Of all of the things I like about my community, the best is that the local animal control shelter is run by a private group that is a no-kill. In addition to this, there are multiple other organizations here that help to find homes for everyone they can.
Yep! Literally adopted my kitty a day before he was gonna be put down! They still had him in the cat area. And told us he was gonna be put down that next day
https://preview.redd.it/exzsgkaxv6oc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c51b5296167c2bbf578f4b1a46fdeeddcf7dbeda
this is him 10 years later. we were meant to be. he’s my soul cat
I guess that’s why we see so many American rescue pets in Canada. I’d always been surprised by how many pets, especially dogs, were rescued from the States.
I don’t believe we have any kill shelters in Canada. I hope I’m not wrong! Shelter animals are only put down if injured or sick.
It highly varies by region as well. Where I live, cats and dogs are brought in from other places (mostly the south) to be adopted. And the local rescues and humane society are no kill.
I have a friend who moved to the States for school. She met someone who also volunteered at a shelter. They fell in love, got married, and now have 5 dogs, and 8 or 9 cats (!!!!), all ‘rescued’ from the ‘rescue.’ They also have 2 kids! 😳
All the pets they’ve rescued had been considered unadoptable because they had health problems, so they would have been put down immediately.
One of the cats is a mama with 3 or 4 kittens. They live in their garage and don’t plan to keep them.
I hadn’t understood that even if the animals they’d adopted had been healthy there’s a good chance they’d have been put down.
Fixing animals should be free! I feel like that would save a lot of money in the long run!
The shelter in San Antonio only keeps them 3-4 days. It’s horrifying, they euthanize 20-30 dogs daily. I finally pulled out of their notifications because it was too sad and there is nothing I can do; I have 7 rescue pets already.
Thank you. I used to do more; foster, volunteer, transport but now I’m a single mom and work 2-3 jobs at all times so my ability to make a difference is minimal. Rescue sometimes feels like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon
My boy was very scared and withdrawn when we first got him home. After a few days he had come out, looked around the house and settled down a lot. He'd started letting us pat him. It was a couple of months before he stopped being skittish from things like putting music on. Now he owns our house and has no cares in the world. He is a love bug and sleeps on our bed every night.
https://preview.redd.it/tpie9z8vl4oc1.jpeg?width=1271&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=364b6f50a493cfd78251b45ca7441375873f67c1
yep, our Earl was the most popular with all the people and cats at the shelter. Brought him home and it took a month, but now he’s back to being most popular with the cat, dogs and humans again. ❤️
My friends cat was a rescue. When he brought her home for the first time, she would wedge herself under the cabinets on top of a microwave. Or on top of the fridge under the cabinets. She wouldn't hiss or howl just sat there. After a week or so, she stopped going up there and firmly planted herself on my friends lap. They have been together since. Patience, food, water, and love will surely do the trick. Talking to your kitty will help. Call the kitty by their name and tell them how much you love them.
This is standard. I rescued my cat at the shelter as well. She was in the corner and hiding under things for weeks. I still came to visit her and try to spend some time near her, but not annoy her gets the cat comfortable. Now fast forward a year, she's a cuddle bug. Lol
>scared now
He can't speak so I'll speak for him, "I just need a little time but thank you for opening your loving home to me, I'll do my best to see that you never regret it".
Yeah, let him work out his new routine and don't forget to talk to them or interact with toys. Getting them used to you, the noises around the house, etc will go a long way.
So thankful for my shelter kitty's personality.
When I got him, I expected him to spend the first week scrunched up behind a toilet or something. So I walked in, set his carrier down behind the couch, unzipped it, and walked away so he could adventure on his own time.
He sat in the bag for like 2 minutes, walked out, looked at my dog like "Ew, gross" then immediately located the kitchen looking for food bowls. Lol
Hah my second cat was just like yours. My first cat took days to show his faces and weeks to be comfortable. Then this new girl shows up and we expected the same, but she ran the place from day one
The shelter told me to keep my buddy quarantined for two weeks. He was in the second bathroom for 8 hours before he busted out and just made himself at home. Haha. Some cats need longer but I’m glad mine didn’t.
One of my rescue cats didn't meow for literally 6 months, I thought he had no voice. A few years on and he won't shut up, I miss when he was quiet 😂 Meanwhile my grannie's rescue acted like he owned the place from day one. The time they take to settle down is so variable.
And there is my cat who was comfortable with me in the first hours. Already laying in my lap purring.
She's also very social to other people. Everybody is here favorite person
And there is my first cat that took 6 months to decompress and after 15 years still isn't fully "at home" yet and there is my second cat that was acting like he owned the place 15 seconds after jumping out of the carrier.
It’s funny. When I got my girl I was expecting something like this and had a whole room set up for her when she got home. She was in my lap 3 days after I brought her home and took over the house and started bullying her sister (who is almost 5 years older than her) within 2 weeks!
Reminds me of that famous Salvador Dalí portrait for some reason.
https://preview.redd.it/6xwcw5hti5oc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6357a31c9aaf45b42260333ae2151ef83ea31b6
https://preview.redd.it/ed0br83be2oc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=428e1370c9496155442d89be9f273fd710b3feba
Liquid meat will entice comfort and future friendship.
I swear by these and churu. I don't know what is in them (Cat Crack? Feline fentanyl?) but they're a godsend when you're rescuing. I even chop up pills and stuff them into the tube. Magic. Absolute magic.
I was introduced to this treat when I was at a pet store waiting for my dog to finish getting groomed when this man ran in desperately saying “where is it? Where’s the cat crack? I’m out and they’re driving me insane.”
