It’s said that cats have a great capacity to mystify people, and little Thorn has been quite a puzzle for us. Brother to our Blossom and son of Momcat Pollen (also at Tabby’s Place), this little guy just hasn’t grown very much. Although he was born on or around April 6, 2012 and is just about eleven weeks old at this writing (7/1/12), he’s much smaller than normal for his age. In a kitten, lack of growth can be a sign of something very serious, but we’ve given Thorn a battery of tests, and every one has come back negative. It’s possible that he’s just the runt of the litter, but right now we cannot say that for certain. He likes to snuggle and bursts into a huge purr when you pet him, and he does play sometimes, although he’s unquestionably more sedate than his sister Blossom. He has not been neutered yet, as he’s still too small.

Thorn has a white tummy, as well as white on his face (particularly his nose) and all four legs and feet. The rest of his fur is a sort of grayish-black, and his fur has the same unusual, almost woolly, texture as his sister’s.

We don’t think Thorn will ever be a very big cat. Although he’s pint-sized, he’s managed to monopolize a large share of the hearts of many of our staff and volunteers. Come in to meet him and find out why!