Bishop has a mind of his own, a soft spot for the people he trusts, and a very clear understanding of how he wants his happily-ever-after to look. He has subtle tabby stripes that show through his dark coat, giving him a little extra uniqueness. He's a thoughtful, independent guy who likes to take his time getting to know people and prefers to keep all four paws firmly planted on the ground. Bishop isn't the kind of cat who will immediately jump into a stranger's arms, but give him time, respect his boundaries, and you'll discover a sweet, goofy companion with some serious affection to share. He's a boy who believes relationships are built on trust, and he's looking for someone who agrees!
Bishop's story is a little different from most. He was born outdoors and was originally scheduled to be neutered and ear-tipped as part of a TNVR program. The plan was for him to return to the outdoor life, but Bishop had other ideas! After being brought indoors as a young kitten and eventually weaned, he was given the opportunity to head back outside. Instead, he made his way to the front door, sat down, and waited. And waited. Apparently, he had already decided that outdoor living wasn't for him, and he wasn't interested in negotiating. It became pretty clear that Bishop wanted to be an indoor cat, so we listened! He was welcomed inside, where he has continued growing into the sweet boy he was always meant to be. We think he made an excellent decision, and now he's hoping to find a forever family who will agree.
Bishop is initially shy and can be nervous in new places or around unfamiliar people. He may need some time to settle in and figure out that his new surroundings are safe. He's also a big believer in personal boundaries, especially when it comes to being picked up. Bishop is not a fan of having his feet leave the ground, and he would much rather enjoy affection with all four paws comfortably on the floor. He's hand-shy at first and prefers to decide when he's ready for pets. But once he trusts you, he has a wonderfully sweet way of asking for attention. He loves doing figure eights around your ankles, rubbing against you, and making sure you know he's ready for some affection. He's got major lap cat potential, although we suspect he may grow into more of a sit-next-to-you, sleep-next-to-you kind of gentleman. And honestly, having a little shadow who chooses to curl up beside you is pretty special!
One of Bishop's funniest qualities is his ability to communicate without saying much at all. He's a pretty quiet guy, but don't let that fool you. He makes eye contact and fully expects you to understand what he's thinking. Sometimes that look means he'd like a little attention, and other times he's practically telepathically demanding that you get a wand toy out immediately. Apparently, humans should be able to read minds, especially when playtime is involved! Bishop enjoys wand toys, fuzzy mice, and spring coils, although he's generally more of a lounge-and-relax kind of guy. He likes climbing and exploring, but he's not constantly on the move. His favorite sleeping spots include warm beds and cozy cave beds, where he can settle in and enjoy some uninterrupted downtime.
Bishop is food motivated and particularly enjoys wet food. He's a social eater who appreciates having company at mealtime, but he may occasionally decide another animal's dinner looks more appealing than his own. Keep an eye on those food bowls because this quiet gentleman has a little food thief in him! He has excellent litter box habits and uses scratching pads and posts appropriately. One thing to know is that Bishop isn't especially fond of having his paws touched, so nail trims and foot handling may require a little extra patience. He's an easygoing boy in many ways, but he does have a few personal preferences, and respecting them is part of earning his trust.
Bishop has had positive interactions with other cats and kittens and would enjoy having a friendly feline companion. He plays well with Ripley, although the two aren't technically bonded. He could also be perfectly happy as a solo cat with a family who gives him plenty of companionship and enrichment. His experiences with dogs are unknown, so a dog-free home or a very careful introduction would be the safest approach. Bishop can be shy around strangers, men, women, young adults, and children, so he'll need a family that understands he may take time to warm up. He should do best with considerate, gentle children who respect his space and understand that not every cat wants to be picked up or handled. He's not aggressive; he's simply a sensitive guy who likes to make his own decisions about friendship.
There's one other important thing we're keeping an eye on with Bishop: he may have the beginnings of stomatitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the mouth. He's currently experiencing halitosis, and we're working to learn more about what's going on. There's still a possibility that he isn't dealing with stomatitis, and we're certainly hoping for that outcome! If he's officially diagnosed before adoption, we will provide the oral surgery needed to help him feel better and live his best life. We want his forever family to have a clear picture of his health and know that we're looking out for his well-being.
Bishop would thrive in a calm, patient home where he can settle in at his own pace and build a relationship based on trust. He doesn't need someone who expects instant cuddles or a cat who wants to be carried around like a baby. He needs someone who appreciates the quieter forms of affection: a little ankle weaving, a sleepy companion beside them, a soft purr, or that special moment when he chooses to come over and ask for pets. The aloofness you might see at first is temporary, and watching his confidence grow is one of the most rewarding parts of getting to know him. Give him a cozy cave bed, some tasty wet food, a wand toy, and the freedom to make his own choices, and you'll be well on your way to winning his heart.
Bishop once made it very clear that he had no intention of returning to outdoor life, and we have a feeling he'll be just as particular about choosing his forever person. He's a sweet goofball hiding behind a shy exterior, an independent little gentleman with a playful side, and a companion who will make you feel extra special when he decides you're his person. He may not be the cat who runs up to greet everyone, but the bond you build with Bishop will be worth every bit of patience. He's already chosen the indoor life. Now he just needs someone to choose him!