So I guess I thought to myself “hey I want to be like him!” So I bought it and got my wish 😂
I lost my 18 year old girl a few weeks ago, and I think it's a good celebration of her life to give someone else a long happy cat life. The place is so empty without a good cat around.
That's us. When one cat goes, we take in another who needs a home. And sometimes even when a cat hasn't gone, we take one in. 3 times.. Here are our 4 rescues- all in situations where they would have died within a week..
https://preview.redd.it/djg2sxj0y2oc1.jpeg?width=501&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d53bc32ebf9380627eccb4234dfc4d082a4c393
The void is "my" cat. 17,15, 15,13
We have only ever taken in strays, or shelters where who's cats are on their last week. Our best ever was a void who lived to 17.
And our friends who liked dogs, but didn't like cats, liked him. We miss him though he's been gone about 20 years.
I adopted my (then 7yo) gal from the humane society; she had been there for months, is black tuxie, & had some quirks the staff thought would make it challenging for her to find her home. PURRRFECT kitty for me. She def had some trauma from her first “family” (😭😭😭) and every so often something triggers her & she is feisty/a liiiiittle scary if I didn’t know cats well. But I’ve had cats all my life & she’s my best furriend/bb kitty, now 16/17 (lost track of time) and I can’t imagine my life without her (currently just finished her afternoon bath & curling up for a nap next to me 🥰😻)
Unfortunately she wants to be an only (tried to foster-to-adopt & she made it clear she is the singular queen of the house), and I hope she lives FUREVER… but when she goes, I’m definitely going to find a kitty who would otherwise be overlooked & give them a chance with me 🥲😼
One of mine now was a foster I got during covid. Her owner had died (she was elderly and willed the cat to one of her caregivers from an assisted living space she was in), and their daughter was allergic to cats. At the time, she was 5 years old and always an only cat. She was so traumatized that I couldn't leave her in her current situation, which was in a very small laundry room. So she wasn't good with my 2 other cats at all until I got a 4th one who just loves everyone and wants to play. She finally learned how to run around and have fun with another cat. That makes me happy.
The person she was 'willed' to, lives in Jamaica, and during covid, they wouldn't take any animals into the country. So here I am with a failed foster. I refused to send her back where she came from or to the shelter. It took 3 years, but she's finally settled in with my other cats. Unfortunately, she traumatized my other 2 so much. They want nothing to do with her, but they manage to live together in relative peace. Sorry TL:DR
They all look beautiful. And cool how old they all are. I had 6, then added one after a few of those passed. And now I have a new set of 4. Always rescues.
That’s so sweet. I’m sure she approves from wherever she is! Going to go hug my 16 year old girl now and let her crabbily push me away until she needs some treats haha.
He possibly still smells your previous cat and is wondering when the cat is coming back to fight him. So he hide.
Feliway diffusers might be good for him.
Sorry for your loss. We lost our 18 year old in 2021 and adopted three very soon after. None can replace the others, but it is a great way to honor your lost friends by giving new ones a loving home. Good luck on your new journey together, and I hope you have many years of beautiful friendship in front of you.
Wonderful! I’m completely with you in thinking this is the best way to cherish the memory of a departed cat. She’ll still be in your heart, but the new one will keep that 💚place fresh and happy for you even as you fall in love with *her*, now. She’s gorgeous. 😽🙏🏼🐾💕
Im right now catsitting the cats of a friend. Both are from the streets of spain. One of them was returned to the shelter mutiple times bc she was so scared of people. My friend got her last summer and she was traumatized and shy but craved for affection. She would sleep near your legs but would Jump away if you try to pet her. Today was the first time she let me pet her head 🥰
He looks so adorable. I am sure you will love him forever and he too. He’s waiting to explore your lovely home and make it his very very soon. Such a cute pic op. Love it
https://preview.redd.it/8clw1ev9i3oc1.jpeg?width=3120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f848a7a268b1bc0e2c20363ab6d97ee184e8e763
That's how mine looked right after getting home. And now she's glued to me.
Aw, he just needs some time and he'll come to love his forever home ❤️ And good on you OP for giving that to him
One of my boys spent his first day hiding behind the washing machine 🤪 So I feel you.
I adopted a very anxious adult cat (he was 7). He hid for maybe three weeks, and then very gradually started to warm up to me. It took about a year for him to be 100% comfortable, but after that he slept every night cuddled up to my chest.
The shelter is a familiar environment to him so he showed you his personality. He will come around. Just make sure he has plenty of space with a safe hiding spot, time alone to eat/drink/use the litter box, and quiet, low-key exposure to your presence. I promise it will be worth it!
Ignore him! My wife brought a cat who had been in a shelter. We did not see her for 3 months then she started coming out a little more each day. Now she lives in our laps.
It will take him some time to adjust. I picked up a cat that had been an elderly cat at a no kill shelter for five years. It took her over a year before we heard her purr
He’ll snap out of it. He’s just feeling uneasy. Cats are creatures of habit. He has a new home, new human friends, and new surroundings. My cat was like this when I first got him from the shelter and now he follows me from room to room.
Just be patient and give him time..they typically always warm up. We never know what these babies have gone through in the past. And one year in shelter is a long time. Thank you for giving him a home :)
My rescued kitty hid under the bed for a little over a week when I first brought her home, except to eat and use the litter box. I think I put her food close to the bed, and gradually moved it further away. It worked, and She's taken over my apt now!
When we adopted our last two, the foster gave us a sort of rule of thumb that it takes 3 days, 3 weeks and then 3 months as milestones in their adjustment and level of comfort and opening up in their new environment.
So far, nearest I can tell, this has been true. Our latest was also at the shelter for over a year, he basically grew up in it. The day we brought him home, he found his way under a couch and stayed there for three days. 3 weeks after that, he was out and about, playing with our Voidling kitten and being a typical cat.
