This Kitten’s Got Talent! Are You the Adoption Idol Simon’s in Search Of?
Like his PETA-supporting, fur industry–bashing namesake, when Community Animal Project fieldworkers first met four-legged Simon Prowell, he proved to be no-nonsense and—at times—a tad spicy. (Being born outdoors and among hoarding hell will do that to a bloke.) He was crusty, too—no, not surly or gruff; he was literally crusty. At just 4 weeks old, thanks to a ghastly upper respiratory infection (URI), Simon’s right eye was covered in discharge and nearly swollen shut. The poor cat was sneezy, wheezy, flea-infested, and thin. Simon was just one of many animals being kept in squalor by a hoarder at a property in rural southeastern Virginia.
The kitten’s owner’s desire to collect cat after cat towered over his capacity to provide necessary care for the sick or injured cats who depend on him, including tiny Simon. With no money and no transportation, Simon’s owner turned to PETA for help. After PETA’s mobile clinic provided free spays, neuters, and vital veterinary care for many of the cats from the property, who also had the lurgy, fieldworkers convinced the cats’ chap to keep the newly fixed felines indoors and to allow PETA to find Simon a new home—one where he would receive vital care and medicine and would recover in a safe and quiet gaff indoors.
After being treated for fleas and the URI, Simon’s same-day glow-up was prizeworthy. Simon’s managed to stay humble, though—he creates his own hype, but he doesn’t ever believe it. Safe and sound in foster care, the wee tabby continued to mend and come out of his shell. And while one of his foster feline siblings complains that Simon monopolises the wand toy during play sessions, Simon has just 10 words for him: “It would hurt my feelings if I respected your opinions.”
But while Simon can’t help but take centre stage when playtime ensues, the orange-coloured cutie does seem to strongly prefer a mate or two. Simon’s foster guardian reports that the feline fella also enjoys riding around the house on a sturdy shoulder and sleeping curled up on his human’s chest. Simon is roughly 10 weeks old now and will be neutered and fully vaccinated before adoption.
Like a bad American Idol audition, Simon Prowell’s start to life was “extraordinary. Unfortunately, extraordinarily bad.” Now, PETA’s hoping to discover a One Direction–quality home and family for the deserving lad’s remaining days.
Will You Win Simon’s Vote?
The object of this competition is not to be mean to the losers but to find a winner.
So, do you got talent? Sing your best tune over to [email protected] to find out if it’s enough to earn adoptable Simon’s golden buzzer:
