Huntington Pets Of The Week: The 'Harry Potter' 5

HUNTINGTON, NY — Luna Lovegood, the Huntington Pet of the Week at the end of April, was the first pregnant feline to join the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter, said Debbi Larkin, president of the shelter.

"Well, we have exciting news to share with you for this week," Larkin said. "After waiting patiently for what seemed like an eternity, Luna finally had her babies a week ago. We were hoping that maybe she would deliver them on Mother’s Day, but Luna had other plans."

Luna gave birth to the five soon-to-be adoptable pets: Dudley, Dobby, Petunia, Lily and Pansy.

Three were born late in the evening of May 15 and the last two were born in the early morning hours of May 16.

"We are beyond excited. Momma and babies are doing just fine," Larkin said.

Luna Lovegood was named after a character from the "Harry Potter" series.

"She was a good friend to Harry, she had a dreamy disposition, everyone loves her and she was a master Magizooologist..one who studies magical creatures such as the beautiful babies she created," Larkin said. "Her personality is just incredible."

The cat's five babies were named after other characters in the series.

The Dudley in the series was very spoiled and had a tendency to throw tantrums, but loved by his mother.

"Hopefully this Dudley is not doing that when he and his siblings are nursing with mom or
competing for her attention," Larkin said.

Dobby, a magical house elf in the series, befriended Harry and tried to save him numerous times.

"Dobby will most likely try to save his siblings if there is danger lurking anywhere," Larkin said. "Dobby is a bit eccentric and his favorite article of clothing is socks…we shall see if this habit develops as he gets older!"

Petunia and Lily were sisters but only one had any interest in the wizardry...Petunia liked to
keep it to herself and pretend she had no interest.

The cat version of Petunia is the slightly older sister of Lily and is a very nosy girl, according to Larkin. She is always wanting to know what everyone else is doing.

"I am sure she will be just fine as she grows because all of the babies have the same routine, nobody gets any special attention," she said.

Lily Potter was kind, selfless and loyal…to her family most of all.

The cat, like the "Harry Potter" character, is brave and intelligent.

"She knows how to get her mother’s attention when she needs more food and love, but also she is very protective of her siblings," Larkin said.

And last but not least is Pansy.

"She had an unusual looking face, but beneath that exterior hides a good sibling and friend to all…she just has a quirky way of showing it. She wants to stay out of trouble, not look her age and keep her mother happy. This girl is right on target!"

All five kittens are only a week old as of Monday. They are nursing very well and responding to mom and siblings, Larkin said. They will be seen by the shelter's vet in about a week or two to make sure all is fine. They will be with their mom until they are approximately 5 to 6 weeks old and they are starting to eat on their own.

They will be tested for FELV and FIV and given their first set of shots, wormed, litter box trained
and a physical check- up. They will then go back into foster care until they are 3 months and can
be spayed and/or neutered and then made available for adoption.

"Let’s extend a magical welcome to Dudley, Dobby, Petunia, Lily and Pansy," Larkin said. "We are so glad you are all finally here and can’t wait for you to join the others at the Grateful Paw Cat Shelter. It will be interesting to see what tricks and wizardry they have up their sleeves (I mean paws)."

If you are interested in any of the "Harry Potter" five, you can keep an eye on the rescue's Facebook page for updates on their status or call the shelter at 631-757-4517.

The rescue is at 3 Verleye Ave., East Northport, and visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.