Adoption Tails #4: Riesling (Formerly Known as Casper)

Welcome to the fourth edition of Adoption Tails, our blog series that highlights YOUR pet’s story!

Today we capture the beautiful tale of Riesling (formerly known as Casper), told by his cat mom, Joyce. Enjoy!

Riesling and Moscato.

When did you adopt Riesling?

December 31, 2016.

How old was Riesling when you adopted him, and how old is he now?

Riesling was six months old when he was adopted, and is now about two-and-a-half years old.

What motivated you to adopt Riesling?

Four months before I adopted Riesling, I had adopted a nine-month-old kitten from a shelter and my vet said he needed a playmate. The first cat, Moscato, loves other cats and was immediately loving towards Riesling.

Silly Riesling doing his hind leg dance before a meal.

Did you have pets previously?

I always have had a cat and my previous cat lived to 19 years of age. She was a littermate of two other cats I had for many years. I had three cats for many years and now have two: Riesling and Moscato.

How did you hear about/decide to adopt from Karma Cat + Zen Dog Rescue Society?

I went on the Petfinder website, saw a picture of Riesling and decided to visit him in person. He is cross-eyed (one eye) and this gives him a distinctive look. Love!

Describe when you first met Riesling and how you knew he was the right pet for you.

I was at the Karma Cat station at PetSmart in North Brunswick. A volunteer put Riesling in my arms and when he looked up at me with those goofy cross eyes … I was gone! He was also very gentle and let me carry him about.

Riesling and Moscato – best buds!

Describe bringing Riesling home – how did the adjustment period go?

Riesling was (and still is) a shy, easily frightened and overly cautious cat. Moscato is just the opposite. When I brought Riesling home, I had made him a big box home (with litter inside) so he could hide and come out when he needed. When I took the box away, he hid under the sofa. It took him three days to come out from under sofa and be under a chair. Three more days and he was out and about, fully adjusted. It took him time to realize there was no danger here.

If applicable, describe any personality/behavior changes from since you brought Riesling home, to now.

Riesling is still fearful, but much less so. When my boyfriend comes over, Riesling will hide under the bed for an hour before coming out. But then he’ll be with us, even sleeping with us, the rest of the time.

Handsome Riesling enjoying the view!

How would you describe Riesling’s personality?

He is sweet, lazy, sleeps way too much and is often fearful, and likes to hide. He does play but is not as playful as my other cat. He gets along well with Moscato, they often cuddle together. But Riesling is very jealous, usually when Moscato is on my lap. Riesling loves looking out of my many large windows and he is entertained by birds and squirrels.

Please describe any silly/quirky traits Riesling has.

When he is being fed, he initially stands up on his two hind legs. It is really cute!

Interested in sharing your own Karma Cat + Zen Dog Adoption Tail? We want to hear from you! Click here to submit your story!

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