Finger Lakes SPCA: Young cat Keno hopes luck is on his side

AGE: 1 1/2 years old

BREED: Domestic shorthair, gray tiger with white

COMMENTS: Keno came to the shelter as a younger kitten. His litter was abandoned and they were in foster care for a period of time. He is the last of his litter and is looking to move on to his new home — soon! He's been here far too long.

Keno is a friendly little boy. He is also extraordinarily handsome and has beautiful markings, as you can tell from his picture. He spends his time out of his condo and gets along very well with the other guys in his room.

Keno is up to date on vaccinations (rabies, distemper, feline kennel cough), has been tested for FIV/FeLV and is negative, and is neutered.

Please stop by to make his acquaintance! In keeping with the season, he will be very thankful if you would consider giving him a much-needed second chance.

Q. Who is your best friend?

A. I was making eye contact with sweet Bella the other day. I think we have a serious connection going on, and I have chosen her to be my BFF. Please don't think that I am taking pity on Bella because she is FIV-positive. That is far from the case. Unfortunately, most people don't have a good understanding of FIV, and therefore my sweet Bella is languishing in her condo. So, I have taken it upon myself to be her promoter in addition to her BFF. Please, good people, come and check out my Bella. Tell her I sent you.

Q. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

A. Well, I have an interesting name! I'm not sure who named me after a casino card game, but it's kind of cool.

Q. If you could have a job, what would that be?

A. Since I am named after a card game, I think that I might try my hand at being a blackjack dealer in Vegas! I hope my new family won't mind moving to Nevada.

Q. Is it true that cats will choose a favorite person?

A. Well, if we cats choose a favorite person, I believe it comes down to a matter of communication! Though we are quite often portrayed as aloof and independent, nothing could be further from the truth. We like to communicate and we — or at least I — have a special appreciation for people who can make that a two-way street.

Q. There is this controversy about whether humans should let their felines sleep with them. What is your opinion?

A. Well, there are those who say, without question, that there are positives to allowing your cat into your bed each night, including giving both of you a sense of security, emotionally and physically. Having a guest in bed with you also reduces stress and brings warmth and comfort. I'm hoping my new human(s) will at least give me a try as a bed buddy!

Q. There are lots of famous cats out there? If you could meet one, who would that be?

A. Meeting this famous cat would require some international travel, but I would really like to meet Maru, the master of boxes. He lives in Japan and his specialty is squeezing himself into any box he can find. Maru has his own blog and has made many YouTube videos. Maybe one day I can have my own blog and YouTube videos of me dealing cards. Then I will be famous too.

Q. Do you have any advice for our Citizen readers?

A. I do! Many people believe that giving cow's milk to cats is OK. The truth is that most of us cats are lactose intolerant, so giving us cow's milk can actually cause significant health issues. Milk isn't part of what we cats need for proper nutrition, and many cats suffer stomach upsets or other related issues because their owners thought they were giving them a treat. Please, be on the safe side. Buy milk specifically designed for felines. Your fur-friends will thank you, and so do I. Much love, many licks and purrs. We hope you all had a peaceful Thanksgiving holiday! Keno and friends.