My foster writes: Dex took about a week to fully settle in, but every single day, a little more of his personality came out and underneath that is an absolute lover boy!
At first, Dex was a big fan of hide-and-seek. He'd find a cozy hiding spot during the day, but once you went looking for him, he'd come out ready for attention and love. After just two weeks, the hiding stopped altogether, and he now confidently makes himself at home. He's also been incredibly approachable and friendly with visitors, both men and women, showing just how social and adaptable he can be once he feels comfortable.
Dex is affectionate, but in a wonderfully independent way. He's not a lap cat, but he absolutely loves being close to you. If you're on the couch, he'll happily curl up on the cushion next to you, often right up against your body. And if you're in the mood for a proper cuddle, all it takes is a little pat-pat on the spot where you'd like him to settle, and he'll happily snuggle into the crook of your arm or curl up on your chest. Otherwise, he's perfectly content just lounging nearby. If you're working, he likes to settle into a chair next to you and keep you company. He's the perfect balance of affectionate and independent, always happy to be close, but equally happy to give you your space.
Dex also LOVES to play. He's a fantastic independent player and can happily entertain himself with his toys, especially little mice-definitely his favorite over feather toys! Toss one for him and he'll happily go chasing after it. He's not particularly treat-motivated; the real way to his heart is affection and playtime.
One of Dex's most unique features? He has no teeth! We're not sure how he ended up with his adorable toothless smile, but it certainly doesn't slow him down. He eats both wet and dry food normally and doesn't require any special assistance at mealtime. And while he'll still need routine veterinary care, there are no future tooth extractions to worry about!
He's also an incredibly easy roommate. He has great litter-box habits, does wonderfully with an automatic feeder for his wet food, and can have dry food left out without overeating-one bowl can last him a couple of days.
Dex is the perfect mix of independent and affectionate: happy to do his own thing, playful enough to keep himself entertained, but always wanting to be nearby when it's time to relax. He's a sweet, silly, loving little companion who just needs a bit of patience in the beginning. Once he knows he's home, his personality truly shines, and you'll have a loyal little sidekick who brings so much love and entertainment into your life.
What my friends at ACC say about me:
At this time, Dex is displaying a high level of FAS in shelter. While he now loves neck scritches and head pets, accepts full body pets, and tolerates pickup, it has taken him a very long time to warm up. He still may escalate to some distance increasing behaviors and hissing when his boundaries are pushed. He is described as a friendly, affectionate, and lazy indoor couch potato who spends most of his time in the living room or bedroom of his home when he is not relaxing by an available window. He plays gently, will fetch items, chase bugs, and chase/pounce on feet. Due to him being reported to eventually warm up to strangers and be friendly and outgoing, playing gently, after he initially is actively avoidant and prefers contact on his own terms, the behavior team feels that these reactive and distance increasing behaviors may be shelter-specific. Dex would make a great pet, but is struggling in the shelter environment. This cat is suitable for adopters with previous cat experience who are willing to work with a cat who needs time and patience to help him adjust to their new home.
A volunteer writes: Dex was brought to us after his guardian passed away and has been coming around to the Care Center in his very sweet and very own way. We've heard that Dex is friendly and playful when he feels comfortable, and can be a little bit of a couch potato. Though at the shelter, Dex has decided to be more of a burrito. Burrowing into towels has been kind of his thing. Burrowing could be a game, it could help him feel safe, it could make an otherwise not so fun day just a tiny bit brighter. Dex knows he could spend more time introducing himself to families, as that is what he really needs, but what he hopes they'll notice, besides the adorable lump of cat snuggled under a towel, is that he's really made some progress. He loves to play and brightened when I offered him a little toy to cuddle with. Raising his paws above his head to bring the toy closer to his face, it's easy to see how much Dex is trying. He was sweetly social in his previous home and is patiently waiting for another chance.
Primary Color: Black Secondary Color: White Weight: 14.4lbs Age: 7yrs 3mths 0wks Animal has been Neutered
ELLIOT
Domestic Short Hair
male, small, adult
Domestic Short Hair
