Cat Hides From Her Foster Mom For A Year - Then She Does This | The Dodo Faith = Restored

[@bellabear653]

People who rehabilitate animals like this deserve a lot of respect.

[@stickiedmin6508]

There's always a way to get through to them and earn their trust - *_always._* It just takes patience and persistence. The breakthroughs, when they finally happen, and the jet black, howling, screaming hate monster that's made entirely out of needles and teeth which has refused to come out from underneath the armchair for an entire month finally accepts that you don't intend to murder her, and that being friends might not be so bad after all, never get any less rewarding. I'm thinking in particular about a foster kitty (who we ended up keeping) we called Desdemona - emphasis on the "demon" part. For a long time, pretty much any encounter we attempted with her would end in screeching and bloodshed - Lots of bloodshed - until we managed to figure out a game she really liked. She would get absolutely entranced, completely spellbound, playing "Mousey Under The Rug," where I would stick my hand under a rug, or a thick towel, and wiggle it around, and she would try to tear my whole arm into little pieces. Her enthusiasm for the game meant that I would still often go away bleeding at the end of it, but at least she was having some fun and started getting happier. She eventually turned into a loving and happy friend - most nimble and athletic kitty I ever knew. She could casually stroll right up the side of an eight foot wardrobe just as easily as I could walk across the floor. Even after several years however, it never got any less chilling, or spine tinglingly nerve wracking to wake up and open my eyes to find that Diz was sitting on my chest, with her nose about an inch from mine, glaring fixedly at me with her enormous, saucer eyes, as still as a statue. It was impossible not to wonder, "Uh-oh. Is today the day I'm going to need to try and find myself a new nose? Will I have time to call for help before I'm ripped up into tiny bits?" I could tell stories about the kitties I've known for *_hours_* ...

[@ThemightyTho]

Infinite respect from me

[@jannythewonderwomen2215]

And love

[@itscloudyxoxo]

No not true

[@stickiedmin6508]

@@itscloudyxoxo What isn't true?

[@weewhitedug5082]

"This is her home. She's mine." This lady understands what it means to "own" an animal. It's not an accessory. It's about responsibility and care (aka love). The cat had bonded to her and and the foster parent wasn't about to break that bond. 💙

[@allyterps9223]

Yeah, I was so glad she adopted Gia in the end

[@patriciamartinez5836]

Amen !!!!!

[@gitadasgupta7488]

Yes, for animals, as for humans, stability, dependability, and consistency, are so necessary for being able to trust. Beautiful video, beautiful outcome. Wish your family the very best 🤗❤️

[@Patrick3183]

It’s not “own”. It’s own.

[@wendyd.3935]

@@Patrick3183 she doesn’t own the cat…the cat “owns” her.

[@kandreasworld4374]

I once had a cat who wouldn't let me touch her for ten years. Then one day she walked into my bedroom and jumped up on the bed. So I went over to pet her figuring she would just run away and she let me. After that she slept on my chest with her little face resting on my check every night for the next 8 years. I miss her so much.

[@davidryan6112]

Hello

[@carineii6747]

What a beautiful story 😭😭😭❤❤❤

[@mythicalcane7935]

10 years?!? Wow, you are really patient 😸

[@exile220ify]

@@mythicalcane7935 My little Pixel wouldn't come near me for about six years. She was a rescue and badly treated by her former owners and had some serious trust issues. So yeah, a little patience is required but it pays off - now she sleeps with me every night, and as I type this she's in my lap :)

[@mrsdevine161]

the hardest part of loving them is losing them, find solace that she is waiting for you on rainbow bridge.

[@linmiller8147]

THAT is one patient woman. You just KNEW that there was no way that Gia was going anywhere after finally bonding with Stacia. Good ending!

[@raven4k998]

well that's what it takes to get a great kitty out of a scaredy cat🤣

[@mkhanman12345]

Give them some fancy feast They will trust you quick

[@tea-chip-cookies]

The cat had a softness about her, no aggression or anger. Just curiosity and inner sadness. You could tell she maintained her gentle nature despite what's she'd been through in the 'dumping ground'

[@TheBatman-1989]

❤️

[@morena012]

💖

[@nalathenoodlegator7435]

So very true!