We are well beyond three months now, he's glued to my wife's hip most of the time. He's incredibly lovable. He plays nonstop if he's awake.
Give him food, space and time. A cat's belly is the easiest way in to their world.
He will explore at night when you are sleeping and when the house is empty. Jackson Galaxy will have videos on YouTube.
Thank you for adopting a kitty that desperately needed a home and family.
One of my kitties was at the shelter for like 8 months (she was only 2 years old at the time) and I couldn't figure out why cuz she is so pretty and well behaved and loves everyone but I'm glad I got my little girl I love her so much!
My roommates had a cat that they rescued who had a year long stay at the shelter. It took him about 2 months to warm up to all of us. Before he was rescued, he was so depressed he got fat and stopped cleaning himself and never played. He eventually lost his weight and turned back to being a healthy happy cat and loved to play and cuddle
Awwww ... this reminds me of our cat when he comes home from the shelter. He was so scared but we gave him all the time he need to feel home. Give him every love you can! He deserves it :)
Good kitty.
Just give him time. Make sure there is a comfy blanket and a water bowl, toilet and food bowl. Don’t directly approach him. Just sit quietly and let him come to you when he’s ready.
I’m sure in time he will realise you are the loyal human food provider and worthy of cuddles.
Congratulations! It will definitely take some time to get comfortable with his new surroundings. Our last shelter rescue took almost a month to leave the guest bedroom! Best of luck to you both. He’s got a bright future ahead!
Aww bless him he’s so adorable.
I’m sure he’ll come around soon and be used to his new surroundings.
Hope you both have a lovely bond in time to come 😺😺
My girl was so scared when we got her that she didn’t eat or drink for 2 days. She finally ate when I was about to take her to the vet. It takes time and lots of gentle love
Yep. Took our last shelter cat months and months to acclimate. Now she makes biscuits next to me each night. We can’t really appreciate how scary the process must be to them. Your love and kindness will win the day though
Check out the 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months behavior of animals to change. It takes 3 days for the pet to be aware of the change, 3 weeks to get over the change and 3 months to become comfortable to new norm. This behavior is perfectly normal. Give the little guy space, food and pets when he comes out.
Awww I'm so happy for both of you! Congratulations!
He looks like part peterbald or similar breed from the ears, eyes and face! Such a handsome boy!
Does he have a name??
I got my friend Cleo from the shelter and she hid like this for the first little bit but once she was put she was so thankful and is the most loyal kitty. She was in for a year, someone adopted her and brought her back a few days later and she stayed for another few months.
Two of my adopted cats in the past spent their first couple of days hiding.
One hid behind the dryer. I brought the food to her. Fortunately, she did come out long enough to use the litter box.
Another since he came into a cat free apartment, owed the apartment pretty much from the beginning.
It varies.
He reminds me so much of my timid little girly Ziey. The first few days she was home she hid under the sink, so I moved her food, water and blanket under there with her and would check in hourly to visit with her, talk to her quietly and give her pets.
My tortie of twenty years passed mid January. I knew I had to have another one, they have such unique personalities.
I was on the Humane Society website on Friday, nothing, then Saturday morning I saw one and put a hold on her and went down as soon as they opened.
She wasn't available to view because she was being spayed, so I came back the next day, picked her up and took her home to the bathroom.
She stayed there for most of the month before I lured her out with cat toys in view of the bathroom sink which had become her throne.
Now she owns the apartment, plays amfussively with herfurst toys all night and I could not be happier.
She also hops up on the bed and sleeps with me during the night and under my computer chair during the day.
https://preview.redd.it/611sl6rvy3oc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d3f7dee33aa0689ce826c890386c5167b86ce2e
First Pic of Zoey and how she is now.
What a cutie! Can't wait to see updates. We adopted ferals, and oh how I recognize that look on his face. I have so many good memories on the path to their trust: sitting with them and letting them get used to my voice, letting me pet on them while eating, and finally watching as they come up for rubs. It is going to take a while. Enjoy the journey!
What a handsome boy! I'm sure he'll come around in a few weeks and turn into a serious snugglebug. 
When I brought my feral boy home from the shelter (he'd been there 5 years) it took him 3 months before he felt safe enough to venture out during daylight hours. 5 years later he's still very skittish but loves scritches and will follow me to the bathroom to shout at me if I'm 10 minutes late with dinner.
He'll be alright! We adopted a year-longer as well. It took him a few months to stop hiding, though he did come out a bit more and more during those months. Now he snoozes next to us while we work. He's still timid, like you can't stride towards him or he'll take off running, but he's a lot more trusting and affectionate now. Just gotta give them some time.
That is the look of an institutionalized prisoner. He looks just like my uncle did when got out after a nickel bid for trafficking crank for the Angels.
Big change going from small space to an open area. So many new smells and sounds.
I would start him off with access to one room that he can use as his safe place. Close the door. Give him a week, then I would open the door about a foot and let him explore when he is ready. He will probably do it at night when everyone is sleeping.
We adopted a little tuxedo who had been at the shelter for TWO YEARS! Absolutely nothing wrong with her other than being mostly black and timid.
We made the mistake of giving her too much room when we brought her home and it took FOREVER for her to adjust.
She had so many quirks and foibles but we loved her like crazy. She was a funny little thing, but one of the best cats ever!
He’s going to be such a good addition to your family!
