When James O’Halloran set out on a four-hour drive to the SPCA’s North Nova Shelter in Pictou, he thought he and his wife Joanne were going to adopt a kitten they had seen online. But as soon as he met Ruckus, a fluffy orange adult cat, he knew she was the one he would be taking home.
The O’Hallorans were searching for a kitten who would make a good playmate for one of their two large Maine Coon cats. At the shelter, they decided to meet the other cats just to make sure they were making the right choice.
“It sounds cliché, but it feels like Ruckus chose me,” said James. “I walked into the room and she instantly came over and made a fuss over me. She had personality and wanted my attention. There was an immediate bond. The search for the perfect kitten was over. I had found the perfect cat.”
Ruckus was originally found outside and brought to the SPCA with her litter of kittens in June 2024, and she had a number of health issues including ringworm and urinary tract infections. She had to be isolated and treated for a few months at the shelter, but she recovered in time to meet her new family in October 2024.
Luckily, this resilient girl has been feeling great since her adoption and has adjusted well to her new home. “Ruckus quickly made herself at home and began exploring, looking in all the rooms, under beds and meeting her new sister Chaos and brother Mayhem,” said James.
“She was an immediate perfect fit for our family as she was very sweet and friendly. She also brought her own personality and dynamic to the family and filled something that was missing. She brings a lot of fun energy to the O’Halloran team and I can’t imagine not having her with us,” said Joanne.
Ruckus loves to play with her new cat siblings and her human parents. She loves to race around the house and get her siblings riled up with her. She has a special love for toys, especially for chasing toy mice and birds, and she’ll launch herself onto stacks of pillows and leap over the heads of her (much larger) siblings while chasing them.
“She loves to play most with her brother Mayhem and they have great fun racking throughout the house, in and out of forts that we make for them,” said James. “Our grandson Sam is also very taken with Ruckus and will play with her for long periods of time when he visits.”
Ruckus brings happiness to the O’Halloran home every single day and she always makes them laugh.
“We have had our two Maine Coons for three years now and each Christmas they completely ignore the Christmas tree. They usually don’t bat at the ornaments or really pay it any attention. When we put the tree up this year, Ruckus came running and was at the top of it within two minutes. She was very excited to see the tree and quickly showed the other two cats how you’re supposed to climb a Christmas tree,” said Joanne.
Ruckus also loves affection and enjoys cuddling on her parents while they watch TV and sleeping on their bed at night. “Every day with Ruckus is such a joy,” said James.
Joanne and James found the playful spirit they were looking for in Ruckus, and they encourage others to keep an open mind when adopting.
“Don’t rule out an older cat as they can bring just as much or more joy than adopting a kitten. They deserve the chance of having a family to love that loves them back, and our family has benefitted greatly from adopting Ruckus. We also encourage everyone to visit and support their local shelters as they help rescue, socialize and prepare other animals to find their forever homes,” agreed Joanne and James.
To see some of the sweet faces waiting for their new family in our shelters, click here.