From “semi-lurker” commentor TMinSJ:
A friend of mine called me a few weeks ago to say that his apartment had been inspected by the management and they found his family’s contraband pets, a cat and a dog. He was given 72 hours to get rid of the pets or get a 30 day eviction notice. While he had found someone to take the dog, he had not been able to place the cat, and by then down to less than 48 hours, said if I could not take the cat he would have to go to the local shelter. I went and got the cat.
His name is Elby. He is one of the world’s sweetest cats, but here is my issue: I have a cat (Belle, showing off one of her favorite games in March of this year’s Pets of Balloon Juice calendar: stick under the tissue paper/kitty under the tissue paper) and she is not having it. She is having an epic meltdown over him being in our (hers and my) apartment, and even though they are separated by a gate, she is losing her shit. Her losing it is making me feel like I’m losing it, so I need to find a nice home for Elby.
Elby is truly one of the nicest cats I’ve ever met. His favorite activity since he’s been here is lying on my chest and doing head-butts and face rubs under my chin accompanied by purring, punchy-paws and occasionally licking my face. Unlike most cats he is totally chill being carried around.
Elby does have a challenge, and that is his right back leg is disabled and will not support his full weight, so he walks with a limp and is not able to jump. I took him to my vet and she said he has a compressed disk in his lower back and that the leg itself is not the issue. He takes daily pain medicine to help his mobility. The meds are liquid, and although he does try to turn his head away, he has never tried to swat or bite me, or even growled at me, while I give him his meds. While I was at the vet I had his shots updated, since they were due in a few months, so he’s all current. My vet said she thinks Elby is about 12 years old (he was an adult when my friend adopted him, so his age was always a guess). Other than the bad leg he is a healthy cat.
If I had written this a few days ago I would have said he can’t get on the furniture, but the other day I came into the living room and he was on the back of the couch. He was clearly VERY proud of himself, so I think he had been working on it for a while.
He would love to sleep with someone, but he would need pet stairs to get down to his litter box at night. Speaking of litter boxes, I got him the one with the lowest sides I could find, and he’s been fine getting in and out with no accidents.
I didn’t want Belle to have to share (I was aware of her hard “no siblings” policy before I picked him up), so I got him all new cat paraphernalia, including toys, beds, bowls, etc. plus the carrier he came in. I have a cat-kit ready to go, including this sweet boy, hopefully to a home that will give him as much love and attention as he deserves!
I’m happy to communicate with anyone interested via comments and/or email, and will work with anyone on transportation if needed.
******
You guys know the drill: Leave a comment, or email me (annelaurie dot bj at gmail dot com) and I’ll forward your message. Some of the very sweetest cats I’ve ever known — including my current Piper — have been grey (okay, cat experts: blue) tuxies!
Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho
Can’t do a kitteh but will of course chip in for transport and send good homing thoughts to the adorable Elby.
zhena gogolia
He’s a doll. I hope he finds a home soon.
MazeDancer
What a good boy!
Please do not let distance be a consideration. We have learned how well even long-distance transport works out when the call to adopt is strong.
Also, number of cats. Discussion during Tamara’s most recent Bixby update post on what was the number of cats that meant you were headed to crazy cat town was that anything under 8 was completely fine.
lahke
Willing to chip in, with any likely non-PayPal alternative (because why buy more teenage blood for that damn vampire?)
eclare
Do you know how he generally gets along with other cats? I have two, one has a disabled back leg, so the pet step is already here to get up and down to the bed.
I also have a dog, assume that is no issue. I live in Memphis.
Gretchen
What area are you in?
Auntie Anne
In for transport help!
rikyrah
In for transportation help.
What a beauty 😍
banditqueen
He’s the same age as my 2 girls. I so wish I could take him in, he looks as sweet as he is described as being. And thank you to TMinSJ for keeping the cat chain going.
J R in WV
Sounds like a great companion. You are a hero for saving this little guy! We’re 3000 miles away, and about to adopt a puppy and his mom, and so can’t really do another kitty, Not to mention our 15 pound evil cat who enjoys attempting to beat up her smaller but faster “sister” co-cat.
But will help out as needed, as usual!
debit
What a sweet face! In for transport help, of course!
satby
Roundtrip San Jose to Memphis is about $600 on a low fare date on SW..
TomatoQueen
In for transport. What a widdle nose.
eclare
@satby: Yeah, unless you’re on FedEx, flying in and out of here expensive. I’ll contribute, of course.
Ha (a lurker)
Count me in
Dan B
We have a friend who lost a cat and other friends who have been without. They’re probably both no’s but this guy looks too sweet. Seattle so not as far as WV.
Silvery
I’m in Denver. I wold love to take in Elby. He would be an only child, and I have experience with special needs pets. Also sending an email to Anne Laurie.
satby
@Silvery: awesomeness! Thank you!
TMinSJ
Thank you so much @Silvery I’m replying to your email now. I’ve never shipped a cat, so I’ll have to look into the logistics of getting him there.
Damned_at_Random
If you go with the Seattle link, I am in southern Oregon and can drive part of the way
TMinSJ
UPDATE: Silvery in Denver emailed me and we have worked out a handoff at the Denver airport on May 5th! I bought Elby a ticket so I can keep an eye on him. Luckily SJC > DEN is a fairly cheap and easy route to fly, and Silvery is going to split Elby’s ticket with me.
I don’t need any additional financial assist, but thank you all very much for offering! Keep that money tucked away for the next pet that needs a rescue operation.
Thank you to all of you who expressed interest in adopting him, or helping with transportation!
TomatoQueen
HUZZAH! Elby’s going home! I think there should be pics of the handoff.
Hilfy
Congratulations to you BJ Jackals. Elby’s cat rescue bleg goes up, and only a few hours later he has a new home offer, and transportation to get to it! Gold Stars in Heaven to the lot of you.
MazeDancer
@TMinSJ:
Wow!
How wonderful!
Thank you for saving this good boy.
Thank you Silvery for taking him in.
Please send Anne Laurie many pics.
Mary Ellen Sandahl
I’m almost completely a lurker here, but I love seeing these rescue and adoption stories happen. It’s so heartening! You guys are all good. (And yes, pics please of Elby in his new digs.)
Riodawg
I, too, love the pet posts! Also a fellow largely lurker, btw. This site is populated by really generous and loving folks.