My name is Boom and here is my story. Settle in!

I was a terrified, freezing feral kitty (around 9 months old) found huddling under a truck in Northern Alberta. I was a big ol’ mess with chunks of missing fur. In November 2023, Rescue Friends took me under their wing.

For a long time, I imitated a sad little loaf of bread with eyeballs. My foster had to set up a camera in my room to make sure I was ok because I’d only come out when I was alone.

When I moved in with my current foster family in December 2023, their ancient, creaky dog would have none of my “loafing” around. She plopped down and hung out with me for weeks while I figured out my new life was pretty wonderful.

And then, one day, BOOM! I unfurled, stretched, and cautiously began to interact. My foster mom swears up and down that someone snuck in one night and swapped cats!

The other day I overheard my foster mom talking about me –

“I can honestly say that I have never met a cat like Boom in the 18 years I’ve fostered. This little puddle of love is so animated and full of life, crazy curious, super smart, and full of beans. Mr. Boom follows us around, happily chit-chatting about his day with gentle chirps, trills, meows, and chirrups. BadaBoom is energetic in short spurts and then peacefully curls up afterward to watch the birds or have a nap. A typical kitten, he gets the zoomies and boings around my old dog like Tigger the Tiger and then crashes lol. He is ALWAYS up for a game! Beautiful little Boom adores scooching in tight when we are reading or watching TV (bird shows are the best!), and his warm little body and low rumbling purr lull us to sleep. He is an absolute champ with the litterbox, uses his scratching post only, and never counter-surfs! And, HE DOESN’T SHED! What the heck? Goofy Boom cracks me up with his playful antics, his teeny tiny Count Dracula fangs, and his bigger-than-life personality! He is still pretty shy with new people but is getting braver every day. I’m harness-training him so he can hang out in the sunshine on the deck with us! It’s a process but he is embracing the adventure!”

But…what was that about the missing fur?

Here’s the thing. Even though I was safe with Rescue Friends, little tufts of fur were still appearing all over the place. And I was the culprit! Yup, a quick tug and…Phhhttt. Blech. Gag. Done. Leaving a little patch in my beautiful fur coat. Why on EARTH would I do that? Allergies? Anxiety? Pain? Well, after 4 months of medical tests, medication, and diet trials AND learning to adjust to living the good life as an indoor cat, this is what we know. I am not in pain. My bloodwork is clean as a whistle and I am a strong and healthy young man. We still aren’t entirely sure about food allergies so I’m on a special diet for now. I tug tiny tufts of fur when I have excess energy built up from excitement, stress, anticipation, agitation, and even boredom. Turns out I don’t know what to do when I’m feeling a little anxious or excited. I wear my heart on my sleeve and my fur on the floor. My vet figures that tugging is a self-soothing habit.

Oh, and in case you are madly googling right now – my vet has determined that I do NOT have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. NOPER NOPE. Which is great!

Is this a big deal? Well, I know it can look a bit weird – but I’m not hurting myself and I’m not in pain. My shiny black fur is mostly filled in and I am gorgeous – but I will likely always have a few little patches. Let’s face it – life has stress and it is what it is. I am improving every day as I gain confidence and learn the ropes of being in a family. So…there ya go. I am a delightfully quirky bundle of imperfect perfection.

I will continue to thrive with someone patient and understanding – remember, I was a terrified feral cat who had some kind of trauma not that long ago. I need to continue to go at my own pace while I get to know you. It took me 2 months with my current foster to really “get” that I was in a great place. By the way, my foster mom has loads of videos she can show you in case I’m shy when you visit!

I need someone who will play with me for fun AND use play to help me “shake it off” after a stimulating event (e.g., a vet visit, meeting new people, a fun harness training session). This is essential. I am smarty pants and love mental stimulation and games. My foster mom can talk with you about her little tricks to distract me if I’m becoming too enthusiastic with grooming – she even has a little t-shirt she pops on me if I’m overfocused.

I’m not for someone who just wants a lazy, lollygagging kitty, at least not now. I’m still a kitten and a family guy who adores company and cuddles. Based on the fact that I am determined to turn my ancient doggy friend into a playmate, I would enjoy a furry buddy as long as they are kind to cats.

In return for your devotion, I will be your shadow, your best friend, your partner in crime, and your chatty little snugglebug.

I can’t wait to meet you!
Boom