There was not much interest in ET, the grumpy kitten that was taken care of at the Provincial Drenthe Animal House in Beilen. But last weekend an owner was found who was willing to take care of the cat with all his love.
ET is anything but an average cat, Alwin Tol said a few days ago. He is the manager of the Beiler animal home and a few weeks ago saw a cat come in that he does not easily encounter in the shelter. ET, named after the alien movie, is bald, wrinkly and missing an eye. In addition, the skin needs weekly care. So no cat pee.
Until Saturday, when Eric visited ET during the home’s open day. “As far as I’m concerned, this cat is the first to find a home,” says the cat person, who was already well provided with the necessary fun with three cats. In addition to ET, the Hoogevener took home another Sphynx, bringing the total to five four-legged friends behind the front door.
58-year-old Eric loves cats. He prefers to take care of animals that could use some extra support. For example, two of his current cats were dumped in the water by the previous owner. The cats were saved from drowning and found a safe living environment with Erik. Another of his cats has bladder problems. “But there is nothing wrong with special food.”
He takes care of the animals with all the love. “We live in good conditions. So if the cats need extra care, we can pay for it. I want the animals to have a good life.”
Somehow he understands that potential owners are not eager to take in a cat like ET. “Many people shy away from it because they need quite a lot of maintenance. For example, they have to take a bath once a week. The ears have to stay clean and you have to keep the nails maintained. Many people find that too much work. This increases the chance that they staying in a shelter for a long time is bigger. Especially if he only has one eye. That scares people off. Those types of cats are especially welcome here.”