Gracie

I had a home. It was a good home and I was a good girl. I used my litter tray and I used the scratching post like I was supposed to. I loved my family, but I gave them a little space so they didn't always have to be playing with me or petting me. I had good social skills with people and I even liked the big dog I lived with. So what happened?

I don't understand finances or the economy or unemployment or foreclosures. All I know is that's what caused me to lose my home. Now I'm living in a shelter.

People say I'm a pretty cat and I have an exotic face and striking dark stripes. I'm very playful when I'm happy and especially like string toys. I'm still young -- I just turned two years old this month. It's not the way I wanted to spend my birthday but at least I have a place to stay for now.

Here's a video of me playing. What do you think? Can I go home with you?

Abby

I don't know why I've been at Animal Aid for so long. It's been almost 2 1/2 years. People say I'm pretty. I'm a Norwegian Forest and Maine Coon Cat mix. I'm declawed too and some people like that. But when it comes down to adopting me, no one seems to connect. I suppose there are times I don't make as good an impression as I might. Maybe another cat just pounced on me (remember I don't have claws to defend myself) and I decide I want to go somewhere to hide. Even though the volunteers try to make it feel like home at the shelter, the fact is there are 20+ other cats in the room with me.

So enough whining! Let me tell you about all my good points. I love to play. The cat dancer is my favorite. It's a wire with bits of paper at the end that moves like a fly. It's a challenging game and I like that. String toys are good too. Even though I don't have claws, I can still catch them pretty well.

And I'm affectionate too. I like to flirt and will touch your face with my paws or maybe come over close and give you a little sniff or kiss. I do a good flop-and-roll and dare you to tickle my tummy. I will make muffins for you and brush up against your legs.

Yes, I'm a bit quirky. I like to drink out of the faucet -- it tastes so much better! And I chew on plastic shopping bags. I can't tell you why I do it, but I do.

I suppose I would prefer to be an only cat, but if you already have a laid back kitty at home, we could probably work it out. But I'm scared of dogs and little kids.

So, what do you think? Would you like to adopt me?

Gus

I'm a snuggler and a lover. If you want someone to climb up in your lap or even climb up in your arms, then I'm your guy. I will do anything to get more petting, including standing up on my hind legs. I'll thank you with lots of purring and headbutts.

Second to petting, I like food. I'm not a fussy eater. I guess I like all the comforts of life.

I'm an easygoing kitty and enjoy friends of my own species. I'm playful too. Just watch the video of me and the toy mouse. I showed him who was boss. He wasn't very tasty.

So if you're looking for a good cat friend, stop by and visit me. I'm only 4 years old.

Moxie

Even though things aren't perfect now, they're better than they have been. I won't go into details, but I was rescued from a bad situation.

Right now it's not that easy being in a room with lots of new cats, but they're all pretty nice and going through the same thing I am. We're all just waiting for a home.

I'm a fluffy girl with big hair. They call me a Norwegian Forest cat mix because I have similar markings and personality. I've got the longest whiskers you will ever see and they curl up at the ends. Salvador Dali, eat your heart out.

I like being petted a lot. I'm playful and like string toys. You'll see me grab for the videocam strap in the clip below.

I just need a family to give me a chance.

Go to the Animal Aid website, http://animalaidpdx.org/ , for more information.

Muffin

I've got a positive attitude. After living with my family for 10 years, they decided they didn't want me anymore. But you know what, I bet there's a more loving family out there that will appreciate all my good qualities. In the meantime, I'm going to try my best to enjoy life in the shelter. I like other cats, so I play with them all, young and old. I lived with a dog before and they're ok too. And, of course, I humans are great! The food is pretty good here, and the volunteers and visitors give me attention. It could be worse. I could be in a home that doesn't want me anymore.

I don't want to forget to tell you about my purr. I get soooo excited when I am being petted that my purr gets higher and higher until it's almost a chirp. I bet if you petted me a really long time it would go up so high only dogs could hear it.

You're probably doing the math, thinking if I was in a home for 10 years, just how old am I. Well, I was born in 1996, but I've had many friends who have lived to their early 20s so hopefully I've still got quite a few years left. Don't they say people with positive attitudes live longer?

If you're trying to be polite and not ask about the spot above my eye that doesn't have much hair, let me explain to save any embarassment. I had a big bump over my eye. The vet removed it and the fur is in the process of growing back. I think the vet did a very good job. It didn't bother me at all, but the people at the shelter figured no one would want to adopt a cat that looked like Elephant Man. BTW, it won't grow back, I don't need meds, and it was a benign growth. Now that that's out of the way, why don't you stop by the shelter and visit me. Check out our website for hours and location: http://www.animalaidpdx.org/ .

Grayson

Hi everyone! My name is Grayson. I'm a friendly and outgoing guy. Just as well because when my family moved out and left me behind, I had to make friends quick -- very quick -- or else I wouldn't have anything to eat.

I'm a young guy, only a year old, so I'm energetic and playful. I hang around with Prince (see blog below). He's a good role model and teaches me the finer points of being a gray cat. I already know all the basics: head butts, pushing my head in someone's hand to get a little more petting, brushing up against legs.

I'm not sure if I'm going through an awkward growth stage or not. My feet are big, my tail is long, and at times I can be a bit clumsy when I'm tackling a toy. Then again, maybe that's how I'll always be.

If you want to meet me, I'm at Animal Aid, www.animalaidpdx.org .

Mitzi

I had a home for my whole life -- 10 years -- and then one day they decided they didn't want me anymore. I was pretty scared when I first came to the shelter. There were new people and lots of new cats -- I am declawed so I knew I couldn't defend myself if they picked on me.

But I'm doing better now. I am in a quiet room with Cindy and Goldie, and I can sit and look out the window. My favorite game is tapping a toy mouse off a shelf and watching it fall to the ground. I've got one of the volunteers trained so she picks it up and I can tap it off again.

I'm affectionate and like being petted. If you want to win me over, I really like a good chin scratch. So what do you think? Can I go home with you?

You can visit me at the shelter: http://www.animalaidpdx.org/