Meet Onslow, a gray ticked tabby, who has been waiting his whole life for a real home to share with his sister, Rose (also available through this program). He is about a year and a half old. He used to be so scared of humans that his foster mom, who had been told he was female, called him “Ms. Freeze.” Once he felt safe and got close enough, he was discovered to be a big beautiful boy (around 16 pounds), and he was given the name Onslow, a character on the British comedy “Keeping up Appearances.” He has made amazing progress and now thinks humans are great! He loves getting treats and pets from his foster humans. He loves to play with his plastic spring toy and will chase it all over the room! He will participate in interactive play with his foster mom if she brings out the feather boa or the “Cat Dancer” toy. He also likes to playfully wrestle with his sister, Rose. He enjoys being up high and likes to lie on top of a four-foot bookshelf. Onslow is neutered and microchipped. He has completed all of his vaccinations, and his rabies booster will be due in July 2026. He is litter-box trained.
Onslow and Rose were born in a household with many other cats in a hoarder situation. Because there were so many cats, they were never properly loved or socialized. They were removed from that situation at about 8 months old, and put into a large storage room with several other cats at a farm, but the owner of the farm was not able to give them much attention or socialization, just food and water and a relatively safe space to live. For the next 8 months, they spent most of their time hiding behind boxes and furniture. They were taken to their current foster home in May of 2025. They have their own room (which they share with two other foster cats) full of cat beds, food and water, a cat tree to climb, a table in front of a large window from which they can watch birds and squirrels, and lots of toys. Their foster mom has been working with them daily to socialize them and let them feel safe and loved for the first time in their lives. They have made remarkable progress and have blossomed in a safe, loving, and patient environment. They have learned that humans can be wonderful creatures who give pets, toys and treats. They love attention and interactive play. They love it so much that they are now eager for a home with a pet mom or dad of their very own who will love them as much as they deserve. Because of their past trauma, they would not be a good fit in a family with dogs or young children.
As a kitty who has only recently been taught to enjoy humans, Onslow has been learning how to not be “mouthy” when being petted. He has never broken the skin, but has a tendency to sometimes want to grab with his mouth or paws if he is petted anywhere other than his head, or if he wants to get your attention. He treats people as if they are another cat. This can be dealt with by softly telling him no and withdrawing your hand until he calms down. He is really a sweet boy and will do fine with someone willing to gently correct this behavior. Due to his past fears, he would not do well with someone who yells at him.
Ideally, Onslow will be adopted together with his sister, Rose. Their future home should be with someone who can take them both and keep them indoors together. They have never been outdoors and would not be safe outside. They have been housed with other cats, so they might be able to get along with other cats if properly introduced. A new pet parent with another cat or cats should know or be willing to learn about how to do proper pet introduction and integration.
Ideally, they would be the only pets. They have never met a dog and would not do well in a home with dogs or small children. These cats were unsocialized until recently and have been through trauma so they need an experienced cat parent who will be kind and patient as they learn that humans can be nice and not scary. They trust and love their current foster, but don’t have a lot of experience with other people yet. There are many household hazards they will need to learn about. Routine is important so it would be good if their future parent would be willing to continue them on the same food they are accustomed to (Science Diet Indoor Adult 1-6, chicken flavor). They have also been getting a little canned wet food (Royal Canin) in the morning as a treat, so it would be a great bonding experience if that could be continued. They love Churu and other cat treats, such as Temptations and Greenies. They have never had litter box issues. Their new home should be stable enough for them to receive regular veterinary care as needed, and to ensure they don’t become homeless again.
Onslow is 16 pounds of love just looking for a safe place to land! If you are ready for this big package of fluff, apply to adopt Onslow (and hopefully his sister, Rose) today!
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If you have a specific question about Onslow, then please email newdigs@dallaspetsalive.org. If you are interested in applying to adopt this pet, fill out the application at the link above.
This pet is participating in the Dallas Pets Alive rehoming program. All of the medical, behavioral and other information about this pet was provided by the pet’s owner. Dallas Pets Alive encourages all adopters to verify the information prior to adoption. Please note that Dallas Pets Alive (DPA) is acting as intermediary to connect prospective adopters with individuals wanting to rehome their pets. DPA is not liable for any information provided about this pet and the adoption transaction is purely between the pet owners and adopter. DPA is not responsible for any damages, injuries, or adoption returns as a result of any adoption transaction. DPA! is not responsible or liable for any animals involved in its New Digs program. DPA! acts solely as a facilitator of adoption between the animal’s surrenderer and potential adopter and makes no claims as to the accuracy of the animal’s medical or behavioral history provided by the surrenderer.
