Richey became the Griggs family’s much-hoped-for companion because he did something other cats had not: he calmly approached Kiley’s motorized wheelchair, meowed, and settled into her lap. The family describes the relationship as comforting and unusually close. The story, however, does not document therapy-animal certification, formal training, prescribed treatment, or measured medical outcomes.
This is the account of how a hungry apartment-colony cat reached a Florida shelter, met a family looking for a wheelchair-comfortable companion, and became part of Kiley’s daily life. The original Catster story was updated September 15, 2026.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How Richey met the family who needed him
Jason and Lori Griggs had been trying to find a cat for their daughter, Kiley. In the family’s earlier meetings with cats, the animals ran from Kiley’s motorized wheelchair. That made an ordinary shelter introduction unusually important: the right cat would need to remain relaxed around the chair rather than treating its movement and sound as a reason to retreat.
Suncoast Animal League in Florida eventually contacted the family about a friendly cat staff members thought might fit their household. When Kiley and her parents met him, the introduction was immediate. Richey walked toward them, meowed, and jumped into Kiley’s lap.
#1 Best Overall
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
Jason remembered the moment this way: “He just came walking up like he’s the head honcho … meowed at us and jumped right into Kiley’s lap,” says Jason. He also described the encounter as a meeting in which the animal seemed to choose the family: “You find the pet or the pet finds you. This pet truly found us.”
Kiley’s own memory is similarly direct: “He was put in my lap, and he stayed there.” Her account captures the practical difference between a cat that merely tolerates an introduction and one that chooses to remain physically close.
Why the wheelchair changed the adoption search
A motorized wheelchair was not a minor detail in this adoption story. It was the setting in which the family had already seen other cats become frightened and run away. For Kiley and her parents, finding a cat who would approach without hesitation mattered more than a generic description such as “friendly” on a shelter card.
Richey’s first response did not prove that he had special training or that he would behave identically in every future situation. It did show that, during that meeting, he was not deterred by Kiley’s chair and was willing to make contact. The family’s decision grew from that observed interaction and the connection they felt in the moment.
Kiley later interpreted one of Richey’s encounters with other cats in especially personal terms. She said, “He was growling at the other cats like he was saying, ‘These guys are mine.’” That is Kiley’s interpretation of his behavior, not an independently established statement of the cat’s intention. It nevertheless illustrates how quickly she experienced him as her companion.
Rank #2
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
Richey’s route from an apartment colony to adoption
Before meeting the Griggs family, Richey was part of an apartment cat colony. Chris Poole, known online as Cat Man Chris, had been feeding, trapping, and neutering cats there. Richey appeared hungry, but Poole found him friendly rather than feral.
Because Richey was comfortable with people, Poole brought him to the shelter so he could be adopted. That decision placed him in the environment where the Griggs family could meet him. The story therefore connects several separate acts of care: colony work that identified and helped the cats, a shelter introduction, and a family prepared to look beyond a quick first label to see whether a particular animal fit their home.
Recommended Free Tools
Poole later summed up the outcome with a joke and a compliment: “He met the purrfect family. Definitely one to remember!” The phrase is playful, but the underlying point is practical. A cat who might have remained one hungry animal in a large colony became visible to adopters because someone recognized that his friendliness made a home placement possible.
How Richey got his name
The family named him Richey after his first night at home. Catster says he meowed all night after being neutered, reminding the family of Lionel Richie’s song “All Night Long.” The spelling also matched the Florida town of New Port Richey, where the family lives.
The name thus carries two associations at once: the noisy night that became an early household memory and the place where the adoption took root. It is a small detail, but it shows how the family turned a stressful recovery period into part of Richey’s identity.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
What companionship looks like in the Griggs home
The family describes Richey as Kiley’s daytime companion. He sits on her lap, stays close while she does schoolwork, and sometimes paws at the top of her laptop screen. These are ordinary domestic actions, yet their repetition is what gives the relationship meaning: Richey is present during the parts of the day Kiley already spends at home, rather than appearing only for a special exercise or demonstration.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Jason described the effect in household terms: “Just pure companionship, calm nerves and everything else.” That statement reports the family’s experience. It is not a clinical measurement of anxiety, a treatment result, or proof that the cat can provide the same benefit to another person.
Richey’s behavior also appears unusually tolerant in the family’s anecdotes. They say he enjoys nail clipping and belly rubs, accepts loud sounds, and tolerated wearing a sombrero. On a family boating trip, he stayed away from the water. These details add personality to the story, but they are not instructions that every cat should be dressed, taken boating, or expected to accept handling. Individual temperament, stress signals, and safety must always determine what an animal can comfortably do.
“Therapy cat” in this story: companionship, not certification
The family had been looking for a “therapy cat,” and the headline uses that phrase because Richey became a calming, close presence for Kiley. In the published account, however, there is no report that Richey completed a therapy-animal evaluation, joined a registry, received specialized training, or worked in a clinical or institutional program.
