Northport Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Cooper

NORTHPORT, NY — Cooper, a 6-year-old male tabby, is the Northport Cat Rescue Association's Cat of the Week.

Cooper was abandoned and left to fend for himself when his family moved, said Lora Wild, a volunteer at the rescue.

"This sweet boy thankfully found a kind gentleman to ask for help," she said. "He called us to let us know Cooper was crying for days at his door asking for food and trying to get warm. The first night we rescued Cooper, there was snow on the ground, and we brought him indoors to get warm."

Cooper had an old, dirty flea collar tightly around his neck that the rescue had to cut off. He began purring immediately and rubbing his head against the volunteers as if he was thanking them, Wild said. Cooper then curled up for a peaceful sleep.

Cooper is positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is only contagious among cats and is difficult to transmit, according to Wild. Cooper cannot transmit FIV to dogs or other pets, Wild said. There are no concerns if Cooper would be his next family's only cat, or if the family's other cat(s) are positive.

"Other than ensuring that there is no aggressive fighting or biting, most cats with FIV can live happily with other cats and never spread their virus," Wild said. "Cooper can live a long and happy life, but he needs to be given that chance."

Cooper thrived in foster care, according to Wild. He was a loving, playful, purring machine. He would roll over for belly rubs the moment anyone touched him.

"He is calm and soothing as if he knows if you are having a bad day and need to be cheered up," Wild said. "Perhaps because he has had some hard days himself, he understands what is needed."

Cooper is currently in the rescue's habitats at Petco Huntington.

"Our volunteers there are totally obsessed with him, as he is the biggest mush and makes them all smile," Wild said. "Cooper needs a family that will never give up on him again."

Cooper is neutered, has all his shots, and is litter box-trained, micro-chipped and FELV negative.

To meet Cooper, or any of the association's other kittens and cats, head to its Northport Cat Rescue website and fill out an application to let them know you'd like to meet him or any other cats. You can also fax an application to 631-651-5597 or call NCRA at 631-606-2631.