After more than a decade of stalking the baseball stadium’s corridors, Smokey — or the “Coors Field Cat” as he is known by his adoring fans — is entering retirement and looking for a forever home to curl up and watch Rockies games.
Smokey, a medium-hair black cat who is neutered and up-to-date on his shots, is up for adoption at the Animal Rescue of the Rockies. Among the cats who call Coors Field home, Smokey is the most senior resident and has been cared for by a dedicated team of cat lovers who bring the felines food each day, his adoption ad reads.
His presence at the ballpark is so beloved that Smokey inspired his own Twitter fan account.
The mouser, mascot and expert napper is starting to slow down, the ad reads, and health problems are catching up with him.
Smokey has feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
“It IS possible for FIV+ kitties to live with FIV- cats as long as everyone is spayed or neutered and they do not fight,” the ad reads. “Smokey has not been observed with other cats in an indoor environment so while he may get along with others just fine…his ideal home would allow him plenty of space to be separate from any current kitties in residence.”
Smokey is hanging out with his primary caretaker for now, but he is looking for a primary indoor home where he can live out his twilight years without fear of evading foul balls.
“He is shy with strangers but warms up to his regular caretakers…allowing petting and handling… on his own terms,” the ad reads. “He would be a great companion for someone who loves cats and who has the patience to give him time to settle into his new life.”
Smokey is learning to use the litter box but, like his favorite team, doesn’t always nail it.
While Smokey is looking for an indoor home, he would benefit from a secure “catio,” his ad says, where he can sniff the air for whiffs of peanuts and Crackerjacks and think back to his younger days.
Anyone interested in adopting Smokey can fill out an application to adopt a cat at www.arrcolorado.org. The rescue organization will be interviewing applicants and doing home visits either in person or by video to ensure Smokey goes to the best owners.
Only Colorado homes will be considered with preference given to Denver metro applicants. Smokey would prefer a quiet home with no young children and few to no other pets, the ad says.
“He may never be a lap kitty but will eventually bond with a new caretaker,” the ad reads. “His medical needs are currently minor but as an older cat, his new humans should be prepared to provide excellent ongoing veterinary care.”