The Cat with the Unforgettable Cheeks
Every so often, an animal arrives at a shelter who makes everyone stop in their tracks. At the Cleveland Animal Protective League, that moment came when a two-year-old stray with a truly unforgettable face was brought in from the cold. Meet Duckphone, a cat whose impressive, fluffy jowls give him the charming appearance of a cartoon character come to life. His cheeks are the first thing you notice—generous, round, and so magnificently chubby that they command the room.
The staff was immediately smitten. “I think everyone’s first reaction to seeing his sweet and unique face was, ‘Whoa, look at those cheeks,’” recalled Hannah MacIntyre, the shelter’s social media specialist. It wasn’t just that they were big; they were a statement. They hinted at a past life on the streets, the classic sign of an unneutered tomcat who has seen his share of the world. Yet, nestled within that rugged exterior are a pair of soft, hopeful eyes that tell a completely different story—one of a gentle soul who was just waiting to be found. In a place filled with beautiful animals, MacIntyre noted, “Duckphone has definitely been turning heads.”
A Gentle Giant Behind the Tough-Guy Jowls
While his prominent cheeks might suggest a rough-and-tumble history, Duckphone’s personality is the complete opposite. He is, in every sense of the word, a marshmallow. Any preconceived notions of a hardened street cat melt away the moment you meet him. He’s a lover, not a fighter, a purring machine who craves the simple comfort of a gentle touch.
“He has an incredibly friendly personality,” MacIntyre shared, emphasizing how he wastes no time in making friends. He doesn’t wait for an invitation; he makes his intentions clear with a gentle but determined head-butt against your leg. His purr isn’t a quiet rumble; it’s a full-body vibration of pure happiness that starts the moment he senses a friendly presence. For a cat who once had every reason to be wary of people, he offers his trust freely and completely, a silent, profound gift to anyone who shows him kindness. He seems to be making up for lost time, soaking in every bit of affection he can get.
A Quirky Name and a Bright Future
With a face as unique as his, he needed a name to match. The shelter staff landed on “Duckphone,” a moniker that came from a random, duck-shaped telephone a volunteer spotted on a TV show. It’s quirky, memorable, and a little bit silly—a perfect fit for a cat who brings a smile to everyone he meets.
During his veterinary checkup, it was discovered that Duckphone has feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). It’s important for potential families to know that FIV is not a scary diagnosis. It cannot be passed to humans or dogs, and because it is primarily transmitted through deep, aggressive bite wounds, a sweet-natured, neutered cat like Duckphone poses virtually no risk to other household cats. Many FIV-positive cats live perfectly normal, happy, and healthy lives for years. “He is a happy and otherwise healthy kitty!” MacIntyre added enthusiastically, confirming his future is just as bright as any other cat’s.
A Loving Home for a One-of-a-Kind Soul
Duckphone has officially traded the uncertainty of the streets for the safety and care of the shelter, but his journey isn’t quite over. The final, most important piece of his puzzle is finding a family to call his own. He’s not just a pet; he’s a personality, a walking piece of living art who will fill a home with his quiet, steady presence.
Imagine the daily joy of being greeted by that magnificent face, the comfort of his rumbling purr on a quiet evening. He’s looking for a co-pilot for life’s quiet adventures, a partner in napping, and a family who understands that the most special souls often come in the most unique packages. He has already proven that his capacity for love is as big as his cheeks. Now, all he needs is for someone to walk through the door and tell him he’s finally home for good.
