Sick cat who ‘oozes love and devotion’ has spent 100 days in shelter. He needs a home
A sick cat with a “sweet and kind nature” has spent more than 100 days in a shelter — and he still needs a home.
In an emotional post, the North Carolina shelter said it’s seeking a loving owner to care for Jessie in his dying days.
“The shelter is not a home,” the Watauga Humane Society wrote June 16 on Facebook. “Jessie’s life is not meant to be long lived, but he deserves for it to be well lived.”
Jessie’s journey at the shelter started in January, when he was surrendered. His previous owner “had to move and was not able to find pet friendly housing.” Now, roughly five months later, Jessie has become the shelter’s longest cat resident, the animal organization wrote on social media and told McClatchy News via email.
“Jessie is by far the most beloved cat of all our staff and volunteers, but sadly, he finds himself needing a loving hand — one who will show him compassion, adoration and grace for whatever time he has,” the shelter wrote.
Jessie, discovered to have both “FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV (feline leukemia),” has a weakened immune system. The shelter said cats with leukemia often don’t live as long but have normal lives for much of the time after their diagnoses.
At the humane society, 3-year-old Jessie has his own room and is showered with treats. He’s known for his affection and love for cuddling.
“He oozes love and devotion and would settle for spending the rest of his days curled up in your lap, while sipping a hot cup of cat nip tea, and demanding constant belly rubs,” the shelter wrote. “Should you dare stop, you will feel his most gentle touch, urging you to keep on.”
The shelter believes Jessie is being overlooked because he is sick. Also, he has to be the only cat in the home or live with other leukemia-positive cats so he doesn’t infect a healthy pet.
As of June 20, an online listing shows Jessie still available for adoption at the shelter in the mountain town of Boone, a roughly 85-mile drive west from Winston-Salem. More details about the shelter’s adoption process can be found at wataugahumane.org.
“Jessie’s sweet and kind nature shines through every encounter,” the humane society wrote. “His excitement is evident when you walk through the door, making you feel incredibly special. Imagine having a companion who’s thrilled just because you exist.”
This story was originally published June 20, 2024 at 11:03 AM with the headline "Sick cat who ‘oozes love and devotion’ has spent 100 days in shelter. He needs a home."