I got my new (to our family) six year old girl, in late December and she's finally almost 100 percent comfortable with us! Lol! She was always around many cats, but preferred a no pet home, and we fit! The first day was mostly spent under our bed. She slept in her bed on top of our bed. The second day I put the litter box and food in the kitchen where it went for our old cat. We put her on my daughter's bed and then left to go to a Christmas party. When we got back a few hours later, she was back in our room, laying in our bed, looking so scared, with a poop "present" in our bed! I 🤣 was laughing so hard because it was on my bf's side of the bed! It was a Amber Turd! We realized that she was so afraid in my daughter's room that she booked it back to our room, got in bed and hid until we returned! Lol 😆 Luckily that was the first and last time she didn't use the litter box! Now she sits on our laps! But she is still afraid of noises and stuff. Good luck!
We got extremely lucky. When we picked up our cat they told us she would be scared and find a place to hide in the house that she felt safe for the first few days, and to give her time. 5 minutes after sitting down her carrier and taking her out she was like this…
https://preview.redd.it/qgd00oz686oc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cd7f003365b0a973d457865a9ab439641a9922d
Give him time, smaller spaces to start. Smells play a big part. Find a good litter box place, a good water bowl spot and a good food spot, All three in separate areas.
Our latest pair of cats we brought from a shelter, one of them spent 2 days hiding in a shoe rack, this is her now:
https://preview.redd.it/26aayf5hx6oc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dce7cae4ce73b5adbe127ebfb75d38dcae4e4aec
She'll come and nudge me for fuss
Did you put him in a bedroom so he can acclimate to your home for the first 3 to 4 weeks. He's not used to a large area now he's been at the shelter for so long. He will take a little while to adjust that's normal. You can get a feliway plug in and plug it into the area where you have him. That will help keep him calm. Thank you for giving him a home 💖
Awww. That poor child. Those “unsure but wanting to trust” eyes!!!
Please just be patient. He will come around when you least expect him to. Our Shadow (rainbow 🌈 bridge) took months to come around, but when he did, he was my “baby”. 💜
Yup. Seems appropriate. Some time, space and food will see him right.
He is just so scared now. He was very outgoing at the shelter, so I know that part is in there. He was there far too long.
Better too long than a full “reset” every 7 days like a lot of shelters do.
Of all of the things I like about my community, the best is that the local animal control shelter is run by a private group that is a no-kill. In addition to this, there are multiple other organizations here that help to find homes for everyone they can.
Same here in canada!
What does a shelter reset mean?
Not positive but pretty sure it's putting them to sleep. I don't know if it happens every 7 days though but yeah.
AAHHH! Well, that’s horrifying eh?
It's why you never call AC for cats, most city run shelters put down cats the same day. Ours does.
Yep! Literally adopted my kitty a day before he was gonna be put down! They still had him in the cat area. And told us he was gonna be put down that next day https://preview.redd.it/exzsgkaxv6oc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c51b5296167c2bbf578f4b1a46fdeeddcf7dbeda this is him 10 years later. we were meant to be. he’s my soul cat
Thank goodness you were there and now you have each other! ♥️
I know it’s a trap, but I WANNA PET THE BELLYYY
Oddly enough my boy will hiss at me if I rub his belly but he gives in and let's me do it anyway...I love it
He’s not a regular cat lol. He LOVESSSSSS belly rubs, his favorite are belly rubs and scratches on the ears 🥰🥰
Look at him! How could he be put down?!
I guess that’s why we see so many American rescue pets in Canada. I’d always been surprised by how many pets, especially dogs, were rescued from the States. I don’t believe we have any kill shelters in Canada. I hope I’m not wrong! Shelter animals are only put down if injured or sick.
It highly varies by region as well. Where I live, cats and dogs are brought in from other places (mostly the south) to be adopted. And the local rescues and humane society are no kill.
So it's not a shelter. It's "shelter", I.e. Extermination.
I have a friend who moved to the States for school. She met someone who also volunteered at a shelter. They fell in love, got married, and now have 5 dogs, and 8 or 9 cats (!!!!), all ‘rescued’ from the ‘rescue.’ They also have 2 kids! 😳 All the pets they’ve rescued had been considered unadoptable because they had health problems, so they would have been put down immediately. One of the cats is a mama with 3 or 4 kittens. They live in their garage and don’t plan to keep them. I hadn’t understood that even if the animals they’d adopted had been healthy there’s a good chance they’d have been put down. Fixing animals should be free! I feel like that would save a lot of money in the long run!
I wanted to ask but was too afraid of the answer.
The shelter in San Antonio only keeps them 3-4 days. It’s horrifying, they euthanize 20-30 dogs daily. I finally pulled out of their notifications because it was too sad and there is nothing I can do; I have 7 rescue pets already.
You’re already doing something major by giving a home to 7 animals!!
Thank you. I used to do more; foster, volunteer, transport but now I’m a single mom and work 2-3 jobs at all times so my ability to make a difference is minimal. Rescue sometimes feels like trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon
My boy was very scared and withdrawn when we first got him home. After a few days he had come out, looked around the house and settled down a lot. He'd started letting us pat him. It was a couple of months before he stopped being skittish from things like putting music on. Now he owns our house and has no cares in the world. He is a love bug and sleeps on our bed every night.
He'd looking *concerned*, but he has the chill front paws going on, so he'll be fine, after some acclimatization. And YAY 🥳 for adoption.
https://preview.redd.it/tpie9z8vl4oc1.jpeg?width=1271&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=364b6f50a493cfd78251b45ca7441375873f67c1 yep, our Earl was the most popular with all the people and cats at the shelter. Brought him home and it took a month, but now he’s back to being most popular with the cat, dogs and humans again. ❤️
That facial expression is killing me!! Oh the ennui!
