CLIFTON, NJ – Artie, a sweet-natured orange tabby, spent months at the Clifton Animal Shelter dreaming of a forever home—and his patience has finally paid off.
From Streets to Shelter
Artie’s journey began when his previous family moved away, leaving him to fend for himself outdoors. Rescued through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, he quickly proved he was never meant for life on the streets.
“He’s a special cat with a heart full of love to give,” shelter staff shared. Despite his rough start, Artie’s affectionate personality shone through.
A Loving Spirit with Special Needs
The 2- to 3-year-old tabby is FIV-positive, meaning his immune system requires extra care—but shelter staff emphasized that FIV+ cats can live long, happy lives.
“Don’t let that scare you,” they said. “Artie loves head bumps, cuddles, and purring the day away on a warm lap.”
Described as a “snuggle king,” Artie thrived on human attention, preferring to be the only pet in a quiet home. Volunteers adored him, often finding him greeting passersby with gentle head bumps in hopes of affection or treats.
The Long Wait for a Home
Despite his charm, Artie waited months for adoption while other cats came and went. Shelter staff were baffled, calling him a “total love bug” who just wanted a family to call his own.
“Every day, he hoped today would be his day,” they said. “But each night, he went to bed alone.”
A Happy Ending
The shelter tirelessly shared Artie’s story—and it worked. After being repeatedly overlooked due to his FIV status, the affectionate tabby finally found his perfect match.
“He waited so long,” staff shared. “All he wanted was a lap to sit on and someone to love him.”
Now, Artie enjoys his new life far from shelter cages, spending his days curled up with his adoptive family—proof that even the longest waits can end with love.
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