A kitten had been living on a lot with other cats, hiding from everyone. Then, one day, she was petted for the first time, and everything changed for her.
A towing company contacted Alley Cat Project, a volunteer-run rescue, concerning the safety of cats living in a boat on a lot.
“It’s a busy spot, with lots of sharp objects and cars being moved around at any time, so they wanted help safely relocating them,” one of the rescue volunteers shared with Love Meow.
Rescuers set out humane traps with a camera and waited for the cats to come out. On the screen, a tiny calico emerged from her hiding spot, drawn by the smell of the food.
With lots of patience, they secured the calico and two orange tabbies. Thinking they could all be related, a kind-hearted foster volunteer, Josh Norem, took them home for socialization.
Soon, it was clear that the calico wanted nothing to do with the tabbies. Terrified, she hissed and swiped at anyone who came near.
Once she had some alone time with Josh, her fearful reaction to touch subsided, replaced by a gentle, growly purr. Slowly, she crept closer to Josh.
She went from hissing and cowering in the corner to purring and standing up straight. Her eyes softened, and she began to trust.
“It took her a few days to come out of her shell and start to trust me, but when she did, the most amazing thing happened,” Josh shared. “At one point, she reached out for my hand, then lifted it up to her face and gently licked it a few times.”
With her newfound courage, the calico, named Katy Purry, explored her space for the first time, filling the room with her rumbling purr.
She began accepting pets and attention, slow-blinking at her human as he stroked her gently. Thinking she’d prefer eating alone, Josh left the room to let her eat in peace, only to find out Katy didn’t touch the food until he returned.
When she discovered belly rubs, she flopped over and stretched her legs as if reaching for more.
Before long, Katy climbed onto Josh’s lap and settled in for a cozy cuddle, all the while purring nonstop. She turned into a snuggle bug and a “biscuit” maker.
The calico was much calmer on a lap, being petted and loved on. Her purr motor never seemed to cease running.
Once Josh was able to examine her closely, he discovered a wound on her belly.
Estimated to be eight months old, Katy was very small for her age, likely due to malnutrition. Her wound was treated, and she was transferred to another foster home with Patti so she could have a dedicated carer all to herself.
“She is initially shy but readily works up to a loud purr. She seeks pets and especially seems to love chin scratches,” Patti shared with Love Meow.
When Katy noticed her new toys, her eyes lit up, and soon, her playful side emerged. “She loves going through her rather short cat tunnel and attacked a bird toy that chirps. She has a feisty side yet to be revealed.”
Above all else, Katy enjoys spending time with her foster mom and has mastered the art of lounging on her lap.
“She has loved her opportunities to cuddle with our adult cat, who often takes fosters under his wing. She’s a charming young girl who loves her new life – food, warmth, toys, and love.”
With a second chance, Katy has learned to trust and is now living the good life with a future full of endless lap time.