[@nate2759]

Yeah, I had a cat similar to her, she was more like a dog.

[@bakerxlove7893]

Well said 💕🐾

[@svenable567]

This woman has been so kind and patient. She's received a great reward though, the love and trust of such a wonderful animal.

[@szilviherczog8934]

💔💔💔🌹

[@ramramrit]

She is wonder woman....bravo😻😻😻

[@osnapitseri]

@@hs342 okay.. what would you do then? do you think you would be able to get the cat as happy as she is now? if anything, you would cause it even more distress and fear.

[@RodyTheRoad]

@@hs342 "That's why it took her so long" Most cats take days or even months to start trusting you regardless of how kind you were. If you have a loving cat from day one, be happy and give them the love they need, but also don't degrade everyone else just because of slower progress. Your comment is the pinnacle of irony

[@tonyromano6220]

Wonderful mommy.

[@ReddogBigdaddy]

Winning over an animal's trust is such a rewarding feeling.

[@Person-ro6uh]

Took weeks or a month or so to get this feral kitten my mom found when I was like 8 or so to let me anywhere near him. We kept him in a bathroom, with a litter box and food on opposite sides. I'd just take my game boy in there and sit down in the bathroom against a wall and play it and talk to him. He would just be puffing up at me. Hiding behind the toilet, nonstop hissing and growling and eldritch horror noises. But I'd just say, 'I know buddy its fine' and sweet talk to him. Eventually he stopped being mad, then eventually x2 let me start petting him and he was able to go explore the house freely once he had simmered down (we had a senior cat which is the main reason he had to be so separated). That cat never forgot me being in there with him for so long. He was my best friend for about the next 15 years. He spent almost every moment with me. If he was inside, he was next to me. If he was outside and I was outside, he followed me like a dog everywhere I went. When I would throw the ball with my friends in my later teenage years, he would run back and forth with the ball, like he was playing too. He was the best boy, he just needed someone with a lot of patience and spare time to help him when he was a baby.

[@avatr7109]

Cats test you More.

[@RosheenQuynh]

@@kennethkeith3335 What does that mean? Clearly they know alot about this...

[@karenh-r7845]

It's an honour

[@RosheenQuynh]

@@karenh-r7845 Absolutely!

[@catsandcrafts171]

One of my kitties, Charlie, is a foster-fail just like this, only he was bereaved and mourning - his elderly human sadly passed away suddenly, and our local rescue went to get him. I fostered him and for 3 months he sat on top of a cupboard facing the corner with his back to me. He'd let me pet him, but gave no reaction. He just didn't want to engage with the world. He came down at night to eat and use the litter tray. Long story short - he started to warm up to me eventually, I couldn't face him having to start all over again with an adoptive family, and so now he's here, snuggled up next to me, a constant companion, just as he was to his elderly lady before. I'm so very grateful for the Charlie in my life. It has been a long road, but we've celebrated every little win... the first time he came into my bedroom on his own, the first time he jumped up on to the bed, the first time he climbed the cat tree, etc etc etc... so much winning.

[@Candy-O1776]

I love this!

[@lucysphotosfromar]

This really got to me. I am almost eighty and have the three kitties mentioned above. Ruby, Donnie and Dennis, I worry every day that something could happen to me and they would have to be rehomed. Since they are all shy and hesitant around other people I am trying to stay here to take care of them. One more thing old folks worry about.

[@blacknosugarnocream]

Well done to you, too!!

[@gemee1]

Check into cat sanctuaries in your state.

[@clicheguevara5282]

Poor little guy. Cats really do love their owners. I can't believe that this is even up for debate in the scientific community.

[@zkwelsh76]

I’ll tell ya: I’m a dog guy. Through and through. But these little cats are working their way into my heart simply from watching these videos. And this, the most touching yet. Such a story of surprising growth by both subjects. I wish the world would watch: this is what a little investment of patience and loving-kindness does. THIS is the ANSWER. (Loved it; thank you).

[@brainscott8198]

It's called 'The Dodo Effect"...it's a beautiful thing.

[@DarqJestor]

Feline fan here, never owned a dog. But the same thing happens to me when I watch videos of dog rescues. I love them from afar.

