A quiet bond tethered senior cats Mohawk, Oneonta and Delaware. The trio had seen it all — from cramped, chaotic beginnings in a hoarding situation to years of quiet hope at North Shore Animal League America. Until finally the unimaginable happened: all three were adopted together!
In September 2021, Mohawk, Oneonta and Delaware were rescued from deplorable conditions. With dozens of other cats crammed into one space, the three had little experience with human interaction. Upon arriving at Animal League America, the trio’s journey to recovery began, but it was slow and delicate. For more than a year, the three cats lived in our Feline Care Home, where they were given time to decompress.
“It was a long period of socialization,” said Dorit Shevach-Shani, Senior Feline Behavior Manager. “But the Feline Care Home was instrumental in helping them adjust to their new surroundings and gradually learn to trust.” For cats like Mohawk, Oneonta and Delaware, the quiet, controlled environment can be especially beneficial and can help traumatized or fearful cats begin to feel safe.
Laying the foundation for their future adoption took a remarkable team effort that involved creativity, coordination and dedication across departments. One volunteer in particular, Rosann, worked her magic and became a calming presence for them. Finally, the day came when a local TV channel televised a story about Animal League America and it caught the right eyes. A family in Brooklyn had recently been considering adding new cats to their home after losing the last of their own trio over a year ago. On our website they discovered Mohawk and Oneonta, and also noticed Delaware lurking nearby in the video footage.
“When we visited in person, we knew we couldn’t leave him behind,” they shared. Once the adoption was finalized, and Mohawk, Oneonta and Delaware prepared to leave the shelter after more than three years, it was a moment of celebration. Not only had they found a loving home, but they were going to share it together — something no one had dared to dream of when they first arrived. “Adopting three adult cats together is rare,” noted Dorit. “We’ve done triple adoptions before, but they were usually kittens. For three seniors, especially ones with such a history, to find a home together — it’s extraordinary.”
Though the adjustment has been gradual, their new family has created a calm, quiet space where the cats are opening up on their own terms and told us: “These three may never be lap cats, but we have infinite patience for them, and we believe they’ll thoroughly enjoy the rest of their lives with us.”
Each cat has begun showing their personality as they settle into their new home. Mohawk, now called Psota — a Polish word for “mischief”— is the most playful, curiously batting toys around and often watching his adopters at work. Oneonta, renamed Oni after a 16th-century Japanese female warrior, prefers a cozy spot under the desk, close by but just out of sight, a fitting name for her resilient spirit. Delaware, now called Osho after the Indian philosopher, brings a quiet, thoughtful presence and is often found basking by the back screen door, enjoying the scent of ocean air.
At North Shore Animal League America, we don’t give up believing that there’s a home out there for every animal. Our no-kill mission gives our residents all the time they need. It’s not just about saving lives, but giving them a life worth living, no matter how long it takes.
