After years of being a "man about town," a cat finally decided it was time to settle down when he met the family of his dreams.
Chatman aka RocketExploits Valley SPCA
For the first two years of his life, an orange-and-white cat wandered from place to place until animal control rescued him and brought him to the Exploits Valley SPCA.
He was frostbitten and covered in fleas, but he was finally safe. Despite everything he had gone through, the cat was friendly and leaned into human affection. When no one came forward to claim him, the shelter placed him up for adoption and named him Chatman because, as staff explained, "he likes to chat."
"He's super friendly and doesn't like being behind bars."
Exploits Valley SPCA
Chatman was treated for fleas and began healing from frostbite. For what was likely the first time in his life, he learned to accept other cats and even shared a room with them at the shelter so he wouldn't have to be confined to a kennel.
"He lost the fleas right away with medication, and he lost his tough-guy attitude as soon as he was neutered. He did lose one ear tip to frostbite, but he thinks it makes him look tough."
Exploits Valley SPCA
Every day, Chatman waited for someone to walk into the room, fall in love, and take him home. Whenever staff or volunteers stopped by, he turned on the charm, posing with his handsome good looks, offering snuggles, and pressing his face into theirs for affection.
That same month, a local business owner brought him home, making Chatman their mascot. He moved right in and quickly began running the show.
Exploits Valley SPCA
Over time, however, his adventurous spirit for the outdoors grew, and he made it clear that he would not be contained. "They had trouble keeping him from exploring, so he was often out on the trot and made a name for himself around the town."
Eventually, he wandered onto a nearby farm. Surrounded by other cats, his old tomcat instincts resurfaced, pushing him to defend his territory.
Exploits Valley SPCA
Recognizing this wasn't the life Chatman was meant to live, he was brought back to the loving arms of the SPCA. "He returned with hugs to give everyone, as if he was a long-lost friend back for a visit."
The staff believed the perfect home was still out there for him. "Maybe someone with a massive catio or another idea. We want the best for Chatman, and that includes his happiness."
Exploits Valley SPCA
"He's the most lovable cat. He loves giving hugs and chatting. He just needs the perfect setup for a happily ever after."
For a while, it seemed Chatman was chasing endless adventure, and the shelter worked tirelessly to find a solution that would keep him happy and safe. In the end, it became clear that what he truly wanted was the right connection. He was searching for his person.
Exploits Valley SPCA
"After many years of being a 'man about town,' he is now totally enamored with his new role as 'boy's best friend."
Sullivan told his parents that he wanted monster trucks and an orange cat for Christmas, so they began looking for a friendly cat. "That's when Chatman became available. We read his profile and knew he would be the perfect fit for our family," Sullivan's parents shared.
Exploits Valley SPCA
Chatman, now renamed Rocket, quickly bonded with his little human, following him everywhere around the house. He showered him with snuggles, curled up beside him on the couch and in bed, and stood guard like a devoted protector.
As it turned out, Rocket hadn't been searching for adventure. He had been searching for his little human. And once he found him, he was finally home.
Exploits Valley SPCA
"So Santa came early and delivered our little boy his orange kitty for Christmas. He fits in with our family so well, and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect match—our true Christmas miracle."
Exploits Valley SPCA
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