Aaron

Aaron
Color:     Domestic Long-Hair, Solid Grey
Age:        Adult
Gender:  Neutered Male

History:
In the fall of 2006, five week old orphan, Aaron, was taken out of the city animal shelter by PAW. A few weeks after that, he was adopted by a family. Sadly, after three years, he was returned to PAW. Prior to his return, we asked his owner to take him for a health check. The check-up went well and the following notation was made on Aaron’s chart: “patient attitude very nice in exam room.” Aaron was returned because he gets anxious (and sometimes over-reacts) when new people are around him, especially if they try too quickly to interact with him.  The issue has been quite easily dealt with in his foster home by placing him in a room when visitors come to the door.  If the visitor is someone who is a regular at your home, it is well worth introducing him.  The trick for Aaron is to let him do the introduction, i.e., no petting.  He gets to know people very quickly and once he does that, you're on his list of 'faves'.  It would be best if Aaron lived in an adult household where the environment is perhaps more predictable.

Personality:
It took a couple of months before Aaron began to trust his foster family. Even though he presents as very friendly, his personal space must be respected until he gets to know you. His foster mom just let him 'be' for several weeks -- it may have looked like he was being ignored, but he was not!  He just needed time to settle without the added stimuli of being petted and handled.  He's a very smart and sensitive cat. He now follows his foster mom around like a puppy - close at her heels. He clearly enjoys being part of family life. Aaron’s integration process with the other cats has progressed quickly in some cases and a little slower in others (he is in a multiple cat foster home). Living with others cats was a completely new experience for him. 

Aaron will be a true and loyal friend for someone. He responds very well to praise, a reassuring voice, and gentle, respectful handling. He would be quite satisfied to live in a one-cat household but he could also be good company for the right feline (female would be best).  A couple of times each day he likes to nestle into his foster mom's arms, gaze adoringly at her for a little while, then gently touch her cheek with a paw and nuzzle his face into her neck.  She says he is one of the most loving cats she has ever known. 

 

Such a cuddler:

Aaron in a safeway bag: