Overview:
Zola is a gorgeous medium-sized Maine Coon with a soft gaze and the most endearing “monkey chirps.” She’s extremely smart, curious, and communicative, making everything from chirps to hums to meows to let you know what she’s thinking.
Zola enjoys birdwatching from windows, puzzle toys, spring toys, and short play sessions with strings or wands. Outside of playtime, she’s calm and docile, often found sprawled on a bed or chair. She loves being near her person, and once she bonds, she’s incredibly affectionate and loving.
Zola is strictly an indoor cat, though she enjoys fresh air through screened windows or short, safe harness walks in the yard. Because she’s a bit clumsy, she needs a home without tall, risky perches or hard-to-reach crevices that she can get stuck in. I call it a Zola proof home!
Personality & Energy:
- Mostly relaxed, with playful bursts (especially with her spring toys).
- Shy at first but warms up with patience, she prefers people to let her approach (she’s become accustomed to people offering a finger for her to sniff before she comes over).
- Nervous with loud sounds and fast movements, so she’ll do best in a calm household.
- Bonds deeply with her person and thrives with companionship and attention.
- Gentle: she communicates with hisses when scared but has never bitten or scratched.
Ideal Home | Zola would thrive with:
- A single person or couple who works from home or is around often.
- A calm, quiet household (no small kids, no loud/chaotic environments).
- Someone experienced with cats who can tune into her emotional and mental needs.
- She may enjoy the company of another gentle pet, but any introduction should be slow and gradual. It’s important that her new home is stable, as I wouldn’t want her to have to be relocated again if the match doesn’t work out.
Training & Behavior:
- Fully house-trained and indoor-only
- Clicker-trained for some tasks (like going into her soft carrier).
- Understands “no” and responds well to gentle redirection.
- She loves gentle praise, being told she’s loved / good girl, and receiving slow blinks of affection.
- Uses a specific welcome mat as a scratching post and leaves furniture alone.
- Can be harness/leash trained with patience and treats.
Medical & Special Needs:
- Spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Her holistic vet believes she may have had a vaccine reaction as a kitten that contributed to her sensitive temperament. This has improved with age, but vaccine mindfulness is important. She does experience temporary symptoms (lethargy, sneezing) after the FVRCP vaccine, so her vet advised it isn’t necessary to give it yearly unless she’s in a higher-risk environment.
- Shaving needed every 5-6 weeks (lion’s cut) to prevent hairball issues. She does best with gabapentin for grooming, car rides, and vet visits.
- Has been on a prescription allergy diet (Hill’s Z/D), now transitioning to Weruva under holistic vet guidance. Eats wet food, with probiotics and chicken treats daily.
- Uses Okocat natural pellet litter (dust-free, better for her breathing as she’s respiratory sensitive).
- Needs a home mindful of air quality (HEPA vacuum, no candles, smoke, or strong scents). She is sensitive to environmental irritants.
- Recently recovering from a mild soft-tissue back injury (3 weeks to date). Currently in crate or small room with gentle play and gentle movements.
- Pet insurance and medical records can be transferred to new owner.
Why I am Looking for a New Home For Zola:
Zola is a deeply loved companion. Unfortunately, due to major life changes and instability, I can no longer give her the consistent care and attention she deserves. She needs someone who can provide a stable, patient, and loving home where she will feel safe and cherished.
✨ Zola is not just a cat, she feels like a little person with a big heart. With attentive care, she’s a happy, sweet, and affectionate companion who will bring so much joy to the right home.