Longest Resident Cat at the Dutchess SPCA Finds New Home

Big news for a cat that has spent the last 2 years at the Dutchess County SPCA.

Back at the beginning of August, we shared the story of "Annie" the cat who has spent the last 2 years at the Dutchess County SPCA in Hyde Park, New York. At the time Annie was the DCSPCA's longest-running resident cat, and after being surrendered in 2021 she was looking for her forever home after surviving a rare disorder.

Annie the Cat Finds New Home

Annie's unique story was shared by numerous outlets in the last month and because of that nine-year-old Annie has found her forever home according to News 10, she now answers to a new name, Tapenade. Tapenade's new "cat mom" Renee, from the Albany, New York area has officially adopted her after seeing her story online and has brought her home forever!

Dutchess Cat has a Rare Disorder

Last month the DCSPCA told us that when Tapenade was surrendered to the shelter in 2021 she started to exhibit unusual behavior. They told us, "She started exhibiting dramatic episodes of chasing and biting her own tail for no apparent reason."

The unusual behavior led the DCSPCA veterinary team to start running tests to try and figure out what was wrong with her.

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After running tests, they decided to treat her with a medication used for seizures in cats and dogs, and her condition improved. The veterinary team at the DCSPCA has diagnosed Tapenade with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes small focal seizures.

The diagnosis will likely require medication for the rest of Tapenade's life but that didn't stop Renee from adopting her.

She told News 10,

"I’ve been a cat parent for quite a while, and as someone who has my own rare disorder, Sturge-Weber Syndrome, I tend to gravitate towards cats that the world may have looked down upon for things they can’t control."

Renee and Tapenade sound like a perfect match,

"When I had been told she was still for adoption and finally met her after a drive from Albany, I was ready to adopt her on the spot – and I did,” said Renee. “I’m hoping we can have plenty of happy years in the future – and I want people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to adopt a special needs or older kitty."

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How's Tapenade Doing?

Renee told News 10 that Tapenade is a "sweet and curious girl who loves to sit at the window and watch the birds, play with plushies, and she meows every time you enter the room." If you are interested in adopting a new pet make sure you contact the DCSPCA online or in person at 636 Violet Ave, Hyde Park, New York.