There are also no measured health outcomes or professional assessments showing that Richey treated a diagnosed condition. The supported description is narrower and more personal: Kiley and her parents experienced him as a companion who was comfortable around her wheelchair and who stayed physically close during daily activities.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #4
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
That distinction matters. A household pet can provide affection, routine, and a sense of connection without meeting a formal definition used by hospitals, schools, care facilities, or assistance-animal programs. Calling Richey a therapy cat in this family story should not be read as a claim that he is certified, prescribed, or trained for public access.
A concise timeline of Richey’s journey
| Stage | What the story reports |
|---|---|
| Apartment colony | Chris Poole fed, trapped, and neutered cats in an apartment colony. Richey appeared hungry but friendly, not feral. |
| Shelter placement | Poole brought Richey to Suncoast Animal League so he could be adopted. |
| Family introduction | Shelter staff contacted the Griggs family, who had been seeking a cat comfortable around Kiley’s motorized wheelchair. |
| First meeting | Richey walked up, meowed, and jumped into Kiley’s lap; Kiley said he stayed there after being placed in her lap. |
| Life at home | He became Kiley’s daytime companion, sitting with her during schoolwork and remaining nearby. |
| Story timing | Catster’s September 15, 2026 update describes Richey as around 6 years old and says Poole found him about two years earlier. Both descriptions are approximate. |
What prospective adopters can learn from the encounter
Richey’s adoption does not offer a formula for finding a therapy animal. It does offer a useful way to think about a temperament match, especially when a household includes equipment, sounds, movement, or routines that some animals find intimidating.
Observe the animal in the environment that matters
The family did not choose Richey solely because he was described as friendly. They saw how he responded to Kiley and her wheelchair. For another household, the relevant test might involve a walker, communication device, medical equipment, children’s activity, or a quiet room. A shelter description cannot substitute for observing the actual interaction.
Separate a promising first meeting from a guarantee
Richey’s approach was a strong first signal, not a promise about every future situation. Cats can react differently after moving homes, during illness, around unfamiliar visitors, or when they are overstimulated. A responsible adoption decision leaves room for gradual adjustment and for the animal to communicate when it needs distance.
Describe the goal precisely
The Griggs family wanted companionship for Kiley, and the story supports saying that Richey became a close daily companion. If a family needs an animal for a formal program, public visits, or a documented therapeutic role, it would need to verify the relevant organization’s requirements separately. Nothing in this account establishes that Richey meets those requirements.
Best Value
- Itch & Allergy Relief with Omega-3 for Dogs - with 500mg of Omega (EPA+DHA) per serving, our chewable supplement helps with hot spots, dry itchy skin, ease itching, irritated skin, stops shedding.
- Skin & Coat + Hip & Joint Supplement Combined - Omega 3 is a vital element to keep your pet active, support healthy hip and joints, brain, heart, immune health. Can be served with regular pet food.
- Bark&Spark Commitment - we are keen to give best to our furry customers and we take NO compromise when it comes to product quality. Our omega 3 bites are made in the USA, with human grade ingredients.
- Up to 3 Month Supply - with 180 salmon oil treats per jar you keep your pet healthy while not spending a fortune on overpriced supplements. Best value.
- Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? We stick to simple formulas rich in natural flavors, that could tempt a fussy eater. No hassle with pills, powder, tablets or capsules.
Let the cat’s behavior remain individual
Richey’s tolerance of nail clipping, loud sounds, a sombrero, and a boat trip belongs to his story. It should not be used to predict how another cat will respond. Comfort is shown by relaxed behavior and the ability to move away; forcing an animal to endure handling or noise can turn a charming anecdote into an unsafe situation.
Why the story resonates
The emotional center of the story is not a dramatic rescue statistic or a medical claim. It is the alignment of need and temperament. Kiley’s family had encountered cats that fled from the wheelchair. Richey, a cat who had been hungry in an apartment colony, approached her and remained in her lap. The same trait that made him adoptable to Poole—a willingness to engage with people—became meaningful in a particular home.
The family’s language also gives the story its warmth. Jason saw a cat who seemed to stride in with confidence. Kiley remembered one who stayed. Poole saw a shelter placement that worked. Together, those perspectives describe an unexpected adoption without turning it into a universal promise about cats, disability, or health.
The lasting picture of Richey and Kiley
Richey’s story is best understood as a family account of companionship: a stray-turned-shelter cat found a home where his calm approach to a motorized wheelchair mattered, and Kiley gained a cat who stayed close during schoolwork and ordinary days. The available account does not establish therapy-animal credentials or clinical treatment, but it does document a memorable match between one cat’s temperament and one family’s hopes.
For readers, the clearest lesson is also the simplest: the right companion is often identified through a real interaction, not a label alone. In Richey’s case, that interaction began when he walked over, meowed, and chose Kiley’s lap.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Leave a Reply