The Purrfect Pals Cat Sanctuary in Arlington, Washington is a haven for cats of all kinds. Unlike other shelters, it is a no-kill facility that welcomes all felines, even those deemed “unadoptable.” They provide a safe and comfortable environment for cats that are elderly, sickly, or unfriendly to people, with the hope that they will eventually find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes.

One of the cats that found refuge at Purrfect Pals was Pika, who was discovered as a stray living under a shed. Pika was in dire need of medical attention, so the family that found him took him to a veterinarian with the intention of nursing him back to health and providing him with a loving home. Unfortunately, due to a skin condition, he lost his ears, but not his hearing ability. Despite their best efforts, the family had to admit that Pika was terrified of their dogs, and living with them would be unbearable for the young cat. Consequently, they took him to Purrfect Pals, where they were confident that he would have the chance to find the right family that was compatible with his personality.

Pika, a lovable feline with a gentle demeanor, captured the hearts of shelter volunteers and staff with his caring nature, despite his loss of ears that may have caused others to view him as “imperfect.” At the shelter, he met Jane, who had a passion for providing medical attention to cats in need. Having already adopted special-needs kitties like Lefty, Freckles, and Chrissy Lee from Purrfect Pals with conditions such as partial blindness, stomatitis, and corneal herpes, Jane was eager to bring Pika into her home after hearing about him from fellow volunteers.

It took Pika a while to adjust to his new surroundings, and Jane was initially concerned that he wouldn’t get along with her other cats. According to Jane, they have a system for introducing new cats into the household that involves using gates and separate rooms. While Pika did well in his designated area, he was easily frightened by loud noises. It’s unclear whether this is due to his partial deafness, his unfamiliarity with his new home, or simply because he was once a stray.

For more than a week, the cat was satisfied staying in that particular room. However, one day it showed interest in following me out, so I granted its wish. The process of integration was smoother than expected and the cat quickly became playful. It enjoyed carrying a soft cat toy around with its mouth.

Pika is still adjusting to his new family, but Jane has observed that the other cats are taking an interest in him. While Pika seems to prefer the company of their mostly blind cat Lefty, he doesn’t mind the other cats unless they bother him. Lefty is a friendly cat who loves to play, and Jane has seen all the cats sleeping together at times. Though adopting Pika came with some risks, Jane believes that all cats come with risks and that Pika deserves a loving home with the best possible care. With the help of amazing vets, Jane and her family are committed to making Pika’s life as happy and comfortable as possible.