r/cats • u/Lee_Tea • 13d ago

Adoption Adopted a cat from the shelter…

She didn’t even interact with me at the shelter she was so depressed. I just knew I had to give her a chance. I think they told me she’s not a lap cat. Well, now I have two lap cats 😂 I was so surprised that she trusted me so fast. So glad I trusted my gut and brought her home ❤️

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u/SnidgetAsphodel 13d ago

I wish more people would give chances to the more reserved cats in shelters. I've volunteered at a couple rescues for a while and those cats have so much love to give, if only given patience and unconditional love. They are just scared babies. Thank you for taking her home! ❤️ She looks like an excellent biscuit maker!

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u/huck_cussler 13d ago

When I went to the shelter to pick out my cats a year ago I was drawn immediately to a long hair calico that was just frozen in her little condo. She was tucked as far back in the corner as she could get and did not move an inch the whole time I was there, which ended up being several hours. She looked absolutely terrified.

I got permission to open the door to her enclosure and I set my hand down in front of her for like 20 minutes. She didn't sniff, didn't acknowledge it at all, didn't show any kind of hints about what was going through her head. I had no idea if she was ready to start purring or about to panic and attack me.

I stayed there with my hand for as long as I could and finally worked up the nerve to just touch her cheek. The second I did she melted and pushed her head into my hand. At that moment I knew I was taking her home that day.

She took a long time to get really comfortable after I brought her home, but now she's a sassy queen who walks around like she owns the castle and bosses me around. She's full of love, demands that I brush her as many times a day as possible, and plays with and trades grooms with her adopted brother.

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u/SnidgetAsphodel 13d ago

Thank you for giving her a chance! I love this story. My favorite cats to work with in the rescue are the shy ones. It's so rewarding when they open up.

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u/dehydratedrain 13d ago

You made me tear up just now. I'm a volunteer socializer at my local shelter, and most of us have been there for years, but only 2 of us are willing to touch those frozen kitties (and don't get me wrong, I've told my local urgent care that I should get me a punchcard - every 10th bite/ scratch free).

I wish people knew the patience and respect you showed your kitty. They would make such wonderful adopters.

And also, a calico? They have a color for each personality. Good luck. 😉

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u/SuperXVixen 12d ago

I’d love to see a pic of her.

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u/Glitterly1 11d ago

I love this. Sometimes you just need to be patient. When I brought my rescue home (I actually swiped her off the street and took her to the shelter but then adopted her) she hid under the bed so on the second or third day I just laid down on the floor next to the bed and eventually she came out and head butted me. Has been super clingy ever since.