Julio - One & Only - Protectors of Animals

We are scheduling appointments for adopters to come in and meet our available cats. You do not need to choose a specific cat and we are not placing cats on hold for specific adopters. Julio needs to be a only cat.

Sometimes, what seems like the worst thing that could have happened turns out to be the best thing.

Take Julio, for example. This gorgeous tuxedo boy is nearly 10 years old. When he was a youngster, he was adopted from Protectors of Animals. He probably thought he’d live happily ever after with a loving family. Maybe he and his people really were happy together—right up until Julio’s health started to decline. At that point, though, things changed. His people were unwilling or unable to get him the care he needed, and surrendered him back to us.

So here was Julio, older and sickly, barely able to stand. Luckily for Julio, our medical team and veterinary partners are amazing, and they figured out what was going on. As it turned out, Julio had developed diabetes that had gone untreated. In an even luckier development, we were able to get Julio into a medical trial for diabetes treatment. Thanks to all this good fortune, Julio doesn’t even need insulin injections. He takes a daily pill and has a special diet, and this is enough to control his diabetes. Bravo, Julio!

While we were figuring out his medical condition, Julio lived in a loving foster home. According to his foster family, he was an engaging, lovable, and mischievous guy who loved to hang out with his people. At the shelter, Julio is a bit more timid with people, but he simply adores playing with toys. Show this lovely boy a wand toy, a laser light, or a stuffed toy, and Julio will forget his shyness as he runs, jumps, and explores with all the verve of a healthy, happy young cat. In those moments, we see how sunny and special Julio really is.

So, the worst thing that could have happened to Julio—getting sick and being surrendered—is proving to be the best thing, because he’s ready for a new start. With his diabetes under control, Julio is bright and energetic and ready to join a new family, one where he will be cared for and played with and loved forever and ever. Our medical team can tell you more about what’s involved in managing Julio’s diabetes, including the importance of keeping him out of other cats’ food dishes.

For every 9 cats that are easy to place, there is one special cat that requires more support to find the right fit in a forever home.

At Protectors of Animals, we take this job seriously. A cat that needs special circumstances to thrive needs a special adopter or foster and we are here to do everything we can to facilitate the connection between special cat and special person. It’s often not an easy or quick process, but when the connection happens, it’s magic for everyone involved.

10-year-old Julio is such a cat. He is looking either for a forever home or for a long-term foster with a person who understands that the road ahead might not always be easy but who is unafraid to love and is able to care for him no matter what. Previously adopted and then returned to POA when his health went on the fritz, Julio is understandably unconvinced that love can persist for better or for worse. He only knows that some people can’t stay the course. While we understand that life happens, and situations can flip overnight, cats don’t understand the socio-economic dynamics of humans. They only know the resultant loss. And so, Julio wonders if his change in circumstances is somehow his fault, even if his illness was not something he chose.

You see, following his return, we learned that Julio had developed diabetes. His ailment can thankfully be controlled with a daily pill and special diet, no shots necessary! But Julio will always need careful maintenance of his weight. He also needs to be a one and only both by inclination and due to his propensity to eat food that is not his and that worsens his diabetes. This is not an easy combo of circumstances to navigate, but we’re confident there is someone who fits the bill.

Julio is an engaging, lovable, and occasionally mischievous guy who loves to hang out with people according to his first, temporary, foster family. At the shelter, with its commotion and regular cycle of new faces, he’s been more reserved, but there is a secret to Julio’s heart; he loves to play and defies his 10 years by jumping and pouncing after toys with the energy of a much younger man. In a situation where the routine and the people were known, we see Julio as a steadfast and friendly presence.

What Julio needs is a tall order for many, but we’re all hopeful that there is someone whose life circumstances align well with Julio’s and together they will make the perfect match both have been waiting for.

To find out more about Julio or about the long-term Foster program (where we will be responsible for his medical care) please start by filling out the application on our website and please mention Julio by name. Our placement team will be in touch by email and our medical team is also available to answer your questions. If Julio is not a fit for you, please consider spreading the word. Julio is very loved, but he has been with us too long. He is ready to go home.