[@onemuckypup9823]

I'm also a dog lover, but had also grown up with cats. I adopted my tom last May. I'd forgotten how much fun cats can be. Dogs take you in as a pack member, needing you to be the alpha in order to have a healthy relationship. I think cats co-exist with their humans - well that's the way I interpret it!

[@lilacyn]

@Susel Never thought about it that way but that makes perfect sense.

[@PrecogDE]

It's not too late to turn into a cat guy... 😉

[@nnjack9931]

I had a cat that hid for over six months. Ignoring her was the way I won her over and I will never forget the day she finally trusted me. It was amazing. She lived to be 17 and she was my favorite pet ever! We both just fell in love with each other. She's been dead 13 years and I still think about her and miss her everyday.

[@jingleroses]

Woww

[@juanelorriaga2840]

I know that feeling of losing a pet but I know someway I’ll see them again and so will you

[@team3383]

I think about PomPom often. She ignored me and I ignored her for months until one night she just rubbed against my legs from under the bed and we were inseperable. She was a beautiful cat. Miss her.

[@jamesraja1056]

I soo luv my cat. She's 8 and à joy forever. Never thought iwould love that 5kg bundle of love. My 3 12 year old dogs are rather envious. Cheers

[@simongarribaldi9267]

Bless you.

[@Sunstar808]

Stacia you showed a massive amount of patience with Gia beyond what many people would. I’m glad foster became permanent as Gia was clearly traumatized.

[@lemolea9571]

Most people will offload an animal that's not perfect after a few months, it's so good to see people like this that are patient and kind

[@saiyansatan]

When she started the air biscuits I almost lost it 😭 what a loving sweetheart, so glad you were able to get her out of her shell ❤️

[@areneesouder]

As soon as she was able to pet her and she started purring, I started crying.

[@jameshunter7340]

Lol s

[@jameshunter7340]

How are you feeling today? Hope you are enjoying the winter season right now??

[@ajardineira]

We

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@areneesouder]

@@willamsgreg6992 I've got a KZbin and Facebook account, but the Facebook account that looks like this got hacked, so I had to start a new one, with a different picture and my first name Aleta on it.

[@beffiesv650]

When she made her first air biscuits with you I just about died. You did such a wonderful job with this kitty.

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@jaysonmcewen4056]

What are "air biscuits"?

[@paigeo1383]

@@jaysonmcewen4056 when cats knead in the air with their paws 🥰

[@suburbanindie]

Haha we call farts air biscuits in my house

[@calebsharp683]

this so much this comment. same feels

[@chrizzamutya9573]

This woman shows her genuine love to animals, not as pet but as a family also.

[@dalehoward5416]

My gosh and the unconditional patience and love. 💖💚💜

[@tacob69]

So great seeing the cat kneading when she first started petting her.Right there you know she is your cat!

[@CreativeLivingLifestyles]

This is so comparable to my story, I'm in tears. I had a little angel come into my yard. She was so skinny, she lived under my storage shed. I saw her one-time eating corn that I put out for the birds. I was shocked to see a cat nibbling at corn. I couldn't come anywhere near her. For MONTHS AND MONTHS, I fed her laying on my stomach on the ground outside using a long plastic kitchen spoon bc I couldn't get close to her. She was so traumatized that even the mockingbirds would fly down and flock in her face EVERY TIME she tried to poke her little head out the bottom of my shed. I would run out & throw little rocks to get them to leave her alone. I would try to move the food away from the shed so I could visibly see her. Finally, I started feeding her under my stairs & started using a regular plastic spoon so I could get closer and closer to her & keep the birds away. Then I put the food on the top step, then just inside the house, and a little further, over time, she eventually came in. After countless hours, many months, now we are besties! We go walking every day and she doesn't leave my side. I can go hiking in the woods and my fur baby is right next to me hip to hip. I've never had such a wonderful friend, I love her so much. We do everything together. She is my little buddy. She eats out of my hand now of course & sleeps right beside me. That was a precious journey I had no idea how my life would forever change! I connect to this video more than any other one. I have NO idea what Macy, my fur baby went through before me but till this very day, she is terrified of any other human. Nobody can get close to her. She runs and hides. She is no aggressor, she is a scardie cat & will do everything she can to avoid another human or cat for that matter. Taking her to the vet is so hard for me emotionally bc of her reaction but she is a lot better than she used to be.

