My name is SPARTICUS!

Sparticus:

I am a large, handsome guy with good litter box manners!

I am easily stressed/overwhelmed during transitions. I am looking for an adopter who is willing to give me as much time as I need to settle in - this could be a couple of days, or a couple of weeks. My success will be dependent upon how well my adopters are able to read and understand my body language.

It is recommended that I be set up in my own space (an extra bedroom or bathroom), a space unused except when feeding me or cleaning. I should be left alone initially as I adjust. My space should include plenty of hiding places, ideally with access to a vertical surface such as a cat tree or cat-proofed shelf, with easy access to a litter box, food, water, and a cat bed.

I should not be approached or picked up when I am hiding or showing fearful body language like curling up into a tight, tense ball, flattening my ears backward or to the sides, hissing, growling, swatting, etc. Ideally with enough time to myself I will begin to relax and move around more freely while my adopters are visiting my room. I can gradually be given more access to the home only when I am confidently moving about my environment and when I remain confident with relaxed body language when my adopters spend time with me. I am looking for a family that is committed to keeping me comfortable and to not pressure me to do things.

During my initial stay here at the shelter I really struggled with transition. I expressed this by hiding behind things. I am looking for an adopter who will be committed to giving me space and letting me adjust to what I need without applying any pressure.

I have been diagnosed with bladder stones, and I was put on a dissolution diet here at the shelter. I may need recheck abdominal x-rays to assess if the stones are resolved. Depending on the type, urinary stones can form due to a number of underlying causes including congenital predispositions, diet, structural issues, hormonal influences, or other factors. Animals with a history of stone formation may be more likely to form additional stones in the future, or have other concurrent urinary tract concerns, and should be monitored for clinical concerns (straining to urinate or inability to urinate, blood in urine, increased urination frequency, increased urination/drinking, etc). Assessment by a veterinarian is recommended if these concerns are noted, and ongoing monitoring and