Foster Diaries #2: Tiki the Siamese

It is notoriously hard to get cats over five years old adopted. Most people want fluffy, mewing kittens (many of which end up right back in the shelter when they outgrow their itty-bitty cuteness, or aren't given the patient socialization most kittens need to grow into well-behaved cats). Many adopters who take home adult cats want the benefit of an established personality and temperament, but still lean toward younger ones. When people are willing to take 9-year-olds like Tiki, it is often because they are either animal-saving saints or are interested in particular breeds. While a quarter of all shelter animals in New York City are actually purebreds (not that it should matter), I thought Tiki would be overlooked by potential Siamese-lovers due to her crossed eyes and prominent overbite, likely caused by inbreeding.

Luckily, a lovely family in New Jersey will most likely be taking Tiki home tomorrow! She really is the most magnificent cat. Many animals are rightfully stressed out by busy adoption events and moving between foster homes, but Tiki has remained an absolute peach during both. She is such a friendly and calm little lady! Tiki loves any TLC she can get, and will purr like a lawnmower when she gets it (and maybe even treat you to her very musical meow), but she will never bother you for attention. She enjoys burrowing in my clothes or duvet, occasionally playing with her favorite mouse toy. At night, she sleeps soundly at the foot of my bed. 

In addition to a sweet personality, her appearance is ridiculously endearing. Who wouldn't love this face?

 

I decided to leave the bedroom door open this week (allowing the cats to mingle) because Tiki is quite easygoing, and I thought she might be here for a while. They have made a lot of progress together in the last week - they went from hissing across the apartment at each other to lounging carelessly within a few feet!

Both Andrey and I totally fell in love with our little ray of cross-eyed sunshine. Tiki-riki, you wonderful creature, we will miss you so much!

Next up: Butterscotch the Maine Coon, who will be arriving to recover from surgery in a quiet environment when Tiki goes to her furrever home.