Albert

Albert, photo courtesy of Two Birds Photography

Yesterday I shared the story of how Alfred temporarily joined our family as a foster.  A few days later, I felt the urge to foster another cat.  Alfred needed a buddy, didn't he? Jim didn't have any big objections, but instead asked that we wait a bit to see how fostering worked out for us.  That seemed like a reasonable request.  

Friends and family know by now that I am not reasonable.  

Less than a week after we took in Alfred, I went on a "shopping trip" of sorts to a local animal control to pick up a cat that St. Sophia's had committed to.  While there, we shopped around for other cats, not really having a place for one, but needing one for an upcoming cat show into which we had already entered two cats.  One had come down with a minor illness, which meant a spot was open.  It seemed a shame to let that spot go to waste.  As we looked through the isolation room--the place where cats are held until their stray holds are up or until they are healthy enough to be adopted out--I noticed a black cat in the corner of the room, and by the smell of him, we was an unaltered male with some digestive issues.  

Upon approaching this little guy, I was taken by how friendly he was.  He came to the door of the cage immediately and turned on the charm.  I'm a sucker for charm.  So I opened his door, and this large, smelly cat was a puddle in my arms.  The animal control workers came over, all of whom were very fond of this stray tom cat.  He had chronic diarrhea that they were working hard to prevent--even going so far as to feed him expensive limited ingredient canned food and probiotics.  I summoned my friend over, who was skeptical that this smelly, big-headed tom cat was the one for us.  "But he's so sweet!" I cried.  So we waited to hear back from the director of St. Sophia's--what did she think about taking this cat?

Another issue was a foster home for him.  We really didn't have an open spot.  Who would take him? I felt responsible, as I had all but begged my friend to rescue him.  Jim and I had just discussed waiting to take in another foster, but this guy was so sweet, and surely he wouldn't be that much work. Still, I wondered what Jim would say.  On a whim, I emailed him at work.  Minutes later, this kind man that I married instantly agreed to take in another cat.  Just when I thought I couldn't love him any more than I already did...

Soon after came a text from the director--we could take him, and we would place him in the cat show.  My friend thought she was nuts, and both of us got a huge laugh out of a smelly, pooey tom cat off the streets being entered into a cat show.  But he had the personality for it.  And he was safe! 

Albert was committed to on Tuesday, neutered and brought to rescue on Wednesday, groomed on Friday, and spent all weekend at the cat show, placing as high as second place out of ten cats! Everyone fell in love with this calm, cool cat.  

Since that weekend, Albert has lived with us, and more specifically, with Alfred.  He never ceases to amaze us with his calm demeanor.  (Can cats be narcoleptic? Because sometimes I wonder.)  He loves to snuggle.  He loves to rub his face against yours.  He will sleep next to you in bed. His greatest joy is being near people.  But he isn't clingy or needy--quite simply, he is the best friend a person could ask for.  

Also, he wears bow ties.  

Albert is fully vetted and is ready for his forever home.  You can learn more about him on Petfinder or visit St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines on Facebook.  

Albert's official bio:

Albert is an easy-going, loving adult black shorthair male. Found as a stray, Albert has touched all those who meet him with his calm and affectionate demeanor. He was entered into a cat show in the housecat division for St. Sophia's soon after entering our program, and he amazed everyone with how relaxed he always seemed to be. He even took 2nd place out of 10 cats!

Albert is incredibly loving, happy to snuggle next to his people, or sleep curled up next to them in bed. He loves to rub his head against people and receive kisses. His great joy in life is being loved.

Albert is good with other cats and remains relaxed and calm even around small children! He will make the perfect companion for anyone looking for a devoted, patient best friend.