Nevada Humane Society Column: Monsters Under the Bed

While many pets only stay at Nevada Humane Society for a short time, some are overlooked and will reside here longer than others. They may be shy or overly energetic, older, a bit sassy, or have a special need, such as a diet restriction or perhaps missing an eye. These pets may be considered Less-Adoptable to some, but to us, and fellow animal lovers, they are considered still lovable! Wouldn’t you agree?

I myself have a senior cat, Bailey, who is considered one of these shy cats. He’ll be 17 in June; I got him as a newborn. When I lived in Orlando, one of my friends fed their neighborhood cat, and we soon discovered she was pregnant. I picked out my little Bailey from day one.

He’s a Siamese mix, with dark points, lighter tabby markings, and big blue eyes. Upon arriving at my apartment (after he was weaned, of course), he took on the little brother role to my other cat, Cali (who was one at the time)—but not in a good way. He was all boy! Roughhousing with her, stealing her food, batting her tail. He was quite entertaining for the first couple years; then became a recluse.

Maybe my busy lifestyle, working two jobs, going to college, being social, was too much. Whatever the reason, he resorted to laying on the lanai in the sun on his own and no longer prancing around. Over the years, he’s become comfortable keeping to himself, but I’ve never loved him any less. To this day, he stays in the guest room most of the time — even though the rest of our animals are very social — and he loves it.

Charlie Brown and Peppermint Pati, two of our office cats at Nevada Humane Society, arrived several years ago after surviving a house fire. They were never socialized as kittens — not to mention they had been through a scary experience.

When they arrived I immediately wanted to help them. They hid under my desk for weeks. I couldn’t touch them. They were scared all the time. I knew they deserved patience and TLC. Months went by before we finally bonded and slowly, they became my cats.

They initially took to me, and I began to see their sweet side. I loved them for who they were. Today, nearly three years later, they remain our office cats, and they finally accept everyone. They run around, they love treats, cardboard boxes and they will find anything cozy to sleep on.

They steal pens off our desks, accidently send emails and even, from time to time, hang up a phone call. Charlie is very talkative. Pati is a bit of a tease, sashaying her little body down the hall with her tail in the air, then turning around and — I kid you not — winking at you. You can rub their bellies and pet their heads — but they won’t sit in your lap. They are what many people would consider Less-Adoptable, but for us, we consider them still lovable, and our office wouldn’t be the same without them.

Bailey, Charlie and Pati are three of many cats who exhibit a timid personality but still offer companionship and unconditional love to their people. Our current adoption promotion showcases kitties just like this — who need homes just like mine. (Don’t make me adopt another; we already have a full house and my husband may divorce me if I keep bringing cats home.) Think about it. Monsters under the bed? Adopt a shy cat to investigate! Sick of the in-laws? Adopt a sassy cat to stand guard. Looking to feel needed? Adopt a special needs pet and let them lean on you!

We have adorable cats (and dogs) with plenty of unique personalities and the key is being patient while you get to know them and let them settle into your home. After all, these are the pets that will show the utmost appreciation and offer the most unconditional love. They may not snuggle with you on the bed but they will hide under it keeping the monsters away. Won’t you open your heart and home to a pet like this?

— Kimberly Wade is the Senior Manager of Communications and Events for Nevada Humane Society. She has been with the organization for nearly 6 years but has had a lifelong passion for animals. Kimberly lives with her husband, 3 cats (one pictured), 3 dogs and a fish.