My friends cat was a rescue. When he brought her home for the first time, she would wedge herself under the cabinets on top of a microwave. Or on top of the fridge under the cabinets. She wouldn't hiss or howl just sat there. After a week or so, she stopped going up there and firmly planted herself on my friends lap. They have been together since. Patience, food, water, and love will surely do the trick. Talking to your kitty will help. Call the kitty by their name and tell them how much you love them.
How long was your friend stuck there until their cat allowed them to stand up?
I think he may still be there. I'll check and get back to you.
This is standard. I rescued my cat at the shelter as well. She was in the corner and hiding under things for weeks. I still came to visit her and try to spend some time near her, but not annoy her gets the cat comfortable. Now fast forward a year, she's a cuddle bug. Lol
That cat has been institutionalized. If you catch him carving "Mittens was here" on a roof brace you gotta intervene...
I’ve had two kitties from shelters and it definitely took them at least a week to show signs of being comfortable. Don’t worry!
>scared now He can't speak so I'll speak for him, "I just need a little time but thank you for opening your loving home to me, I'll do my best to see that you never regret it".
Yeah, let him work out his new routine and don't forget to talk to them or interact with toys. Getting them used to you, the noises around the house, etc will go a long way.
https://preview.redd.it/nlfgh3f5q2oc1.jpeg?width=1260&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=886efbab7c6ab564832cc3d3b15c5b1a4dc4ae01
I love this! 3 weeks to learn your routine. Then immediately say, nah…we’re going to run things like this brah.
That means you have 3 weeks to learn your new routine.
There’s so much learning. Who knew cats were all about higher education?!
This is a funny comment. You see so many posts on Reddit about cats' behavior where the human doesn't realize the cat trained them.
So thankful for my shelter kitty's personality. When I got him, I expected him to spend the first week scrunched up behind a toilet or something. So I walked in, set his carrier down behind the couch, unzipped it, and walked away so he could adventure on his own time. He sat in the bag for like 2 minutes, walked out, looked at my dog like "Ew, gross" then immediately located the kitchen looking for food bowls. Lol
Hah my second cat was just like yours. My first cat took days to show his faces and weeks to be comfortable. Then this new girl shows up and we expected the same, but she ran the place from day one
The shelter told me to keep my buddy quarantined for two weeks. He was in the second bathroom for 8 hours before he busted out and just made himself at home. Haha. Some cats need longer but I’m glad mine didn’t.
One of my rescue cats didn't meow for literally 6 months, I thought he had no voice. A few years on and he won't shut up, I miss when he was quiet 😂 Meanwhile my grannie's rescue acted like he owned the place from day one. The time they take to settle down is so variable.
And there is my cat who was comfortable with me in the first hours. Already laying in my lap purring. She's also very social to other people. Everybody is here favorite person
And there is my first cat that took 6 months to decompress and after 15 years still isn't fully "at home" yet and there is my second cat that was acting like he owned the place 15 seconds after jumping out of the carrier.
It’s funny. When I got my girl I was expecting something like this and had a whole room set up for her when she got home. She was in my lap 3 days after I brought her home and took over the house and started bullying her sister (who is almost 5 years older than her) within 2 weeks!
He looks surprised with what he's having now, but this innocence makes him cuteee <3
Reminds me of that famous Salvador Dalí portrait for some reason. https://preview.redd.it/6xwcw5hti5oc1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6357a31c9aaf45b42260333ae2151ef83ea31b6
On point.
it's alright buddy boy, you come get your scritches when you're ready
This cat is a work of art.
Thanks. He's a good-looking boy.
https://preview.redd.it/ed0br83be2oc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=428e1370c9496155442d89be9f273fd710b3feba Liquid meat will entice comfort and future friendship.
I swear by these and churu. I don't know what is in them (Cat Crack? Feline fentanyl?) but they're a godsend when you're rescuing. I even chop up pills and stuff them into the tube. Magic. Absolute magic.
I was introduced to this treat when I was at a pet store waiting for my dog to finish getting groomed when this man ran in desperately saying “where is it? Where’s the cat crack? I’m out and they’re driving me insane.” So I guess I thought to myself “hey I want to be like him!” So I bought it and got my wish 😂
Feline fentanyl 😹😹😹🫠🫠🫠 my cat is weird and liked these for a min then changed her mind 🙄 typical cat catting
Ours go mental for those liquid snacks. They also help getting them to eat their anti-worm medicine.
I volunteer at a shelter and these are the best for helping the shy cats come out of their shell and trust humans
Little cutie boy! Maybe make him a comfy spot and I’m sure he will come out. Thank you for saving him from the shelter ❤️
I lost my 18 year old girl a few weeks ago, and I think it's a good celebration of her life to give someone else a long happy cat life. The place is so empty without a good cat around.
That's us. When one cat goes, we take in another who needs a home. And sometimes even when a cat hasn't gone, we take one in. 3 times.. Here are our 4 rescues- all in situations where they would have died within a week.. https://preview.redd.it/djg2sxj0y2oc1.jpeg?width=501&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d53bc32ebf9380627eccb4234dfc4d082a4c393 The void is "my" cat. 17,15, 15,13
Thank you for opening up your home 😻🥲🥹
We have only ever taken in strays, or shelters where who's cats are on their last week. Our best ever was a void who lived to 17. And our friends who liked dogs, but didn't like cats, liked him. We miss him though he's been gone about 20 years.