[@PR0STITUTI0NWH0RE]

Ur an angel thank you❤️

[@Glim246]

She definitely picked the right shed to hide under 😃. May the two of you have a long long time together giving each other the love you both deserve🤗

[@CreativeLivingLifestyles]

@@PR0STITUTI0NWH0RE @glim 246 Wow, I was carried away in the moment, I didn't actually think anyone would take time to read my kitty story. I'm touched ❤ Typically either you understand or you think ppl like myself are crazy. I'm okay with crazy btw 😆

[@lynnz7501]

This was so touching to read. I wish you and Macy the best. Keep being awesome :)

[@pinksunshine8843]

@@CreativeLivingLifestyles ill take this kinda crazy any day 😆. Seriously not alot of people have patience anymore and like Abby said she definitely picked the right shed. I'm a dog mom ive had them since they were babies. I love them to pieces but I never had to earn their trust. They know nothing but pets and love. I imagine a trusted friendship EARNED is on a whole other level. So glad you two found each other 🤗🥰

[@wimvandesteeg1353]

did you really say "a little bit of patience" ? so many people should take a look at this, i have 6 cats, all with a abuse or neglected background and think i have that level of patience too, but seeing this, HUGE respect, your awesome!! Huggs from Holland

[@missiecombs4807]

exactly!! we have 7 cats. all but 2 are neglect/abuse rescues. we have 1 that took us a good 6 Months before we could get near him!! he's 6 now & my baby boy 💙 & sleeps every night with my youngest daughter 💗

[@RANDYSAVAGE1412]

For real

[@Faye786]

Ur an amazing person adopting abused and neglected cats and giving them a loving home. I really admire people like you a lot, its really tough and can take a toll emotionally but the end results when they start to trust and accept love is so worth it. 😍❤❤❤❤❤❤ I only have 1 cat that was a stray, came from a terrible background and it took almost 6 months for her to trust and actually roam around the house, now she's the queen of the house and spoiled rotten by my parents and I 😍❤

[@John--]

Cats are awesome. Both of mine are rescues of the street too and they are both loving and adorable dorks

[@lykiaookami6070]

yeah she's really underselling. It takes a lot of patience, love and nerves to deal with an abused/neglected cat. Mine was quite neglected and we don't know her background but she's super timid, scared, anxious etc. Took me 6 months to get her to stop hiding (I was at the end of my wits, she threw up pretty much daily underneath my bed, woudlnt go anywhere else etc. so I blocked off all hiding spots) and she slowly over the course of 2 months gained a lot of confidence. She also inhales food and because of that as well as the pain in her gums from losing most of her teeth makes her throw up every 2 days or so. It was such a rough time for me and her getting used to our new living circumstances over a whole year. I still remember crying for hours because I felt like I was doing something wrong and why wasn't she getting any better as well as breaking down from all the stress that comes with having such a time intensive cat. But honestly? Pushing through all that and at the end of the day laying in bed with her all relaxed, fully trusting me and purring me to sleep? It makes all up for it. So happy I never gave up. She still has a few hiccups every now and then when she just out of the blue seems to have anxiety attacks and gets extremly fearful again for a few days up to several months but she has recovered so much and I'm so proud of her. It takes a HUGE amount of patience and willingness to take care of pets with bad pasts. Mad respect for her not giving up on her cat.

[@RiffRaffMama.]

When she started kneading dough and then purring I had the biggest smile. Your patience is boundless, and so is Gia's. She's lucky to have found you.

[@finni-h2x]

So true, I also think they were lucky to have found each other.. perfect fit

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@finni-h2x Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@DKE323]

To see her play by herself at night got to me. I knew when she had her close up she was almost there. Thank you for taking care of this angel.

[@johndough8219]

It may take a bit to win a cat's love, but when you have it, it's forever.

[@valentinaminauro352]

So True 😻

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@valentinaminauro352 Do you care for a chat ?

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@Nicole.Ella.TheFortress Do you care for a chat ?

[@pequena_ninera]

Did you notice that as soon as she realized that you were petting her she had this look of "Is this what I've been missing and how can that feel so good?" I love it and it's understandable to to be so patient, but guess what, it was worth the wait, cause now she is happy with you and the two of you are together forever.

