River is a one-year-old blue-gray beauty with luminous yellow eyes and a sleek, glossy coat that looks like polished velvet. He carries himself with the quiet confidence of a cat who knows exactly how handsome he is, but beneath that cool exterior is a gentle, affectionate soul who just wants to be near his people. Once he feels comfortable, River melts into affection. He loves head scratches, cheek rubs, and long, slow pets from nose to tail, and he has a habit of weaving around your legs as if to make sure you don’t forget he’s there. River strikes the perfect balance between cuddly and independent. He’s happy to curl up beside you on the couch, but he also enjoys a sunny windowsill nap or a quiet hideaway under the furniture. When playtime starts, though, sudden bursts of speed, flying leaps, and laser-focused pounces make it clear he’d be a gold-medal triple jumper if the Olympics allowed cats. River would do best in a calm home where he can stretch out in the sun and remind you every day that the coolest cats are often the sweetest. He gets along great with other cats and would enjoy a playful companion. f you live in Chicago and are interested in learning more about River, please contact Toni McNaughton at tonimcn@rcn.com and Lisa Ward at catladychicago@yahoo.com. Please tell us a bit about your situation, what you are looking for, the composition of your current household (the other humans and/or pets who already live there). Inquires with these questions answered are responded to promptly. We are always in need of foster homes. If you are not able to adopt, but are interested in fostering or know someone who might be, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Toni McNaughton at tonimcn@rcn.com or Lisa Ward at catladychicago@yahoo.com to learn more. Photos by Brenda Stewart.