Pip, Orange Cat Found At Warehouse, Seeks Home: Northport Kitty Of The Week

NORTHPORT, NY — Pip, a 1 1/2-year-old orange cat described as a sweet companion who “never gave up on love,” is Northport Cat Rescue Association’s Kitty of the Week.

“Sometimes the hardest part of animal rescue isn’t finding a lost cat — it’s realizing that no one is coming for them,” the rescue said.

Pip wandered into a local construction company’s warehouse, where workers refused to let her fend for herself, according to NCRA. They built her a small shelter, made sure she had fresh food every day and watched over her while hoping someone might be searching for her.

When weeks passed without anyone claiming Pip, the workers contacted Northport Cat Rescue Association so she could receive veterinary care and begin looking for a permanent home.

Then, volunteers thought Pip’s story might have a happy ending.

A routine scan showed Pip had a microchip, and her family was located, the rescue said. According to NCRA, the family told rescuers they had been searching for Pip for months and were overjoyed she had been found. They said they were on their way to bring her home.

Veterinary staff, the workers who cared for her and rescue volunteers were all hopeful Pip would soon be reunited with the family she had missed, NCRA said.

“But that reunion never came,” the rescue said.

Hours passed, then a full day, according to NCRA. Volunteers made phone calls and left messages, but no one arrived and no one returned the calls.

“Pip had been found,” the rescue said. “She simply wasn’t wanted.”

Despite that disappointment, volunteers say Pip never allowed the experience to change her gentle nature.

While she stayed at the veterinary hospital, Pip greeted technicians with quiet affection and accepted gentle touches and kind words, NCRA said. When she arrived at her foster home, she was understandably uncertain at first, but it did not take long for her personality to show.

“Today, Pip is the definition of a companion cat,” the rescue said.

Pip curls up in laps “as though she’s always belonged there” and sleeps beside her foster mom’s daughter every night, the rescue said. She has become a beloved member of the foster household.

Pip also politely introduced herself to the resident cats and would do well in a home with another friendly feline after a proper introduction, NCRA said. She would also be content as the center of someone’s world, soaking up attention.

She is not a fan of dogs, according to the rescue.

Pip also has an unexpected talent: she plays fetch.

“Toss her favorite toy across the room, and she’ll happily chase after it and bring it right back, eager to play again,” the rescue said.

NCRA said Pip’s playful nature, affectionate personality and desire to be close to people make her an “extraordinary companion.”

The rescue also noted that orange female cats are uncommon, making Pip “just as remarkable on the outside as she is on the inside.”

Volunteers said they cannot help but wonder whether Pip lost her family twice, but they hope those heartbreaking moments may lead her to the family she was always meant to have.

“Maybe life was simply making room for the family she was always meant to have — the one who will never leave her waiting, who will choose her every single day, and who will give her the forever home she has spent so patiently hoping for,” NCRA said.

Pip is spayed, fully vaccinated, microchipped, litter box trained, and FeLV/FIV negative.

Those interested in learning more about Pip or completing an adoption application can visit the Northport Cat Rescue Association website. For additional information, call 631-606-2631 or email info@northportcatrescue.org.

“Sometimes changing a life is as simple as showing up,” the rescue said. “Pip is still waiting for the person who finally will.”