Northport Adoptable Pet Of The Week: Costello

NORTHPORT, NY — Costello, a 5-year-old male tuxedo, is the Northport Cat Rescue Association's Cat of the Week.

He previously lived outside in a beach town in Queens called Breezy Point, where he would visit a loving couple each day to get fed and for some kindness, according to Lora Wild, a volunteer with the rescue.

"Sadly, the couple passed away and when their family came to pack up the home, they met Costello who was still coming every day for some food and love," Wild said. "He was confused and meowed, not understanding where his friends that took care to make sure he would not go hungry were. Not wanting to leave this special guy behind to fend for himself, they called NCRA for help."

Costello had a friend he hung around with named Abbott, who has since been adopted, Wild said.

"Costello has been in foster care, and something wonderful has happened," Wild said. "We realized, he is not just an outdoor cat, but rather enjoys the comforts of being inside, and has the most loving personality as well. He will stretch and roll on his back for belly rubs. He looks you straight in the eye as if to say 'hi — I am here — give me a chance.' His facial expressions tell a story, and he desperately needs a break."

Costello is FIV positive, according to the rescue. FIV Positive is short for feline Immunodeficiency virus. FIV is only contagious among cats and is difficult to transmit, which means if Costello is your only cat, there are no concerns, or if you have another FIV Positive cat, it also means nothing, according to Wild.

Cats with FIV can also live happily with other cats and never spread their virus. In fact, Costello lived outdoors with Abbott for years, and he remained FIV negative. Costello can live a long and happy life, Wild stated.

"He is a wonderful companion, who by no fault of his own, had faced the challenges as an outdoor cat," she said. "Now he is looking for a home to finally call his own so he never has to look over his shoulder to stay safe again."

Costello is neutered, has all his shots, is litter box-trained, and micro-chipped.

If you are interested in meeting Costello, you can head to the Northport Cat Rescue Association website and fill out an application to let them know you would like to meet him or any of the other kittens and cats. You can also call NCRA at 631-606-2631 or email it at info@northportcatrescue.org.