Banjo

My story

To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Please note! Banjo requires another friendly cat at home! Banjo came from a hoarding situation, where he was under socialized. However, with the love and patience of his foster human, and through play with her resident cats, he is really coming out of his shell.  We estimate that Banjo is around 1 years old and he is neutered and up to date on routine vaccinations. Here’s what his foster volunteer says about him:   How would you describe the cat's general personality? He’s shy and a bit anxious, but considering his history, he has made so much progress. He has such a goofy, fun personality. He really loves to wrestle and chase his foster brothers. Even when his brothers play too rough, sweet Banjo never gets upset and often just looks offended and walks away.   Does the cat enjoy being pet? Not yet. We are working on it though! I can tell he WANTS to be pet, and he seems to approach me asking for pets, but runs away at the very last minute. His nervousness is something we've been working very hard on.   If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? I have managed to give him some head rubs a few times, and he seems to like it until he gets too nervous. He also rolls over to show me his belly, but once I try to pet him he gets up & runs away. I think he really wants affection, but he's just not used to it at all.   Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? I have yet to figure that out!   Does the cat come on your lap? Not yet.   Does the cat like to be held? Not yet.   Does the cat sleep in your bed? No, he typically sleeps under my bed for a while at night, and wakes up around 3am to play with my other cats. I wake up to a lot of kitty commotion! It's really funny to see Banjo let his silly side out when he thinks the world is asleep.   Does the cat seek your attention? Sorta. He meows at me a LOT, and comes to me when I call his name and kiss at him. But he doesn't let himself get within 3 feet of my hands usually. He's taking his time to learn to trust humans, and it requires a lot of patience.   Does the cat like to play? Yes, at least with other cats so far. He’s extremely funny and goofy. He LOOOOOVES catnip & catnip toys. He’s a pretty small guy but puts up a big wrestle match with my larger cats. He plays solo a lot too, just throwing toys around himself and rolling around in his tunnels. He gets very spastic and it's quite hilarious to watch him let loose. It’s truly rewarding to see him let himself play.   What are the cat's favorite games and toys? Catnip toys! He loves this one banana toy in particular. He'll play with it for an hour if he doesn't spook himself out.   How vocal is the cat? Super vocal! He really likes to talk to me. I didn't think he actually made any noise until the last week. He sounds exactly like one of my kitty boys, so I can't tell which ones talking to me at me sometimes. Especially when they're wrestling, they both make the funniest cat noises.   What kinds of sounds does the cat make? He chirps, trills, and even meows. He seems to like to announce himself when he's running into a room. His trills are so cute and squeaky. He really has the sweetest, most awkward little meow. I think he's finally starting to find his voice!   Does the cat scratch a scratcher? Yes! He loves cat towers with the scratching posts built in.   Does the cat always use the litter box? Yes :) he's such a good boy with his bathroom habits. He never misses, he's not too stinky, and he buries his messes very well!   What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? Is the cat picky about food? He loves fancy feast wet food. He’s not a huge fan of Friskies wet food. He mostly eats any indoor health dry adult cat food, various brands now that he's started to eat my cats food too haha.   What is the cat's favorite treat? He loves crunchy treats! I think he REALLY wants to try Churu too. He gets so curious and excited when I give my cats some. He seems to want to join in and get some too, but we aren't at the comfort level where he will eat from my hand yet.   Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? No he really hasn't. He hissed many times in the first few weeks, along with some growls, but he definitely gives plenty of warning before he will try to strike you. Now that he is more relaxed he does not hiss or growl.   Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? Once. I tried to pet him after I thought we'd been bonding for a bit, but he was still too scared. I reached into his cubby in a tower to try to pet his head, and he got me with claws. But it wasn't awful. He was just nervous, and we've had a few successful petting attempts since then!   Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? Never. He doesn't even try to bite.   Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? Never.   To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? He’s an anxious baby boy. He grew up not knowing love or affection at all. I've had him for 2 months and he still is wary of me. He tends to be hiding when new people are over. For about half the day, I'm not usually sure where he is, because he hides a lot. But he's made so many strides in the last week or so. My personal cats have been a massive help with his confidence and his comfortability. He definitely doesn't fully trust humans but he doesn't hate them either. He just needs a lot of love and patience in order to bring out his best kitty self &#226&#157&#164&#239&#184&#143   Does that cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? Everything about him is honestly pretty quirky. He's very, very goofy and soooo curious. I can see his personality starting to really develop - he’s so funny and playful. I just know that with love, time, & grace, he will become the best kitty addition to any home :)   In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? I said Yes to fostering Banjo because I love "underdogs". I love fighters. I love spirits that just won't quit, despite all the adversity they face. And that's Banjo for sure. He had very little chance at a happy life for his first year and a half on earth. But he's doing SO great now. He's finding his confidence, his voice, and himself in general. He’s extremely playful and has so much fun with my cats every day. It’s been more than a gift to help this little guy make so much progress. Looking back on where he began, I could cry. I'm so proud of him. He has such a strong will, and deserves a happy, stable life. I know he will get there eventually. I really hope someone out there thinks they might be the perfect safe space for him to continue to flourish.   What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? He's skittish and anxious, as I've said. But once he's comfortable, he's so cute and sweet and silly. The best decision I've made while fostering him has been introducing my personal cats to him. They seem to make him feel very safe, like he can finally let loose. I truly think he will blossom beautifully in a home with other friendly cats. My patience has been abundant with Banjo. He’s definitely the type of cat whose trust you have to earn. But it's so worth it! He's such a lovely little guy under his anxiety. Going slow and steady has been key to helping him learn to socialize so far! To learn more about adopting this cat in Massachusetts, please visit www.blackcatrescue.com or fill out an Adoption Profile at https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston.  June 10, 2025, 11:12 am

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Banjo, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.