‘Shy but affectionate’ cat was at NC shelter for 265 days. Then came a ‘perfect match’
A “shy but affectionate” cat spent 265 days in a North Carolina shelter — then his life took a turn for the better.
“Tarheel finally found his perfect match,” the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation (AARF) wrote Feb. 8 in a Facebook post. “We’re overjoyed to announce that Tarheel has found his forever home, where he’ll be showered with love and affection for years to come.”
Tarheel — whose name is reminiscent of North Carolina’s “Tar Heel State” nickname and Tar Heels sports teams — got a second chance after he first came to AARF in May. At the time, the cat was acting “confused” and “scared” in his new environment, according to the rescue.
The 9-year-old feline was accustomed to a “stable home,” but his past owner “couldn’t take care of him anymore” and surrendered him, the Winston-Salem animal organization wrote in social media posts.
“Sadly, his owner could not take him to assisted living care but loved him so much that she wanted him to have the best chance at finding a loving forever home,” the rescue wrote Jan. 28.
Tarheel is described as a “shy but affectionate” senior cat “who begs for scratches and attention once he has warmed up to you.” As he spent months in the shelter, AARF hoped that the “captivating” cat would get a new home where he could feel comfortable.
Then on Feb. 8, the shelter shared the heartwarming news that he had been adopted. Several Facebook users chimed in to share well wishes for Tarheel as he starts his next chapter.
AARF didn’t immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on Feb. 8 and 9.
This story was originally published February 9, 2024 at 3:30 PM with the headline "‘Shy but affectionate’ cat was at NC shelter for 265 days. Then came a ‘perfect match’."
