Sometimes, two stories need to come together to create a happy next chapter.

Peanut Butter had a challenging kittenhood and adolescence that included PICA, a condition involving ingesting inedible items. Everyone at Caring for Cats surrounded him with love, trying to help him find more happiness and less stress.

Then Alfie entered the scene, and things began to change. Alfie, a sweet soul with challenges of his own, helped Peanut Butter find his purpose.

Both boys spent over two years with us, and we are overjoyed that they were adopted together in December. We wanted to share the story of their transition to their forever home as told by their loving family.

What drew you to Peanut Butter and Alfie?

When we read their online profiles and saw that they had been at the shelter for a long time, we felt drawn to consider adopting them.

Their story of individual struggles, followed by finding comfort with each other, made us want to provide a home for them together. When we first met them, Peanut Butter charmed us and “put on a show,” climbing around and being curious, while Alfie stayed in their bed and basically said, “sorry, it’s nap time for me.” But he was receptive to some petting, and we felt this would work out.

How was their adjustment after you brought them home?

Peanut Butter adjusted very quickly, within a few days. Alfie took about a week or so to venture out from underneath our bedroom dresser.

After two months they were both comfortable exploring together, and after three months, they were playing often, venturing out on their own, finding their favorite vantage points watching the activity inside and outside! Alfie loves the sounds of the saxophone and under the chin rubs; Peanut Butter is hanging out more and more with us when not in the comfort zone of their bed.

After a couple weeks they adopted the bed of our former cat and transitioned to that as their favorite place. My advice would be to be patient….it’s not you, it’s that they need
time to adjust.

Do they still spend lots of time together?

Yes. This is different than with one kitty whoccseeks you out as comfort all the time. Alfie and Peanut Butter find comfort together. They are  most happy when in their bed together and Peanut Butter usually purrs loudly when he climbs into the bed with Alfie. We are eager to have them cuddle more with us, and we will be patient.

Their morning routine usually involves sitting at our second-level bedroom windows and observing the wildlife in the back yard and woods. They really enjoy watching our many outside creatures together… songbirds, turkeys, squirrels, hawks, chickens, deer, possum.

How have you seen anything different in each of their personalities come out since they’ve been home?

Peanut Butter is more talkative. He lets us know when he wants food, activity, or just wants our attention. He is also much more engaged in play. Alfie, we have found, is interested in play as well, but likes activity close to corners, under chairs, in more protected or hidden areas. So, we play with them differently. Alfie has also become more verbal as he has become comfortable in his new home, and he has a unique little “trill meow.”

What else would you like to share about the boys?

“The Boys”… that’s what we call them! I love that they are unique cats and that Alfie now has the confidence to explore the house independently from Peanut Butter.

Although both Peanut Butter and Alfie were considered special needs, we really have not experienced Alfie as special needs. His missing leg and blind eye do not really have much impact on his ability to interact with us and explore our house.

We have a split level and Alfie goes up and down the stairs several times a day, jumps up on the bed and cat tower without any problem. He really is a sweetie. Peanut Butter’s PICA issues did provide some challenges early on, but after parts of a few socks fell to Peanut’s appetite, we learned to put away any tempting clothing/meals and it’s been a month since we’ve had an issue.

We really love our boys, and it was great working with Caring for Cats to give them a new home. Clearly all your cats are well-cared for and get a lot of love and attention while they are waiting for new homes.

We would encourage others looking for cats to consider ones who are “special” in some way.

With a small amount of extra effort, they will reward their new owners with a lot of love!

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