...
By Liz O'Connell
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Hearts are breaking for a senior cat after her life turned upside down when her owner became ill and could no longer care for her.
The North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, took in the 16-year-old cat, Lucinda, in December after the owner's sickness prevented them from looking after her. She lived with the owner for 16 happy and beautiful years after being adopted from the shelter in 2008.
The unfortunate circumstances left Lucinda alone for eight "long months" in the house where a neighbor had looked after her before finally bringing her back to the shelter, an August 19 Facebook post said. Lucinda now waits for a forever home. But it hasn't been easy for her.
Read More on Pets
Dorit Shevach-Shani, senior feline behavior manager, told Newsweek that Lucinda has become extremely nervous, upset and scared since being at North Shore Animal League America.
...
"The trauma of losing her owner made her wary of people," Shevach-Shani said. "She took a really long time to settle in the shelter."
Because she does not get along with other animals, Lucinda has her own room in the facility's Long-Term Care Home, also known as the Spa.
Shevach-Shani said she and her behavioral team—a group of dedicated volunteers and staff—are the only ones with access to the Spa. The cats in the facility, like Lucinda, benefit from the consistency of the same people, routine and environment. It helps them destress.
Lucinda tends to stick to her favorite people and will need a special person to understand the trauma she has endured, as it will take time for her to unwind. Shevach-Shani continues to hold onto hope that her perfect match will come soon.
Facebook users shared the same sentiment, flooding the comment section of the post with positive thoughts and prayers for Lucinda to be adopted.
"Boy, that tugs at the heartstrings. Praying she finds a good home soon," said one viewer.
Another added: "Beautiful kitty Lucinda. So sorry she was alone 8 months except for a kind neighbor. She deserves to have a loving forever home where she can be pampered and loved once again..."
Until that time comes, Shevach-Shani said Lucinda is settled into her private room, where she has access to a "catio" any time she wants. The team will continue to keep her as comfortable as possible.
With no adopters showing interest, Shevach-Shani thinks it could be because Lucinda does not get along with other pets. However, on the bright side, her health is good for her age, other than her potentially being prediabetic.
Shevach-Shani said the cat is asymptomatic, but they are monitoring her weight and feeding her a prescription diet, which the adoption center will help cover for the rest of her life, even if she's adopted.
Lucinda is one of more than 100 cats and kittens available for adoption. If you're interested in her, email Shevach-Shani at DoritS@animalleague.org for more information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines