OAKLAND — A trio of torties has taken over a studio space at Cat Town. Sources could neither confirm nor deny the presence of "tortitude." But multiple witnesses report bouts of rambunctious play, the low rumble of purrs and moments of extreme cuteness in Studio 8, where three young tortie cats have taken up residence since being sprung for the shelter.
Leading the gang is Jennifer, a 4-month-old girl known to steal treats and flop on her back to expose her black-and-tan patterned belly. Her skills as a snack bandit are rivaled only by her ability to steal hearts.
Jennifer is a confident young cat who knows what she wants — play, pets and snacks. Photo by Cathy Niland
A cat just as cunning but arguably more sophisticated is Sheila, whose distinctive nose stripe and peanut-butter dipped tail make her stand out from the pack. Said to be a littermate of Jennifer, Sheila is less inclined to use speed or brute force to score treats or toys. Rather, she has charmed her human visitors by merely allowing pets and cheek scratches.
Sheila, a tortie cat rescued as part of the Forgotten Kitten Project, has a distinctive nose stripe and peanut-butter dipped tail. Photo by Cathy Niland
The fluffiest of the bunch is Tulsa, who shamelessly rolls around on her back, inviting belly rubs from just about anyone she encounters. This tactic works. And she is showered with treats and attention. (It's rumored Tulsa even pursuaded Kitten Program Manager Ginny LaRoe to share a pair of matching tortoiseshell eyeglasses.)
Tulsa, a member of the Forgotten Kitten Project, has fluff for days and isn't ashamed to use it to charm her human visitors. Photo by Cathy Niland
The duration of their stay at Cat Town is unknown. They are proving to be hugely popular among cat care attendants and volunteers who have worked to socialize them since their arrival as part of the Forgotten Kitten Project, and they are widely expected to be crowd favorites when visitors meet them.
While Jennifer, Sheila and Tulsa are not yet up for adoption, officials confirm that Cat Town guests can still see these three on a tour of the Studios. Just tell the Cat Zone volunteer on duty, "Take me to the torties!"
Cat Town is working to help other rescues across the country replicate our work with Forgotten Kittens thanks to a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund. First visit to the Cat Town blog? Learn more about our Forgotten Kitten Project in our regular Kitten Wire dispatches.