Critter Details

To adopt this cat from Black Cat Rescue, please fill out a profile https://blackcatrescue.com/adopt-cat-boston Lyric is a beautiful neutered male cat, estimated to be 7 years old and is up to date on vaccinations. Here’s what his foster volunteer says about him: How would you describe the cat's general personality? Lyric is a gentle soul with a big, fluffy body and the sweetest heart to match. He’s a shy boy who finds comfort in quiet, tucked-away places like under beds or dressers, especially when there are unfamiliar sounds or new people around. A vacuum, a door opening, or a change in routine can send him scurrying off to a safe spot. But once Lyric realizes he’s safe and you’re one of his people, something special happens—he blossoms. He quickly grows comfortable with his permanent humans and becomes incredibly affectionate, leaning into pets and soaking up attention. For someone patient and kind, Lyric offers deep, rewarding companionship and so much love in return. Does the cat enjoy being pet? Lyric absolutely lives for being petted. He often starts purring before you even touch him, as if he knows what’s coming. He adores being stroked. Whether gently or with a bit more firmness, he enjoys both just as much—and his soft fur seems made for it, barely shedding at all. He also loves being brushed and leans his face up into your hand, rubbing against your legs while you pet him. He’s quick to roll over and offer his tummy, and he stays relaxed and trusting even when his belly fur is gently scruffed. While he’s being petted, he kneads nonstop and radiates pure happiness. It’s impossible not to smile watching how much joy something so simple brings him, and how eagerly he shares that joy in return. If yes, on what parts of its body does the cat like to be pet? Lyric is very accepting of pets almost anywhere, but he has clear favorites. He especially loves attention to his face, forehead, and the backs of his ears, where he enjoys having them gently pushed back in a long, satisfying “stretch.” His head, back, and tail are all happily fair game. When he’s lying beside you, he often rests his head right in your palm so you can scratch under his chin. And when he rolls over and presents his tummy, he’ll happily let you pet his belly while he kneads the air around your arm, completely relaxed and content. Are there any parts of its body that the cat does NOT like being touched? Lyric is quite tolerant and will allow his legs to be touched, though he clearly prefers his “fuselage,” which gives more room for long, satisfying pets anyway. There is one specific type of touch he doesn’t enjoy: having all fingers and thumb scratch directly on top of his skull. When that happens, he communicates his discomfort politely with a gentle tap on your arm—claws fully sheathed. It’s his way of setting a clear, respectful boundary, and he’s very good at expressing it without aggression. Does the cat come on your lap? For now, Lyric prefers to stay close to the ground. He’ll hop onto a lap briefly, but he’s happiest settling on the chair or bed right next to you, where he can enjoy pets while still feeling secure. If something changes in his environment, he’ll calmly return to the safe space of the floor. That said, this is based on just his first week with his foster, and as his confidence continues to grow, we’re confident he’ll become more comfortable lingering in a lap during his petting sessions. Does the cat like to be held? Lyric will tolerate being picked up or carried, but he generally prefers to be back on solid ground sooner rather than later (usually so he can immediately resume his favorite activity: being petted).  Does the cat sleep in your bed? Lyric hasn’t been sleeping in my bed so much as under it. He clearly enjoys being near his people, but he also likes having his own space to retreat to. Very much a classic cat trait! Does the cat seek your attention? Lyric does seek attention, but on his own terms. If I enter a room where he’s tucked under a bed or dresser, he’ll often let out a little “hello?” meow—a gentle inquiry about coming out. If I pause and wait, he usually does emerge, purring and stretching as he makes his way over, ready for pets, play, or food. That tiny mew is very endearing and a sweet sign of his trust and curiosity. Does the cat like to play? Lyric generally prefers human company more than toys, but he still has bursts of playful energy, especially at night when he enjoys running around with mild “zoomies.”  What are the cat's favorite games and toys? While he’s not obsessed with wands or balls, Lyric does enjoy chasing a laser pointer and having fun in short, interactive moments. How vocal is the cat? Lyric has a gentle, sweet meow that he mainly uses to get attention or signal mealtime. He had some first-night cries that were mostly on account of feeling overwhelmed, but since then, he’s generally quiet and never overly loud or distracting. What kinds of sounds does the cat make? Lyric communicates with soft meows and a deep, rumbling purr. So far, he hasn’t yet been heard chirping at birds or making other playful sounds. Does the cat scratch a scratcher? If no, please explain. Lyric hasn’t taken to the smaller scratching pads we’ve tried, even with catnip, but we’re testing a larger one to see if he prefers that. He doesn’t intentionally scratch furniture—only occasional accidental marks while kneading. Does the cat always use the litter box? If no, please explain. Yes. Lyric reliably uses the litter box and always knows where it is. He instinctively takes himself downstairs when he needs to go; no instruction needed! What food and frequency is the cat currently eating? Lyric eats a mix of wet and dry food. He typically has 1–2 Purina Fancy Feast Petites single-serve pâtés for breakfast and again for dinner, along with some kibble. He free-grazes on kibble during the day and enjoys Churus and other treats in moderation. Is the cat picky about food? No—Lyric is not picky at all! He’s one of the least fussy cats when it comes to food, and happily eats what’s offered. What is the cat's favorite treat? Lyric loves Churus and considers them a special treat. One of his favorite routines is alternating between petting and snacks—and as an extra indulgence, he sometimes enjoys a gentle rump pat while he’s happily eating. Does the cat ever swat (claws in) at you? If so, under what circumstances? Very rarely. On occasion, Lyric may give a gentle, claws-in tap if he dislikes a specific motion during head scratches. He continues purring and immediately comes back for more affection, making it clear it’s just mild communication, not aggression. Has the cat ever scratched (claws out) you? No, Lyric has never intentionally scratched with claws out. The only time was an accidental slip off a lap, when he briefly scratched a leg while catching himself. Does the cat ever nip (teeth without breaking skin) you? No; this has never happened. Has the cat ever bitten you (breaking skin)? No; this has never happened. To the best of your knowledge, how does the cat react to new people? Social? Fearful? Lyric is on the shy side and will retreat to familiar, safe spaces when new people are around. With time and a calm environment, he settles in well. Like many cats, he’s also not a fan of loud noises such as the vacuum cleaner.   If you have observed the cat with other animals, please describe how they get on? I haven’t observed Lyric directly interacting with other animals. That said, when I’ve come home carrying the scent of other cats on my clothes, he hasn’t shown any signs of stress or agitation. Does the cat have any cute/quirky traits that aren’t covered by the previous questions? Lyric's kneading habit is really endearing. He starts purring and making biscuits almost as soon as petting begins! In your opinion, what is the best thing about the cat? Why should an adopter choose THIS cat to adopt? Lyric’s best quality is his gentle, loving nature. He’s an exceptionally kind, patient, and low-stress cat who asks for very little in return for his affection. Despite having faced hardship after losing his first family, he remains trusting and sweet, clearly ready for a calm, peaceful home where he can finally settle for good. Add to that his handsome looks and fluffy yet easy-to-care-for coat, and you have a truly special companion. Lyric is the kind of cat who will quietly make his humans very happy—and one who will be deeply missed. What are the cat's challenges and how have you found to best manage them? Lyric’s only real challenge is that he’s shy with visitors, so meeting him often means bending down to greet him in his favorite safe spot under the bed. Giving him time, speaking softly, and letting him approach on his own works best—and once he feels secure, his sweet personality shines through.   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.