If you’ve walked through the Humane Society’s adoption center recently, you may have passed by two very special cats without ever realizing it. Nippy and Nellie arrived in June after their owner passed away and have been quietly waiting for a new beginning.
Both are tucked away in kennels just outside the adoption cattery. Because they are shy and often curl up behind their curtains, they’re easy to miss. While visitors come and go, Nippy and Nellie patiently wait for someone to notice them—and to see the gentle souls they truly are.
Nippy is 9 years and 2 months old, and despite her feisty-sounding name, she’s all sweetness. She’s the more outgoing of the pair and loves to chat with anyone who stops by. Nippy adores attention, happily soaking up pets whenever possible. When she gets excited (which is often!), she drools — a quirky and endearing trait that staff have grown to love. With her striking mismatched eyes and affectionate personality, Nippy would make a perfect companion for someone looking for a cuddly, loving cat.
Nellie, at 11 years and 7 months old, is one of the oldest cats in our shelter and a true gentle soul. She startles easily and prefers to take things slow. Once she feels comfortable, her quiet charm shines through. Nellie enjoys head scratches in small doses and occasionally rewards people with a soft purr. She has beautiful green eyes and an independent spirit. Nellie does have an allergic skin condition that adopters should be aware of, though she does not require a special diet.
Although Nippy and Nellie were surrendered together, they are not a bonded pair and do not need to be adopted together. They’ve lived separately at the shelter and enjoy having their own space. Both would thrive best in calm, quiet homes with no other pets and no children.
As senior cats, their adoption fees are waived. All they’re asking for is a peaceful home free from the hustle and bustle of shelter life with plenty of treats and someone to cherish them for who they are.
Sometimes the most wonderful companions are the ones waiting just a little longer to be seen. Nippy and Nellie are ready — are you the one they’ve been waiting for?
Pets are available for adoption through:
• Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka. Phone: 574-255-4726. Website: www.HSSJC.org.
• Second Chance Small Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 2403, Elkhart, IN 46515. Email: 2ndchancesmalldogrescue@gmail.com. Websites: secondchancesmalldogs.org.
• Heartland Small Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 6033, South Bend, IN 46660. Phone: 574-400-5633. Website: www.heartlandsmallanimalrescue.org.
• South Bend Animal Resource Center, 521 Eclipse Place, South Bend. Phone: 574-235-9303. Website: sbacc.petfinder.org.
• Pet Refuge Inc., 4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend. Phone: 574-231-1122. Website: www.petrefuge.com.
• Elkhart Humane Society, 54687 County Road 19, Bristol. Phone: 574-475-4732. Website: elkharthumanesociety.org.
• PetsConnect Inc., P.O. Box 8104, South Bend, IN 46660-8140. Phone 574-282-1225. Website: www.petsconnect.org.
• Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group, Website: www.homewardboundawg.com. Email: homewardboundawg@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Nippy and Nellie: Overlooked senior cats seek quiet home, fees waived
Reporting by Cheryl Morey, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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