Fatherly cat watches after homeless kittens at shelter

By Lindsay Perry CONTRIBUTOR

Fathers have a great impact on the next generation. At Palmetto Animal League, our “cat dads” are no exception. Every now and then we rescue a big male cat whose calling while at our adoption center is to be a father figure for tiny kittens.

Roller is an extra large, extra sweet, extra chill kind of dad. When you walk into Cat Room 6 at PAL, it’s incredibly charming to see how fatherly he is with the kittens.

“This sweet boy has a tremendous capacity for love,” said PAL volunteer Lori Higgins. “His big, round eyes exude kindness as he takes in all the kitten antics happening around him.”

Roller came to PAL in March as an owner surrender, and since then he has become an amazing surrogate single dad to two litters of kittens.

“We found out that he really enjoys being with kittens more than adult cats,” said PAL Foster Coordinator Sally Dawkins. “He’s a patient and devoted father figure as he watches over the little ones and comforts them with snuggles.”

When it comes to people, there’s a sure way to win Roller’s undying affection.

“He may take a little time to warm up at first,” said Higgins. “The key to his heart is a good and gentle brushing and a kiss or two on the head.”

Due to Roller’s ample physique, we encourage him to make a few daily laps around the adoption center to stay healthy.

“With a tail not proportional to his body, you can’t help but smile when he goes sashaying by,” said Higgins.

When he’s not working on his dad bod or watching over his adopted kittens, Roller is often found snoozing in his cat tower, waiting for his next meal.

“Roller’s fifth birthday was May 17, and he’d love to celebrate the next one with a family,” said Dawkins. “He would enjoy being an only cat or having just one other cat friend in the home.”

In honor of Roller, and in loving memory of her dad, a faithful PAL supporter is matching all donations through Father’s Day, June 18. Donate in honor of a special father in your life and every dollar will be doubled to rescue animals like Roller. Plus, PAL will send a Father’s Day eCard on your behalf. Visit PalmettoAnimalLeague.org and click on “Double the Love” to send a card. If you’d like to meet Roller and his adopted kittens, pay them a visit at the PAL Adoption Center, 56 Riverwalk Blvd. in Okatie, Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lindsay Perry, Palmetto Animal League Marketing Coordinator