by Lupe Gore

Every month we at Feral Paws Rescue tell you a story of a cat who has endeared him or herself to our rescue, most always pulled from a high-kill shelter. This month we will share a very special gentleman named Rocky.

Rocky has been at our Rescue since early summer of this year. He was surrendered to a high-kill shelter in the Orange County area and transported to us in Fresno after his original human had to move into an assisted-living facility. Rocky is just over eleven years old and the perfect mascot for Halloween, with a gorgeous shiny black coat! He is a big boy, over twenty pounds––not fat, just a big-boned man cat! Rocky loves to be petted and brushed, and despite his age, is very playful especially when getting human attention. He’ll lay on his back and do “rabbit kicks” while grabbing with his front paws a cat toy (or his favorite brush) that his caretaker holds above him. He also loves chin scratches and will purr up a storm when he’s being petted that way. At our Rescue, Rocky has a spacious house with shelves to get up on, a cat condo to sleep in, and he can take in all the sights and sounds around him.

Despite his weight, Rocky doesn’t eat a lot, but really enjoys his Temptations treats and Churu sticks (which were on his diet when he came to us), as well as wet and dry cat food. Aside from playing with his toys, he spends most of his time either napping, or lounging around watching birds and other cats. Sometimes he’ll talk back to the other cats, but not in a negative way, just acknowledging they are around him. He has the sweetest meow for such a big cat! In the time we’ve had him with us, we’ve never heard or seen him hiss at anyone or anything. He just wants attention and to be loved.

It’s always so sad when a senior, like Rocky, finds themselves at a high-kill shelter. Their whole way of life is turned upside down, and often they do not adjust well to either the shelter or, once they are rescued, to their new environment. Sometimes, they’ll become very withdrawn and not want to eat, missing their familiar life so much. Rocky’s nonchalant, easy-going personality seems to have worked in his favor, and he’s made himself at home with us. All he needs is a lot of love and attention which we give him every day! Saving a life like Rocky’s, especially at his age, and giving him the best life possible, is what makes Rescue so satisfying.

And that, once again, is what rescue is all about!

EMAIL: fprg.org@gmail[dot]com
Phone: 559-412-7226

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Feral Paws every month, and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Feral Paws.