A cat named Jinx is showing his true colors. It turns out he’s a lady’s man.

Life hasn’t always been easy for Jinx. Somewhere along the way, he lost much of his nose.

His life with Best Friends started during the Great Kitty Rescue when he and hundreds of other cats were confiscated by county officials in Southern Nevada because of an institutional hoarding case. The cats all lived together on the hot desert floor when the county turned over care of the cats to Best Friends.

Jinx living in luxury

In the meantime, Jinx developed skin cancer and by the time he was rescued, it was too late for his tiny face to be the same. So Jinx was one of a couple hundred cats from Nevada who came to live at the sanctuary to get some much needed TLC.

Despite his nose, the ladies still think Jinx is a handsome boy. He lives in Rescue Village, a medical yurt set up especially for the rescued kitties on the grounds of Best Friends’ sanctuary, in a screened-off room where he can see and interact with other cats.

“Darkstar, a young, all-black, flirtatious kitty has taken quite a liking to Jinx,” says Linda Gage, manager of The Learning Experience for Best Friends who still watches over the rescued Nevada cats. “At lunchtime, Darkstar walks the fence, rubbing and cooing. Jinx, in return, jumps down from his perch, approaches the fence and meows gently to her. Several of the other gals, Holiday and Jewel, join in the gathering. They are all interested in Mr. Jinx.”

What’s doubly great about all that attention, Gage says, is that Jinx is just as interested in them. “We were originally told that he didn't enjoy being with other cats and was afraid of them,” she says. “If that was the case, it's not now.”

Jinx gets one-on-one time with Patch, another cat in a single room next to Jinx’s. “During the day we open the gate between Jinx and Patch and Jinx wanders over all the time, paying no mind to Patch at all,” Gage says. “Jinx jumps up on the shelving unit to his special orange bed and suns himself in the afternoon light.”

Ok, I'm posing

For a time, Jinx stayed in an office with Shelley Thayer, who at the time was circulation manager for Best Friends magazine and shared her office with senior copy editor Mary Girouard. “During the 10 months he stayed in our office,” Thayer says, “he began to blossom in his own stately way. When he walked, his movements were slow and cautious. He ate as slowly as he could, though he appeared ready to gobble.”

He tapped slowly at toys “and only if he thought we weren't looking,” she says.

Slowly but surely, he started to come out of his shell. “Jinx changed from an inanimate creature to an actual curious cat during his time in our office,” Thayer says.

And, now, Gage says, he’ll be exposed to even more friends. “We are going to put Jinx in the big run with his ladies and the other cats to see how he does,” she says. “It'll be closely monitored, but it looks like it'll be a great fit.”

Story by Cathy Scott
Photos by Sarah Ause

While he’s making both feline and human friends at the sanctuary, ideally he would be in a home of his own. Learn more about this “Casanova” and how you can adopt him.

November 3, 2009 : 6:33 AM ET
posted by: LMPerkins

Please, can someone say what happened to Jinx? I've been thinking about him for months, so wishing that I had the right setup to adopt him. CORINNEM's post is a bit concerning.

September 1, 2009 : 9:21 PM ET
posted by: CORINNEM

Today, September 1, 2009 at 1:30pm was your placement Jinx. I am sorry I couldn't be there, but you know that I was thinking about you - and crying over your loss. I had some special friends whisper my love and goodbye in your ear and place a stone for Kermit, Sylvester, Bob and I. Have fun frolicking over the Rainbow Bridge my dear furry friend and next time I am at Angel's Rest I will listen for your purr in the tinkling of the wind chimes.

August 13, 2009 : 11:01 AM ET
posted by: mytwocats

hello jinx,even if your missing part of your nose,your still soo cute

August 9, 2009 : 6:29 PM ET
posted by: deweydevotee

Jinx is absoluely gorgeous~~~~~~ It is no surprise that the ladies all are smitten with him.I must admit that as yet we do not have a cat in our household, but the day is coming soon when that will no longer be the case. I've been checking out our local rescue sources here in Naples FL. and I have to say there are so many wonderful cats out there looking for that special loving forever home; it is very hard to select one from all those available. I am a nurse and am used to noticing medical conditions and I have to say that to me Jinx looks perfectly handsome and supremely hugable!!!! In no way should he be feeling shy about his nose! Who among us ever likes the nose we inherited??! Tell him for me he is perfect and that assessment comes with a huge hug and kiss! soon to be catwoman

August 9, 2009 : 5:18 PM ET
posted by: skya

Love you, Jinx!! I met another nose-less cat at a TNR mission. His people (who fed the colony) were VERY attached to him and wanted to be sure he could handle anesthetic. He did just great, got all his shots and a nice grooming and was returned to his colony. >^..^<

August 8, 2009 : 10:06 PM ET
posted by: miacats

Good luck Jinxie, you are beautiful inside and outside, you deserve the best, plenty of hugs and kisses!!!

August 8, 2009 : 3:30 PM ET
posted by: cottageantiques

Oh, Jinx - he is ahandsome boy, and so healthy looking. Life is good, I can see that. It's hard to think about what may have happened to him if Best Friends and all the volunteers hadn't stepped in and give the proper shelter and health care needed for cats like Jinx to thrive. And thrive he will. Bravo for Mr. Jinx!

August 7, 2009 : 5:38 PM ET
posted by: paula1258

what a story I would adpt him in a heart beat if i lived near by God Bless you Jink you are a hansome dude/ Sooo Cute!!!!!!

