Pepper the cat has been doing hard time since last October.

My name is Pepper. This is my glamour photo, of which I am very proud. I posed so prettily, knowing that there are many of you out there who appreciate beauty when you see it.

I’m 6 years old, a brown tiger with a white face and distinctive markings. I’m a big girl, pleasantly plump; I’ve been placed on a special diet due to food allergies, so perhaps I’ll lose an ounce or two one of these days when I am no longer in a cage. I don’t particularly care for the scale at the doctor’s office.

I was abandoned last fall in the shelter parking lot. I heard whispers of “moving” and “allergies.” So sad. And I had thought, before that day, that my life was perfect.

I’m a hunter, you see. It’s in my blood. And I am proud to say I like to leave little “gifts” for humans, to show how useful I am when it comes to ridding your well-tended yard of pesky rodents. In my younger days, I slept on the outside deck and spent my evenings patrolling for varmints.

I have a tolerant side, though. In my previous life I let the baby pet me and I tolerated quiet children, but I must admit I am afraid of noisy kids, dogs and loud noises. I’m social with other cats, but I prefer a laid-back lifestyle to match my easygoing personality. I’m a quiet girl. One who keeps to herself and isn’t always nagging humans for attention. I remember lovely days of window-sitting, sun-warmed paws and lazy thoughts of chasing a string toy if and when the urge would strike.

But I do love affection, don’t get me wrong. I adore ear rubs and ear scratches. I meow at the door to be let out, I use a litter box and scratching mat, and I am happy to sit in your lap in the evenings.

There are several of us cats who have been waiting a long time to have a new home. We meet for coffee milk every morning and call ourselves the “October Girls.” We’ve all been at the shelter since last October, you see, and visitors have overlooked us time and time again. We spent a long winter in our cages, muddled through the rainy spring, and now we sit once more during these warm summer days and wait for someone to adopt us. I know that sounds rather pathetic, but the truth isn’t always as pretty as I am.

Please visit me at the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, located at 506B Curtis Corner Rd. in South Kingstown, or call (401) 783-7606. We’re open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kristine Rolofson is a volunteer with the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island and Small Paws 4 You. She is the author of more than 40 novels.