Bertie arrived at Tabby’s Place with his sister Ernestine. She was adopted months ago, but Bertie is still with us. That’s not due to his looks; he’s quite a handsome boy, with unusual, very dark tabbyish patches over his back, head, and tail; he has symmetrical white markings on his face, with a white chin, chest, and tummy, and white on all four paws. Bertie’s issue is simply fear. He was scared to death when he first came to us and for months afterward. As far as we know, he’s a healthy guy.

These days, Bertie lives in a small suite with a handful of other cats. He’s done well with the other felines around him; he does not necessarily buddy up to them, but everyone is co-existing peacefully. With people, Bertie has improved considerably, though he has a long way to go yet. We think he’d do best in a home with no small children. It’s likely he’d be fine in an environment with another cat or three, as long as none of them are too domineering. Note, however, that he’ll require an adopter with patience to bring him out of his shell.

We’re looking for someone who has a big heart, time, and patience in equal measures, someone who can treasure Bertie just the way he is, yet can give him the gentle attention he needs to become a loving companion.