Looking for a mellow pet who loves belly rubs? Meet Zion from the Cal Poly Cat Program

Though change has been a constant in his recent life, Zion’s loving and playful nature endures.

His foundation — as a much loved kitty— is strong, but was tested when his owner was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Initially his good care continued, but when failing memory and confusion became a daily challenge, Zion’s care declined and mistakes were made, including his eyes receiving medication intended for a mild ear infection.

Thankfully no damage was done, but this — along with other distressing changes — resulted in his owner needing to move where Zion couldn’t go.

Suddenly at risk for homelessness, the Cal Poly Cat Program was contacted and a loving foster family took Zion in.

Through it all, five-year-old Zion remains a mellow kitty with a pleasurable, low-energy vibe and — once his initial shyness has passed — he loves to snuggle up for attention or roll on his back to invite belly rubs.

Zion’s not fussy about food and munches down his Royal Canine Feline Hydrolyzed Protein crunchies with gusto. Zion excels at playing with toys — with people or happily by himself. He’s a gentleman with his litter box; a devotee of cardboard scratchers; and a connoisseur of comfy furniture.

His foster mom says he’s the best cat in the world. Questions about Zion? Please email adoptionscpcp@gmail.com or call 805-305-4179.

Zion is a big boy with an even bigger heart, who longs for a loving family to be his rock in an ever-changing world.

Cal Poly Cat Program (CPCP) began as a Senior Project in 1992 to address the campus’ rising homeless cat population by initiating a Trap-Neuter-Release program. It expanded its efforts with a second Senior Project that established a feline adoption program.

Since it’s inception, CPCP has become a no-kill, student-led, non-profit providing care for abandoned, surrendered, and feral cats, as well as special-needs felines from other shelters that have deemed the cats unadoptable.

CPCP’s goal is to find loving adoptive families for homeless companion kitties and insure the Cal Poly feral cats are altered and vaccinated.

All cats available for adoption have tested negative for feline leukemia; have all their age-appropriate vaccinations; and have already been spayed or neutered. The adoption fee is $50.

Individuals can help by volunteering, fostering, adopting or donating.

This story was originally published March 11, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Looking for a mellow pet who loves belly rubs? Meet Zion from the Cal Poly Cat Program."