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat ?

[@TheInfinityMaster1]

Wow! Most people would've given up at that point (especially after a whole year of trying). Glad her patience worked out for her in the end!

[@South_0f_Heaven_]

Took me about a year and a half and until mine finally became a indoor house cat and settled in for good. He was a stray outside. Started by feeding, then he would spend time in the back screen porch. Got colder then usual one winter so brought him inside every hour or so to keep warm. Couldn’t let him come into contact with my other indoor only cat until tested for FIV, Feline Leukemia, etc. Then he would spend time indoors but always insist on going back out when I went to bed. Did the inside/outside thing for a while until he came home one day limping. After that never wanted to go back outside again but still enjoys the screened in porch with the other cat during the day. Great cat and both love each other very much so definitely worth the time and effort to get them there.

[@Ikajo]

One of my cats is similar to this, hiding and not wanting me to come too close. Been 1,5 year by now. He is making progress. Very, very slow progress. And I let him take his time. He is not alone anyway since there is also a younger cat who isn't afraid of me at all.

[@Corolrose1218]

This video gives me hope. There has been an abandoned female cat living with us for several months. We did not know that she was here at first. Then we started hearing meows in the back of the house. We spotted her a couple of times but she’d run and hide as soon as she saw us. Eventually, she’d stay out in the open but a fair enough distance from us. Gradually, we’ve gotten her to come within approximately one foot of us. She’s learning to trust us more, especially when we feed her. She still runs if she thinks we’re getting close enough to touch her. She obviously is afraid of human contact. Someone must have mistreated her in the past. She’s fine with our other cats. I’m not sure of her age. She won’t let us get close enough to take her to the vet. She needs to be spayed. She’s already gone through at least one heat since she’s been here. We still have no idea how she got into the house. We tried to find her owners for several months. No one has come forward. I hope she let’s us get closer soon so we could have her checked out by a veterinarian.

[@ombra711]

This was the patience of true love. I love that she didn't call the cat a foster failure.

[@mindlessmedia4444]

this woman is wonderful, respected boundaries of the cat and gave space to decompress and explore. So happy for people like her! Beautiful cat got to see the better side of the human race!

[@denisepeterson2082]

That's dedicated!

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@denisepeterson2082 Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@j_g9109]

3:24 Her paws! Oh my heart just burst. She’s kneading happy air biscuits. ❤️

[@sipos0]

I loved this bit too! You can really tell she is happy :)

[@ramramrit]

😹😹😹😹👏👏

[@HarpaxA]

so curling paws is similiar to dogs wagging tail ? 😅

[@sipos0]

@@HarpaxA cats push their paws back and forth like this in a kneading motion on their mother's belly to stimulate milk release. They do it as adults when they are happy, particularly when they are somewhere they feel especially safe or with someone they love, or sometimes to sooth themselves. In this case, it is showing a cat comfortable and feeling safe and happy with the human she loves.

[@dede4004]

Yes, her kneeding the air, means she's very happy. All kitties will do this at times. My one kitty kneeds blankets and sucks them, especially one very soft one, which is also my favorite. We have to share it, but it's cuddly and fun. Kitties are unique for sure.

[@obelus5985]

There is so much pain and suffering in this world that makes it even more lovely to see someone bringing a little goodness back.

[@Excalibur-Sonic]

Aw. The love I saw in Gia's eyes when she looked up at Stacia. My heart melted.

[@boblangford81]

When the cat finally accepted the “pets” you could see the change in her eyes and she looked like a different cat. Love can save us all!

[@simongarribaldi9267]

Bob, that is a profound statement.

[@Maidenstear]

Sometimes I think a foster "fail" is better for the animal. I think keeping the cat after such a long time of building trust makes sense

[@Ikajo]

I have a cat that I adopted from a shelter, one that made an effort to be as homelike as possible. He clearly has neglect and trauma behind him. I can barely get close to him most of the time, but I'm allowing him to move forward on his own. He was miserable at the shelter but I definitely don't think a foster home would have done him any good. If anything, it would probably have made things worse. Fostering is probably fine with dogs, sometimes, and with young animals. Like puppies and kittens. But I do think that sometimes it just causes more trauma.