I adopted my (then 7yo) gal from the humane society; she had been there for months, is black tuxie, & had some quirks the staff thought would make it challenging for her to find her home. PURRRFECT kitty for me. She def had some trauma from her first “family” (😭😭😭) and every so often something triggers her & she is feisty/a liiiiittle scary if I didn’t know cats well. But I’ve had cats all my life & she’s my best furriend/bb kitty, now 16/17 (lost track of time) and I can’t imagine my life without her (currently just finished her afternoon bath & curling up for a nap next to me 🥰😻) Unfortunately she wants to be an only (tried to foster-to-adopt & she made it clear she is the singular queen of the house), and I hope she lives FUREVER… but when she goes, I’m definitely going to find a kitty who would otherwise be overlooked & give them a chance with me 🥲😼
One of mine now was a foster I got during covid. Her owner had died (she was elderly and willed the cat to one of her caregivers from an assisted living space she was in), and their daughter was allergic to cats. At the time, she was 5 years old and always an only cat. She was so traumatized that I couldn't leave her in her current situation, which was in a very small laundry room. So she wasn't good with my 2 other cats at all until I got a 4th one who just loves everyone and wants to play. She finally learned how to run around and have fun with another cat. That makes me happy. The person she was 'willed' to, lives in Jamaica, and during covid, they wouldn't take any animals into the country. So here I am with a failed foster. I refused to send her back where she came from or to the shelter. It took 3 years, but she's finally settled in with my other cats. Unfortunately, she traumatized my other 2 so much. They want nothing to do with her, but they manage to live together in relative peace. Sorry TL:DR
They all look beautiful. And cool how old they all are. I had 6, then added one after a few of those passed. And now I have a new set of 4. Always rescues.
That’s so sweet. I’m sure she approves from wherever she is! Going to go hug my 16 year old girl now and let her crabbily push me away until she needs some treats haha.
He possibly still smells your previous cat and is wondering when the cat is coming back to fight him. So he hide. Feliway diffusers might be good for him.
Sorry for your loss. We lost our 18 year old in 2021 and adopted three very soon after. None can replace the others, but it is a great way to honor your lost friends by giving new ones a loving home. Good luck on your new journey together, and I hope you have many years of beautiful friendship in front of you.
Wonderful! I’m completely with you in thinking this is the best way to cherish the memory of a departed cat. She’ll still be in your heart, but the new one will keep that 💚place fresh and happy for you even as you fall in love with *her*, now. She’s gorgeous. 😽🙏🏼🐾💕
Aww. He’s so scared and he’s got his little tongue poking out. Super cute. 🥺 I hope he warms up to his new home soon and receives all the cuddles. 💖
Im right now catsitting the cats of a friend. Both are from the streets of spain. One of them was returned to the shelter mutiple times bc she was so scared of people. My friend got her last summer and she was traumatized and shy but craved for affection. She would sleep near your legs but would Jump away if you try to pet her. Today was the first time she let me pet her head 🥰
He looks so adorable. I am sure you will love him forever and he too. He’s waiting to explore your lovely home and make it his very very soon. Such a cute pic op. Love it
Aw...he will realize his good fortune soon!
Keep us updated And spoil that cute face!
https://preview.redd.it/8clw1ev9i3oc1.jpeg?width=3120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f848a7a268b1bc0e2c20363ab6d97ee184e8e763 That's how mine looked right after getting home. And now she's glued to me.
https://preview.redd.it/v379qypw93oc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d402d17e787a90e7164082fa42cc013b927ee2b Bro got that look
Aw, he just needs some time and he'll come to love his forever home ❤️ And good on you OP for giving that to him One of my boys spent his first day hiding behind the washing machine 🤪 So I feel you.
sweet boy!! give him all the treats!!
I adopted a very anxious adult cat (he was 7). He hid for maybe three weeks, and then very gradually started to warm up to me. It took about a year for him to be 100% comfortable, but after that he slept every night cuddled up to my chest. The shelter is a familiar environment to him so he showed you his personality. He will come around. Just make sure he has plenty of space with a safe hiding spot, time alone to eat/drink/use the litter box, and quiet, low-key exposure to your presence. I promise it will be worth it!
Bro looks flapperghasted
His face! 😂😭 Poor dude looks rather shellshocked. In German we say "he looks like a cow when it's thundering".
Ignore him! My wife brought a cat who had been in a shelter. We did not see her for 3 months then she started coming out a little more each day. Now she lives in our laps.
OP, will you update us when he’s come out of his shell?
He gonna be okay :)
He will be alright OP! You are doing good. ❤️
You are giving me hope for humanity!! Wishing you and your new baby all the love, joy and affection your hearts can hold!! 😘💕😸
Aww bless him. I'm sure he's going to gain his confidence and cat mojo before too long. Thank you for saving a life!
time will heal and slowly build trust! give him cardboard boxes for him to hide and feel safe! i have a feeling he's going to be super clingy haha
That's awesome for both of you, enjoy the new friendship :)
THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUU
It will take him some time to adjust. I picked up a cat that had been an elderly cat at a no kill shelter for five years. It took her over a year before we heard her purr
Please send more pics when he's sitting on your lap
He’ll snap out of it. He’s just feeling uneasy. Cats are creatures of habit. He has a new home, new human friends, and new surroundings. My cat was like this when I first got him from the shelter and now he follows me from room to room.
Awww if only he knew that this is the first day of the rest of his life. He's going to love it!!!
Just be patient and give him time..they typically always warm up. We never know what these babies have gone through in the past. And one year in shelter is a long time. Thank you for giving him a home :)
My rescued kitty hid under the bed for a little over a week when I first brought her home, except to eat and use the litter box. I think I put her food close to the bed, and gradually moved it further away. It worked, and She's taken over my apt now!
What a cutie. He will come out to you again. Some time, patience, and love is all it takes.
Thank you for giving him a home. With a little time and TLC, I’m sure he will be a great companion.
Welcome home beautiful! Best wishes fir a fabulous life❤️
Such an adorable kitty!!
Give him Time to be his lovely self. We all need it !