August 7, 2009 : 2:12 PM ET
posted by: CORINNEM

Aww Jinx, I miss you my feline friend! That is a great photo Sarah, you really captured his handsomeness.

I guess you just get used to things and accept as is. I don't think about Jinx's nose being gone and I always told him he was a very handsome boy. I think it took him awhile to believe that as he felt that he was different without his nose. Now he has all the ladies telling him!

Pets to you Jinx and Kermit & Sylvester say hello to their old roommate!

August 7, 2009 : 10:46 AM ET
posted by: horsey55

Hi, Mr. Jinks.

What a handsome boy you are. Who cares about noses,anyway. I think they're overrated one way or another. Happiness to you always, handsome.

August 7, 2009 : 5:45 AM ET
posted by: shelley

Yeah Jinxie! I miss you buddy! I am so happy to hear that you are making new friends. Remember - no cat is an island, and you my dear friend are loved. Thank you Linda for helping Jinx explore a larger world, and you Cathy, for telling his story. Go Jinx!

August 7, 2009 : 2:49 AM ET
posted by: AnnaPearl

I am touched and delighted to read of the tenderness and thoughtful care that this special needs puss is receiving; to the point where not only is he (I hope) cured of the cancer but also ready to and explore and hopefully enjoy interacting with other suitable cats : ) He does have amazing eyes, in pic they look grey? which I've never seen before, and the 'soul' in his eyes is wonderful. Dear Jinx, you are safe now forever, whether with Best Friends or your own human family perhaps. Thank you so much BF staff and vollies for caring for animals with physical challenges and traumatic histories, like dear Jinx. xxx

August 6, 2009 : 9:05 PM ET
posted by: squeakie42

What's new, pussycat? Why, you, it seems! Great to hear that you're responding and blossoming in the soft light of loving gazes. Keep them guessing and yearning, Mr. Soulful Eyes -- and enjoy each moment.

August 6, 2009 : 8:53 PM ET
posted by: kgansor

Awwwww Jinxy kitty! What a beautiful boy! I wish I was on the west coast I would adopt him in a heart beat!!!!

August 6, 2009 : 8:33 PM ET
posted by: errrhed

Poor little kitty. But he is soooo cute and beautiful, I have quite fallen in love with him. Heck... who needs a nose anyway???

August 6, 2009 : 7:55 PM ET
posted by: flash

what a great kitty......jinx.....i know in my heart he will get a wonderful home.....and great work linda......from...laura...hunterdon county cart team......

August 6, 2009 : 6:33 PM ET
posted by: ktsmom

Thank you for the update on Jinx. The Pahrump kitties hold a special place in my heart and I've been wondering so much how they are doing. Jinx looks beautiful and I'm thrilled to read about how well he is doing. Way to go, Jinx!! Please keep up updated on him-and the others from the rescue. Thanks again.....Gloria

August 6, 2009 : 6:00 PM ET
posted by: pacifcpaws

What a lovely story. Jinx is so handsome, I wish him luck with the ladies. Thanks Best Friends for all the GREAT work you do.

August 6, 2009 : 5:52 PM ET
posted by: jmuhj

I've NEVER seen, met, imagined or thought about a cat I didn't love. What a handsome boy! I pray he is adopted with at least one of his lady loves -- Darkstar, maybe -- and has a long, healthy, LOVED life indoors!

August 6, 2009 : 4:57 PM ET
posted by: jhanf

We took home a kitty from Best Friends Great Cat Rescue - from a Petsmart here in Nevada and he has turned out to be the sweetest, most cuddly cat we have ever seen. We were told they named him CC, for Critical Care, because Best Friends didn't know if he would make it or not - he made it and is thriving in a home that he is truly king of... and loving every minute!

August 6, 2009 : 4:29 PM ET
posted by: CaseyKat

Hi Handsome Jinx;

Gosh, it's good to hear you are finally coming out of your shell and responding to the other kitties. Besides being a gorgeous kitty you have a personality and a heart of gold to match. I met you about a year ago and you took my heart away with your sweet nature. The next step is to find you a loving, caring "forever home" to give you the love you so deserve.

August 5, 2009 : 9:32 PM ET
posted by: Nevada 10

Jinx you are so gorgeous. I hope you have lots of fun with your kitty frienmds. You deserve it and I pray you find a loving home for you so deserve it. Kisses to your beautiful head and lots of pets and love.

August 5, 2009 : 6:56 PM ET
posted by: feralfriend

How great to hear about my absolutely favorite cat from Pahrump (that isnt already here:)!! Of course the ladies are attracted to him. Its easy to see why. He certainly made me love him- even from afar! His eyes even look softer in the later picture. Please give him an extra hug for me and tell him I will see him in Sept...

August 5, 2009 : 5:22 PM ET
posted by: simka

I could fall right into his eyes, they are so intense. What a very handsome cat!

Here's hoping his introduction to the big room works out well and he is welcomed by his own harem. And here's hoping even more that someone will fall headlong in love with him and take him home.

August 5, 2009 : 1:58 PM ET
posted by: mxipp

Hi Jinx! Good to see you getting some free press! But isn't it about time you and your yurt-mates found yourselves families? I know you'd be a great addition to any home.

August 5, 2009 : 1:42 PM ET
posted by: lld

What a handsome cat! Good to read of his progress. Hopefully one of these days we will see an update on this special boy that he has been adopted into a forever home! Preferably with a few of "the ladies". Until then, keep your head held high sweet man, you are gorgeous kitty!