[@sdmiller1917]

Thanks for sharing your story. I adopted a 6-year-old who stayed under my bed for over 3 months. He had been dumped at the shelter by his previous 'adoptive parents' after just one week. Poor guy. But I stuck with him, giving him space, sitting quietly with him, petting him when he would allow it. He's now the sweetest, most vocal and demanding cat I've ever had! :) It's been such a reward for me to have created a safe home for him over the past 5 years.

[@leprechaunne]

She was fond of the owner long before the "breakthrough." The cat yawned in front of her, narrowed her eyes, and never showed aggression. It's good that she can stretch and get pet now though

[@nowirehangers2815]

Sure Noah

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Yes. I saw that too. It amazes me how many people don't understand just how precious a sign of affection a cat's slow blink is.

[@ggukdipity]

“What I learned about myself is just my capacity for patience and unconditional love” I’m crying

[@SatumainenOlento]

Me too!!! 😢😢😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ The kindness of her heart ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@seaslug4814]

@@SatumainenOlento i'm sobbing!!!!

[@BritKay118]

Yup, tears just flowing after that one. The kitty is so happy & content at the end! 😭

[@dianec.287]

Surprised no one has mention how beyond adorable Gia is when she is sticking out her paw while Stacia is using the feather toy to play with her. Thank you Stacia for sharing this beautiful story! I am so happy that Gia is in a loving home with someone as patient and understanding as you! ❤️🐈♥️

[@jules3048]

I thought that was soooo cute too!!

[@dianec.287]

I literally watched the video a few times because I couldn’t get over how adorable Gia was!

[@patriciatrischalbo5232]

No better foster mom there is for this traumatized kitty. You have done a wonderful job. God has matched you two together. He knew it would take someone with the patience and the love that you have for kitty. You are a Gem!

[@kirpdeb]

I thought it was heartbreakingly cute when her little paw came out from under the couch to bat at a ball. 💖

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@hey_baddie]

I cried like a baby watching this. This is so beautiful. I’m reparenting my inner child now and recognized myself in Gia - severely abused and terrified of people. This gives me hope and reassurance. Thank you for spreading love and kindness! ❤

[@janetpattison8474]

❤🌸💕🌼💕🌸❤️ Awesome! I need to do the same! ✨🫶🏻✨

[@jennifers2561]

The best moment was when you first started petting her, she relaxed. Absolutely priceless!

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@chezmoi42]

@@willamsgreg6992 Scam pick up artist. Reported.

[@lykiaookami6070]

I remember when mine for the first time ever fully relaxed on my bed after hiding for half a year in constant fear and panic. She was so deeply asleep on my pillow that she wouldn't even wake when I gently whispered her name and shook her because it was time for me to get to bed. I felt so touched that she trusted me enough. That's the best moment ever for anyone who goes through taking care of such cats.

[@luceatlux7087]

@@chezmoi42 I would just be curious to understand: just basically, how do such scams work? I've had a couple of individuals try to appeal to me in a somewhat smiliar way. I never answered any of them, but always wondered what was going on.

[@chezmoi42]

@@luceatlux7087 I'm not sure, but I've seen so many of them around that my scam radar pings whenever I see one. They always go after women, they always address them in an 'Oh, hai, wanna chat?' kind of off-the-wall way, and the ones that I've seen getting a favorable response always go straight to 'let's talk privately' to get their email address. And they're not shy about trying it on with every woman in a thread, especially the ones with a pretty photo. I can't find any information on dealing with them, but my advice is don't. I suspect they are just trying to get into someone's life in a pallid 'Nigerian prince' scheme of some kind, or just targeting vulnerable single women, as con men are wont to do. Always report them for harassment when you see one. Cheers!

[@empputoropainen540]

Okay I am crying out loud. Thank you for keeping her. She would not understand if she was let down and given away after all this.

[@2babobcat761]

Me too, love happy endings, especially "permanent" 🏡 happy endings!

[@joycekellner9957]

This is remarkable. I took in a "feral" (abandoned) cat who hid from me for many months, and even when she started coming out did not want to be touched. One day after18 months, when I was talking to a friend, the kitty rubbed against my leg. I reached down and stroked her tail, and the rest was history. She became the most loving , cuddly kitty imaginable. Patience is everything with these creatures who have been abused and abandoned.

