Will You Adopt Me? Meet Cinnamon - A Sassy, Smart Lady at Monmouth County SPCA

I’m sure most of you know by now that I am a contributing writer for the Jackson Galaxy Project’s Cat Pawsitive Pro Program. It’s a project that I absolutely love volunteering for because I love seeing cats who were previously considered “unadoptable” find their happy forever homes. From time to time I also form a great relationship with one of my assigned shelters and I love keeping in touch with them. Although the semester is just starting, I’m already forming a wonderful relationship with Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown, NJ.

When Nina Lucow, their Feline Adoption Manager, sent me a draft of their first report I immediately fell in love with the cat, and knew I just had to share her story on the blog and all over social media to help her find her forever home. I’m elated to introduce you to Cinnamon, a beautiful orange Tabby girl with a little bit of cattitude. 

Nina tells me that Cinnamon, a 6 ½-year-old lady, is Monmouth County SPCA’s Cat Pawsitive Pro star. She entered the shelter in August, 2018 as a surrender because, sadly, her owner could no longer take care of her. Cinnamon is one of those “on her terms” kind of cats who is outgoing and can be very affectionate. But if she’s not in the mood, she’ll give you a smack or a nip. Cinnamon reminds me of Lexy who spent a while in the shelter before I found her, and who is extremely affectionate – but definitely on her terms and only when she wants the attention. Maybe that’s one reason I was drawn to Cinnamon. 

Cinnamon also takes time to warm up to someone. When shelter staff and volunteers would introduce her to potential adopters, she would swat or nip at them, which would unfortunately put an end to the meet and greet. Cinnamon is also FIV+. Between her age, FIV+ status, and her catitude, she is a difficult adoption. 

When Monmouth County participated in the Cat Pawsitive Lite program, Cinnamon was their star pupil! She learned to give a stellar high five, which brought her a lot of attention. Cinnamon was in the shelter for almost a year before she was finally noticed by a nice older woman. (It was the high-five that got the woman's attention). Unfortunately, she brought Cinnamon back after a week because Cinnamon nipped her in the home. This was frustrating for the staff because Cinnamon just wasn’t given enough time to adjust and show her true awesome self. This also reminds me of Lexy, who needed quite some time to adjust to being in her forever home. It was a difficult transition for both of us at times, but with time and patience we worked through it and Lexy settled in. She is now a very happy cat and we have settled into a routine that makes us both happy.

Cinnamon absolutely loves to learn and Cat Pawsitive Pro has been so much fun for her. Staff and volunteers love working with her and seeing her mind work as she figures out what they are asking her to do. Cinnamon has mastered high-five, fist bump and nose boop and she is on her way to learning even more! Cat Pawstive Pro has given Cinnamon something to focus on and it has helped her overall mood. Staff and volunteers have noticed a decline in how often she swats or nips and she is overall much more relaxed.

Nina tells me the cutest thing is how much Cinnamon loves to high-five everyone she meets and it’s now her signature move! She says it’s been an amazing tool to be able to use when introducing potential adopters to Cinnamon. Now rather than losing interest in Cinnamon the second she swats or nips them, they do a high five with her and want to learn more about her!

“We still haven't found ‘the one’ for Cinnamon, but being able to show off how smart and skilled she is has been a game-changer!”, says Nina.

Here are two videos of Cinnamon showing off her skills. 







Cinnamon needs a special family, and if you're interested in making her a part of your home and want to learn more about her, please contact Nina Lucow at nina@monmouthcountyspca.org. You can also call her directly at the shelter at 732.542.0040. (Don't forget to tell her Lola sent you!) And we'd be so grateful if you'd share Cinnamon on your social media accounts. 

Have you adopted a shelter cat? Tell us about them the comments. 

Dawn

All photos and videos courtesy of Monmouth County SPCA.