There are some truths in the rescue world that, although sad, remain constant. Every day, cats of all ages, colors, and personalities are rescued from the streets. But that’s just the beginning. Patience is crucial with these terrified souls, as you work to keep them alive and help them transition from homeless to adoptable. The final step is finding the perfect family to welcome them into their home. However, certain felines always seem to catch the eye of adopters, making them overlook all other cats. This is especially true when people ask, “Do you have any Siamese cats?” or say, “I’ve always wanted a polydactyl cat.”
A Special Rescue
When the sweetest Siamese polydactyl cat was found at a local colony, rescuers knew his journey would be unique. This discovery was made by Chris Poole, also known as Cat Man Chris, who has been monitoring a feral colony for years. With the help of dedicated feeders, they have kept a group of feral cats fed, healthy, and adopted whenever possible. This colony is near a new building site, a massive intersection, and a field known for hunting coyotes, making it a dangerous place for any cat.
One day, Chris received a call from Christine, one of the caretakers, who had spotted a new face—a massive Siamese boy who showed no fear. This behavior suggested he was either abandoned or had escaped from his home, as he approached her begging for pets and food.
Christine was able to get the loving boy into a carrier the next morning, and he was off to a new life. Chris picked him up and settled him into his “Catty Shack” where he would be safe.
Valentino’s Journey Begins
Almost immediately, the Siamese polydactyl cat reached through the bars of his cage with his big heart-shaped paws, begging for attention. This endearing behavior earned him the name Valentino.
Valentino stayed with Chris for a few days, during which he went to the vet and a foster family was found. Chris and his wife enjoyed keeping him company while plans for his new life were made. Valentino tested negative for FIV/FeLV and had no microchip. He was only about a year old, though the vet did discover he had a slight heart murmur, rated as a “2-3 out of 6,” which might come and go.
A Temporary Home
A local animal rescue in Pasco, Florida, stepped in to help Valentino. They understood the importance of finding a home that wouldn’t exploit his unique genetic traits. Valentino, with six toes on each paw, front and back, went to his temporary home with foster mom Sheridan.
It didn’t take long for Valentino to win over Sheridan’s family with his “big love.” Though fostering often means saying goodbye, Sheridan’s family came close to adopting him themselves. The same was true for Cat Man Chris’s family.
A Forever Family
Valentino’s heart, however, led him in another direction. He found a family that needed him as much as he needed them. They had recently lost their beloved cat and were healing from the loss, alongside welcoming a new baby and settling into a new home. Valentino, now known as Hemingway, became the key to healing their broken hearts.
Named after the famous extra-toed cats of writer Ernest Hemingway, Hemingway’s new family’s love for the tropical islands is surpassed only by their love for him.
Conclusion
Congratulations to Valentino, now Hemingway, and his new family! Thanks to fostering, he was given the chance to wear his heart on his… sleeves? <3
