Northgaters Care for Buddy the Cat

A large group of “Northgaters” have been feeding and watching out for a black and white stray cat. It takes a wonderful community to come together and care for a stray animal, especially in the cold Vermont winter. The cat seems to have been out since last spring when he was first spotted. He has been found and adopted into his forever home!

​This kitty has been named “Buddy” due to his friendly and sweet nature. He is gentle, sweet and loves to cuddle! His first toy in his new home was a catnip pillow which he rubbed on, licked, tossed in the air, and used as a pillow for his naps. Now he has several more toys which he plays with one at a time. He really enjoys his new scratch post and loves to watch bird and squirrel videos on YouTube! 

Buddy's first trip to the vet included a check for feline leukemia (which amazingly was negative for a stray cat) and all of his shots. He received some medicine for round and tape worms. He appears to be be about 2 years old, and he's a big boy weighing in at 12.8 pounds. Of course, his friendliness and charm won over everyone at the vet’s office! 

The first 5 nights of Buddy’s transition to being an indoor cat were a little rough. He seemed content to be warm and well fed, but he yowled through the night, wanting to defend his territory. Finally, on the 6th night, Buddy was quiet and content all night long! He even started washing and purring, something that his new family hadn’t yet seen. 

The vet said he had quite a few battle wounds, but otherwise seemed OK. The vet believes Buddy was domestic and was either let out or got out. Buddy (as of the time of the writing of this article) is awaiting his neutering in just a day or two. He’ll get a micro chip too—just in case!!! After about 4 to 5 weeks he will meet his older “sister” who is an 18 year old female cat. The introductions will be slow and careful, but Buddy’s new family is hopeful that it will go smoothly. 

A note from the Humane Society
Please, please, please, if you have a domestic cat, DO NOT ABANDON THEM TO THE OUTDOORS. Even if they have gone outdoors before (which is prohibited at Northgate), domestic cats can not care for themselves. They rely on humans for food, warmth, health, and companionship. Abandonment puts domestic cats at a very high risk of disease, hunger, frostbite, danger from predators, abuse and death. PLEASE, CALL THE HUMANE SOCIETY at 802-862-0135 to help place the cat in a new home.

THANK YOU to all the Northgaters who've looked out for Buddy, whether you spotted him or not! Thanks to Taylor T. and her family who kept a constant vigil to try to catch this elusive fellow, and also to Linda R., Donna T., Eva C., and all the surrounding neighbors who fed and worried and prayed for this kitty. A special thanks to Medina S. who helped get him into the cat carrier to finally get him inside and ADOPTED! 

NORTHGATE ROCKS!!!