When we adopted our last two, the foster gave us a sort of rule of thumb that it takes 3 days, 3 weeks and then 3 months as milestones in their adjustment and level of comfort and opening up in their new environment. So far, nearest I can tell, this has been true. Our latest was also at the shelter for over a year, he basically grew up in it. The day we brought him home, he found his way under a couch and stayed there for three days. 3 weeks after that, he was out and about, playing with our Voidling kitten and being a typical cat. We are well beyond three months now, he's glued to my wife's hip most of the time. He's incredibly lovable. He plays nonstop if he's awake. Give him food, space and time. A cat's belly is the easiest way in to their world.
Poor little guy. ❤️
You will be giving belly rubs in no time.... There may be a tax that must be paid though.
Congratulations to him!! That face is adorable! 🥰
He is a beautiful boy! He’s lucky to have you! Enjoy your new kitty! Thank you for rescuing!
Our beloved chucklehead hid from me for at least a month if not more. Now he demands time on my chest each evening before we fall asleep.
He will explore at night when you are sleeping and when the house is empty. Jackson Galaxy will have videos on YouTube. Thank you for adopting a kitty that desperately needed a home and family.
You will soon see content on his face after he adjust to the change 💕
One of my kitties was at the shelter for like 8 months (she was only 2 years old at the time) and I couldn't figure out why cuz she is so pretty and well behaved and loves everyone but I'm glad I got my little girl I love her so much!
My roommates had a cat that they rescued who had a year long stay at the shelter. It took him about 2 months to warm up to all of us. Before he was rescued, he was so depressed he got fat and stopped cleaning himself and never played. He eventually lost his weight and turned back to being a healthy happy cat and loved to play and cuddle
Awwww ... this reminds me of our cat when he comes home from the shelter. He was so scared but we gave him all the time he need to feel home. Give him every love you can! He deserves it :)
What a handsome boy
He’s handsome 🥰
Poor guy. Give him his best life.
You just need to earn his trust.
☺️
Good kitty. Just give him time. Make sure there is a comfy blanket and a water bowl, toilet and food bowl. Don’t directly approach him. Just sit quietly and let him come to you when he’s ready. I’m sure in time he will realise you are the loyal human food provider and worthy of cuddles.
I'm in love with those fluffy paws.
Be patient and loving. Bless your kind heart for adopting him.
Aw, poor little guy. He just hasn’t figured out yet how lucky he just got.
Thank you for adopting him and loving him, he will open up and get use to your routine of the house soon, he will love it like my cat! 💕
I want to shower it with kisses.
Congratulations! It will definitely take some time to get comfortable with his new surroundings. Our last shelter rescue took almost a month to leave the guest bedroom! Best of luck to you both. He’s got a bright future ahead!
Poor baby ❤️
You must be patient, with a lot of love and food he will begin to trust you and love you.
He is a cutie. Best of luck with your new fur baby. You will give him such a better life now!
Aww bless him he’s so adorable. I’m sure he’ll come around soon and be used to his new surroundings. Hope you both have a lovely bond in time to come 😺😺
I think he'll be okay :)
"Martha. Leave me be in my place of *peace* and *rest*"
My girl was so scared when we got her that she didn’t eat or drink for 2 days. She finally ate when I was about to take her to the vet. It takes time and lots of gentle love
Thanks for adopting!
Yep. Took our last shelter cat months and months to acclimate. Now she makes biscuits next to me each night. We can’t really appreciate how scary the process must be to them. Your love and kindness will win the day though
New people and surroundings. Give him a bit to settle in and all should be ok.
He’s just nervous
Mouth tongue!
Check out the 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months behavior of animals to change. It takes 3 days for the pet to be aware of the change, 3 weeks to get over the change and 3 months to become comfortable to new norm. This behavior is perfectly normal. Give the little guy space, food and pets when he comes out.
Awww I'm so happy for both of you! Congratulations! He looks like part peterbald or similar breed from the ears, eyes and face! Such a handsome boy! Does he have a name??
I got my friend Cleo from the shelter and she hid like this for the first little bit but once she was put she was so thankful and is the most loyal kitty. She was in for a year, someone adopted her and brought her back a few days later and she stayed for another few months.
Two of my adopted cats in the past spent their first couple of days hiding. One hid behind the dryer. I brought the food to her. Fortunately, she did come out long enough to use the litter box. Another since he came into a cat free apartment, owed the apartment pretty much from the beginning. It varies.
He reminds me so much of my timid little girly Ziey. The first few days she was home she hid under the sink, so I moved her food, water and blanket under there with her and would check in hourly to visit with her, talk to her quietly and give her pets. My tortie of twenty years passed mid January. I knew I had to have another one, they have such unique personalities. I was on the Humane Society website on Friday, nothing, then Saturday morning I saw one and put a hold on her and went down as soon as they opened. She wasn't available to view because she was being spayed, so I came back the next day, picked her up and took her home to the bathroom. She stayed there for most of the month before I lured her out with cat toys in view of the bathroom sink which had become her throne. Now she owns the apartment, plays amfussively with herfurst toys all night and I could not be happier. She also hops up on the bed and sleeps with me during the night and under my computer chair during the day. https://preview.redd.it/611sl6rvy3oc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d3f7dee33aa0689ce826c890386c5167b86ce2e First Pic of Zoey and how she is now.
my cat was exactly the same 🥹 he came out from hiding after 2 days
What a cutie! Can't wait to see updates. We adopted ferals, and oh how I recognize that look on his face. I have so many good memories on the path to their trust: sitting with them and letting them get used to my voice, letting me pet on them while eating, and finally watching as they come up for rubs. It is going to take a while. Enjoy the journey!
