Toby (previously Toe Beans) began showing up around the neighborhood of a PAWS Atlanta staff member last summer. After a few months, he began to show up with scratches and marks on his face. The other neighborhood cats were bullying him and he had the scars to show for it. So, our staff member decided to take him in to help him heal. They figured they would release him back out after his face had healed. However, Toby soon proved to be more than ready for a home indoors. He readily accepted head rubs and made air biscuits. Our staff member knew that he needed a loving home.

After arriving at PAWS Atlanta, Toby tested positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). While most FIV+ cats live long, healthy lives, they can still spread the virus to other cats, so they usually need homes where they're an only cat or living with other FIV+ cats. This means our FIV+ cats take longer to find homes. To our delight, though, Toby found a home after only a few months at the shelter. His mom, Marcia, came to PAWS Atlanta looking for a cat to be her companion. Her previous cat had passed away, and she was finally ready to adopt again. She wanted an older cat and one that would be social and affectionate. 

Our team introduced her to a few cats in the Cat Cottage, but none of them were quite the right fit. The final cat for her to meet was Toby. As Marcia approached his kennel, he immediately stuck his paw out and meowed to greet her. Before we could even tell her anything about Toby she said, "This is my cat." She knew immediately that Toby was the perfect match.

Because he had never lived in a house before, Toby took a little bit of time to adjust. Six months later, though, Toby is king of the castle. Marcia says, "Toby has come out of his shell. He has settled into ownership of the whole house. He loves his sun porch and figured the cat door out on his own. He is still somewhat clumsy, so I'm not tempting him with a Christmas tree this year!

I love how smart he is!  He touches me with only his paw, no claws. I pet him while saying "gentle" and he returns the touch. He is quite the mama's boy: he usually prefers to be in the same room and will follow me around. He's asleep at my feet as I type this."

We couldn't imagine a better beginning for Toby. This winter, he finally gets to be warm and cozy with his mom instead of roughing it outside. Happy tails, Toby!