Bastion loves to rub up on you, and loves getting chin rubs and long strokes from head to tail. He doesn't like scratches on his belly or butt, and if he's lying down he doesn't like to be approached. (These things are probably residual instincts because of having to defend himself from attackers for so long.) He really enjoys spending time with his foster mom though, and she understands love needs to be on his terms. (His foster says that on the day of his eye surgery, he returned from the doctor and climbed up to stay in her arms, actively seeking comfort from her after such a rough day! She got a photo after he'd crawled up into her arms, still in his cone, looking for reassurance and love.)
Bastion does sometimes give warning nibbles if something is not to his liking, but will almost always start huffing before he bites. His people must understand that he has feral roots and will take some time to feel comfortable in any new setting. A well-versed cat person will likely be able to read his body language to know when he's getting uncomfortable, but children and other animals in the home must also be able to respect his boundaries. All in all, he seems pretty accepting of other animals as long as he does not sense any aggression from them, and seems to not be bothered by his foster's dogs at all. He is also ok with the other cats in her home unless they try to start something with him.
Bastion does love to sit with his foster, either on her lap or in her arms, getting chin rubs. He'll happily accept love, and will communicate to you when he's had enough petting and just wants to chill. After having such a hard life previously, this sweet boy is making amazing progress as a fabulous indoor companion, and with the right person we believe he'll keep getting more and more comfortable and loving!
Since his eye surgery was successful, his eyes shouldn't need any special care, but the left one may look a little odd or have some drainage from time to time. He still has a couple of stitches on the right currently, but they will continue to come out on their own. Our vet estimates Bastion at approximately 4 years old. Included with the adoption is the kitty's neuter, all current-due FVRCP, FeLeuk, and rabies vaccinations for kitties over 1-year, deworming, flea treatment, a wellness check, FIV/FeLV combo testing, and microchipping. In addition to being fully vetted, our cats and kittens are highly socialized. We even offer getting acquainted period so you can comfortably settle in with your new kitty!
To apply to adopt, please complete an adoption inquiry at www.bluesmews.org so our adoption specialist volunteer can review it and contact you!