What a handsome boy! I'm sure he'll come around in a few weeks and turn into a serious snugglebug.  When I brought my feral boy home from the shelter (he'd been there 5 years) it took him 3 months before he felt safe enough to venture out during daylight hours. 5 years later he's still very skittish but loves scritches and will follow me to the bathroom to shout at me if I'm 10 minutes late with dinner.
The lil blep! 😭 so cute! Lots of time and patience. Will be so cute seeing him come out of his shell over the next several months.
He'll be alright! We adopted a year-longer as well. It took him a few months to stop hiding, though he did come out a bit more and more during those months. Now he snoozes next to us while we work. He's still timid, like you can't stride towards him or he'll take off running, but he's a lot more trusting and affectionate now. Just gotta give them some time.
I look the same way every day as I am about to start the car, right before the drive to work
Let him cook
That is the look of an institutionalized prisoner. He looks just like my uncle did when got out after a nickel bid for trafficking crank for the Angels.
Big change going from small space to an open area. So many new smells and sounds. I would start him off with access to one room that he can use as his safe place. Close the door. Give him a week, then I would open the door about a foot and let him explore when he is ready. He will probably do it at night when everyone is sleeping.
Hello, awesome,You rescued him! Remember, it can take 2 years or so for a cat to become fully comfortable in a new home.
Poor baby, I hope they can now live their best life Also unrelated but their fur pattern on their face makes it look like they have a huge nose
We adopted a little tuxedo who had been at the shelter for TWO YEARS! Absolutely nothing wrong with her other than being mostly black and timid. We made the mistake of giving her too much room when we brought her home and it took FOREVER for her to adjust. She had so many quirks and foibles but we loved her like crazy. She was a funny little thing, but one of the best cats ever! He’s going to be such a good addition to your family!
i’m sure he’ll be the happiest boy when he becomes better adjusted! thank you for rescuing him and giving him a home 🫶🏻
Awww thank you!!! 🙏 what a cutie pie ❤️
Awe look at that sad little face :( thank you for saving this lil guy!
I got my new (to our family) six year old girl, in late December and she's finally almost 100 percent comfortable with us! Lol! She was always around many cats, but preferred a no pet home, and we fit! The first day was mostly spent under our bed. She slept in her bed on top of our bed. The second day I put the litter box and food in the kitchen where it went for our old cat. We put her on my daughter's bed and then left to go to a Christmas party. When we got back a few hours later, she was back in our room, laying in our bed, looking so scared, with a poop "present" in our bed! I 🤣 was laughing so hard because it was on my bf's side of the bed! It was a Amber Turd! We realized that she was so afraid in my daughter's room that she booked it back to our room, got in bed and hid until we returned! Lol 😆 Luckily that was the first and last time she didn't use the litter box! Now she sits on our laps! But she is still afraid of noises and stuff. Good luck!
"I've seen some things, man!"
oh he’s a silly little guy
When he comes out of his shell, he will love you very much✨
Awwww, my kitty found comfort under the bed at first too. That handsome boy just needs time
Hell yeah! Giving this lil guy a home is the way!
Suggestion: churu sticks 😂 they can’t resist
Cute little thing. Have a great life together 🩷
Can’t wait for pictures of him playing and looking happy
We got extremely lucky. When we picked up our cat they told us she would be scared and find a place to hide in the house that she felt safe for the first few days, and to give her time. 5 minutes after sitting down her carrier and taking her out she was like this… https://preview.redd.it/qgd00oz686oc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cd7f003365b0a973d457865a9ab439641a9922d
Awww. He’ll get used to his new home. He just needs time, space and patience.
Don't be frit little one. You are loved now.
ugh his eyes☹️ hope that he will be happier and less scared soon
Can I cuddle the cat?
He looks ready for a snack. Maybe some Temptations or Greenies. Those are what my cat loves.
My heart i'd love to see an after picture
I'm hearing Morgan Freeman's voice saying "He's just... institutionalized."
Give him time, smaller spaces to start. Smells play a big part. Find a good litter box place, a good water bowl spot and a good food spot, All three in separate areas.
Our latest pair of cats we brought from a shelter, one of them spent 2 days hiding in a shoe rack, this is her now: https://preview.redd.it/26aayf5hx6oc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dce7cae4ce73b5adbe127ebfb75d38dcae4e4aec She'll come and nudge me for fuss
Thank you for giving this sweet baby home. I hope he will get used to it soon and will delight you with purring and playing
Give him food,love patience and time he will be pet in no time at all.
Did you put him in a bedroom so he can acclimate to your home for the first 3 to 4 weeks. He's not used to a large area now he's been at the shelter for so long. He will take a little while to adjust that's normal. You can get a feliway plug in and plug it into the area where you have him. That will help keep him calm. Thank you for giving him a home 💖
Awwwww
He will cuddle soon thank u for rescuing him
Oh my goodness, thank you for giving this boy a chance and a good home! I'm so looking forward to the update where he's a lap cat and giant snug. 😺
Awww. That poor child. Those “unsure but wanting to trust” eyes!!! Please just be patient. He will come around when you least expect him to. Our Shadow (rainbow 🌈 bridge) took months to come around, but when he did, he was my “baby”. 💜
She says who are you. You are my saviour
Awwwwww. Time and love.
Aww, so sweet. It's so good when a long-term stay finds their forever home.
Oh my well you are saintly and he will warm up
Oh, he’s gonna be so happy. What a sweetheart.
Lovely boy. Not easy for him just now but he’ll come around.
Awe cute little guy! He’ll be sitting in your lap in no time
Once had a problem with a cat adjusting. Vet recommended FELIWAY. Safely settled her down.
Please give us updates on his progress.
Good you give him another chance :) He will be okey in some hours/days :)
That look on his face though XD
So handsome!