Spotlight: Permanent Cat 5/6 - SHARKY!

When I introduced Sabrina, I mentioned that we adopted two cats from the shelter we volunteer at;  Sharky is the other.  He is about 8 years old and weighs a whopping 20 pounds (not even very chubby - just a big boy!).

Sharky has an old hematoma on his ear, as you can see in his picture.  I've always loved it, it gives him character.

The cat room Sharky was in at the shelter was where they put all their "bully" cats, since they could defend themselves against each other.  Sharky was definitely one of those bullies.  It took me a long time to work up the courage to pet him, and eventually, befriend him.  Let me tell you, when you've earned the love and trust of a massive cat who is, quite frankly, intimidating, it is the best feeling in the world.

He was miserable in that cat room.  He didn't like being around so many other cats, which is why he was so ornery.  He had to go on quarantine for awhile away from other cats, and all of a sudden, he was a sweet boy who loved attention and could be easily handled.  Of course, I already knew that underneath all the gruff was a mush.

Sharky's quality of life and disposition changed so much once he was in our home.  While we do have other cats, the house is large enough and has enough rooms that he can get away from them if he wants.  He ignores others for the most part, but he has never once attacked one of them unless they were accidentally in his way, which would earn a growl and maybe a halfhearted swipe.  He's a lover now and he curls up by me at the computer every night.  He's usually the first to greet us and rub up against our legs.

Just an idea of how large this cat really is (that is my husband!):

I also wanted to mention how many other volunteers have approached me and were thrilled that I kept my word - I always said that I was going to adopt Sharky and Sabrina, and as soon as the house was ours, we did.