Pinocchio came to us back in 2024 as a tiny one‑month‑old kitten, and he’s been in foster care ever since. His long stay is due to ongoing medical issues that required careful monitoring and a very consistent routine. He essentially has megaesophagus—or something extremely similar—even if it was never formally diagnosed. The treatment approach fits his symptoms, and it has helped him stay stable.Pinocchio is a cat who likes things on his terms. When he’s asked to do something he doesn’t want to do, he can get cranky or a bit belligerent. His foster has always respected those boundaries, but during a nail trim recently he very forcefully showed his opinion. Because of this, Pinocchio is not a good fit for a home with children and will need an adopter comfortable with a cat who communicates clearly when he’s overwhelmed.His feeding routine is essential. He eats Kirkland Pate, smashed with a fork and mixed with an electrolyte/water blend until it’s very soupy. He eats from a raised platform about six inches high. He is only vocal during meals, and while he used to struggle with severe regurgitation, he now rarely does. When he does have an issue, it’s occasional vomiting rather than the chronic regurgitation he had before.Pinocchio prefers a quiet, predictable environment. He will occasionally play with a foster cat friend, but he mostly enjoys doing his own thing and doesn’t seek out a lot of social interaction from other animals.Pinocchio needs an adopter with patience, experience, and a willingness to maintain the feeding routine that keeps him stable. In the right home—one that understands his boundaries and medical needs—he can continue to thrive. Adoption includes: spay/neuter, microchip, FVRCP vaccine(s), rabies vaccine, flea prevention, and deworming medication. Just a quick note—he's currently in a foster home, not at the shelter, so he won't be available for walk-in visits. If you'd like to meet him, we'll need to schedule a meet and greet in advance. Let us know what days work best for you, and we’ll be happy to coordinate! Completing a questionnaire on any other website does not submit an application to our rescue, you must complete one on our website. If you have any questions, please email us at adopt@MidwestPetRefuge.com
