Presto

Description: DSH black/brown tabby
Born: Approximately March 20, 2026
Gender: Neutered male

History:

In the summer of 2026, someone who managed a feral colony near his work-place noticed a new cat coming for the food that was provided there. Shy and wary, the newcomer was small and young – a kitten, in fact – but looking to be in good shape. Of no relation to the black and white regulars of the colony, and appearing suddenly, he was probably abandoned, possibly near the colony, known by other people to be fed. The colony manager, who works with PAW, decided to capture and, at the least, have the youngster fixed. Trapping him was easier than expected, and accomplished in mid-August. Taken to the vet, he was neutered, determined to be in good shape, and about five months old.

Personality

Coda, as he was named, was not feral. Placed in his rescuer’s home as a foster, he was very shy, but had undoubtedly come from a home at some point. He was also familiar with other cats; he had either had litter-mates in his earliest days or his first months were spent in a multi-cat household. From the start, he was curious about the other felines in his new home.

Introduced to the other cats, Coda was open to friendship almost immediately. Though a little cautious, the other kittens in the home (four boys, very close to Coda’s age) were also receptive, as were a couple of adults known already to be amenable to youngsters. It was not long until Coda was rubbing up against the residents, against pretty much any cat willing to be his pal. He was not just accustomed to other cats, he liked them. He began playing with the other kittens soon after meeting them.

Such was his integration into the large group of resident felines that it was not long until Coda was allowed to roam anywhere he wanted at any time. Soon he was zooming through the house chasing or being chased by his fellow kittens, the ‘Tempos’ (Presto, Allegro, Andante and Largo, all available for adoption), though Presto and he seem to have become particularly good friends. Their wrestling matches are vigorous and entertaining, but harmless. Coda has two ‘uncles’ among the adult cats, who groom him, one of whom is also a tussling partner.

Coda’s relationship with his foster-guardian is progressing, though more slowly. Initially, he hid whenever the human came into his room. Then, he started staying out of his spot, but hurrying back there quite often. When he was free to go where he pleased, Coda still resorted to his safe-room to feel secure. Food and play have brought him forward tremendously. A string-toy or streamer-toy allowed the human to interact with Coda at what the latter felt was a safe distance, but that distance has been shortened with every play-session. And once Coda learned that the resident person provided food, and he could eat in peace, he became bolder in accepting it. He started joining the other cats in the kitchen, waiting on service at meal-times. At one point, he would eat under the bed. Just recently, now he doesn’t want to eat under there any more, and accepts the food out in the open.

Coda is not ready for adoption, but that day will come, and possibly soon. He is making progress all the time. He loves other cats, and we think he will want his own human.

And his name? The Tempos were named after movements in a symphony. A coda is a small addendum to a symphony, something to round it off. With, initially, five kittens, and now this one, Coda’s foster-guardian hopes the symphony is now ended for a while…

UPDATE October 4th, 2026: Coda is allowing his human to touch him, even at times other than play and meal.