My name is Bruce Purrstein!

LOCATED IN WATERLOO REGION, ON
DOB: 4 November 2021
Microchipped

Have you ever wondered what Shrek would be like if he was a cat? Well, wonder no more: Bruce Purrstein is Shrek in a cat-suit. He’s gruff, tough, and wants to be left alone. But his crusty shell is armour he’s built to cope with life.

Bruce is one of many cats who came to TCR from an apartment with dozens and dozens of cats. As stressful as that apartment was, it was the only home he knew. Then one day he was scooped up, taken to the vet to be neutered and checked over, then off to a foster home. Lots of strange humans grabbing him and doing stuff. Bruce arrived at his foster home hissing and spitting.

Even after all he’s been through, he’s willing to give humans another chance. He doesn’t hiss anymore, and he rarely hides. He’s discovered furniture, and claimed the best seat on the couch. He doesn’t really like being touched, but he will tolerate strokes while he’s occupied with food. That’s a big act of trust: if his foster reaches out too quickly, he flinches. The fact that he will accept any human contact shows what a big heart he has.

In his past over-crowded life, being wary and grumpy helped Bruce survive. In his new life, with space to move and enough food to go around, he’s gradually unlearning those behaviours. But it takes time: learning is hard, unlearning is even harder.

Bruce prefers cats to people (who doesn’t). He made friends with the gregarious young cats and is respectful of the aloof older cat. He adores his kid sister Beetlejuice and they often snuggle together. Bruce is comfortable with the resident senior dog. However, a boisterous dog may bring out his inner Shrek.

Bruce is a good egg in a hard shell. He needs an adopter who will meet him where he is, and respect his boundaries.

Note from foster: Brucie isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. He is a work in progress. The first day he let me pat him, I texted everyone. The first day without any hissing, the first day he played, or lounged on the couch: life with Bruce is a journey of firsts.