Ollie the cat looks like he walked straight out of a storybook. Petite and plush, with gold and cream fur, a fluffy tail ringed in gray like a little raccoon, giant round green eyes, and a "smooshed" Cheshire cat face that makes him look like a living beanie baby! Ollie’s story has involved a lot of change in a short period of time. He has transitioned through multiple homes, and these transitions have been a lot for one small cat. They help explain why he can feel unsure as he settles into new places. Because of this, Ollie is required to be adopted into a quiet, slow-paced home where he is the only pet and all human family members are over the age of 8. A predictable routine and a small circle of adults who move at his pace will help him feel safest.
Right now, Ollie is a very shy boy who’s still learning that people can be safe and kind. In new or changing environments, he shows high levels of fear, anxiety, and stress. This can look like hiding, hissing or vocalizing, and possibly swatting when approached if he feels cornered. Because of this, Ollie will need an adopter who can set him up in a small, quiet starter space (like a bathroom or small office) and is comfortable with very slow introductions and transitions. His ideal adopter will read and respect his body language and let him decide when he’s ready for more contact. Ollie can also become easily overstimulated by petting or interaction. He’s the kind of cat who may enjoy a few gentle strokes and then need a break, and he’ll need a guardian who understands cat signals and is happy to stop before he gets overwhelmed. Handling and vet visits can be especially stressful for him. He has previously been recommended medications before stressful events and will benefit from ongoing veterinary support to manage stress. His adopter should plan to talk with their veterinarian about his history and sensitivities so they can create a gentle care plan together.
Because busy environments have been very hard on Ollie, he’s looking for a calm, low traffic home. In past homes he became very stressed by lots of activity, frequent visitors, children, and other animals, and would fixate on and hiss at people moving quickly. Especially their feet! Ollie also has a few medical needs his new family should be prepared to support. He has a history of chronic eye discharge, likely related to the anatomy of his face which can sometimes contribute to eye, nasal, or breathing issues. His adopter will need to work closely with a veterinarian to monitor his comfort and keep him in a safe environment. Ollie has a form of dwarfism, which gives him his charmingly short legs. This may make it harder for him to navigate some parts of a typical cat setup. He’ll benefit from thoughtful "accessibility upgrades," positioned so he can fully enjoy them without needing to jump too high.
Under it all, Ollie is still that storybook cat who’s curious about the world. The secret to his heart is helping him become more curious than scared: quiet wand and string toys seem to catch his attention, and with gentle, low-pressure play, he’s starting to show small, brave moments. For the right adopter, someone who is patient, experienced with sensitive cats, and ready to invest time, energy, and love into his behavioral and medical care—Ollie has the potential to slowly blossom into a devoted, one-of-a-kind companion. If you’re ready to move at his pace and celebrate each tiny step forward, Ollie might be the shy, special friend you’ve been waiting for!
This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It’s a 14-day, no-strings-attached, trial adoption period. You can take this pet home to try it out! Interested? Come to the shelter any time during open hours and talk to one of our Customer Care staff!
Be sure to check the "shelter information" box on the listing to see if the pet is located at our Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or our Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton). Then, come in during our open hours! Both of our locations are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalservices/adopt
CINNAMON
Mixed Breed
🇺🇸
Fairfax, Virginia
male, medium, adult
Mixed Breed
Fairfax, Virginia