[@lucysphotosfromar]

And thank you for taking the time to help her.

[@sachadee.6104]

Aaaaah there is hope then. I have a kitty who rubbs against anything if I talk to her or bring her food but WON't let me touch her. period ! I know she has it in her but she didn't have "THE CLICK" yet. I keep fait and give her time.

[@dotcassilles1488]

My Shadow ( rescue cat) took two years to trust me after his owners abandoned him as a kitten and nasty neighbours hit him with a hose end and tried to kill him with a rake. He trusted my therapy dog first. He was her baby and when we first moved here she would let him in to raid her biscuits (she was normally food aggressive because of being a runt and rescued animal). I gave him a tin of tuna and a cardboard box with an old towel in it for him to hide in one night in the middle of a thunderstorm. After that he realised I wasn't going to hurt him and that he could trust me. For those first two years he would sleep under my bed during the day and then go out at night to hunt. He is still a scared cat 6 years after and trusts very few people but he has recently learnt the wonders of sleeping curled up near my legs, under one layer of blanket but on top of the soft comforter. He is getting to know the sound of my brother who comes to visit often and just the other day he rubbed himself against my mums legs in almost a full circle of eight pattern. He still panics if he hears a vehicle he doesn't know or if strangers come near. My dad was the scary monster who had to drive us to the vet but he let dad pat him last month so we are still having wins 6 years since the tuna incident. I say all this to encourage anyone trying to rescue/rehabilitate a stray/feral or abandoned animal. The best thing you can do is love them all the time and give them time to realise you aren't scary. Sorry for the essay if you made it this far. Blessings from South Eastern Australia, Dot

[@WadeWilsonDP]

I had a cat once that was found in the alleys of Detroit. Adopted her from another cat owner who had like 3 other cats so she was always hiding. When we got her home, she continued to hide until one night when I was sitting up alone playing video games and she came out from under the couch. She meowed at me and started rubbing on my legs, so I petted her. After that she was really friendly (at least to me) It feels great to earn the trust of a cat.

[@drewidrie2396]

i have a little girl who did the same thing. She hid under the bed for a year. Now, five years later, she's the sweetest most cuddly cat ever... Her trust was hurt from being kicked around from home to home, until i adopted her!

[@mariemin1177]

So happy for you both!!!❤️

[@maviewavie2326]

Thank you for giving her a forever home. Not sure she would have made a successful transition. She is beautiful. Thank you!

[@shruggzdastr8-facedclown]

That moment when she started kneading her paws in response to your first almost not touching gentlest of hand-on-body strokes just sucked the air right out of me!!

[@mymuffin4me]

i second that emotion

[@amywalker7575]

"A little bit of love..." Wrong. You loved that cat with your whole heart from day one, Stacia. May you and Gia have many more happy years together!!!

[@willamsgreg6992]

Hi, How are you doing?

[@MsOzigal]

we have a Maine Coon cross that was abandoned when the neighbours moved, he turned up on our doorstep 2 yrs later after living in the park all alone. He was near death, wobbly walk, spiky coat and a mouth so rotten you could smell his rotting teeth and gums from meters away. He was too ill to fight us when we caught him and took him to the vet but was too ill for intervention apart from anti-biotics and soft foods (by the truckload). When he was treated and recovered he refused to let us near him (so afraid) and would spend all his time in the outdoor run hiding in a tunnel. We tried to leave treats, best chicken meat, raw beef etc but couldn't coax him out no matter how hard we tried. Then one day my husband said "enough of this" and went out and tipped him out of his hidey hole....within a couple of days from then he came inside and eventually attached himself to my husband. Talk about a bromance! We called him Phoenix and he is still my husbands shadow to the point that he will wrap himself around a leg or neck or whatever body part is available or just lay back in his arms patting hubby's face with a paw. He has been abused in the past and is afraid of brooms, loud noises etc but has really come out of his shell as one of the most loving and rewarding rescues we have had, love him to bits, our old "fluffy butt" :)

[@joancavanagh9809]

Love it

[@bonniepwtf]

So much effort & patience. Definitely a wonderful lesson for all of us.

[@koniroyval9557]

Would it not be wonderful if we all could show this same level of patience and loving effort also to other PEOPLE. Yet it seems accurate to say---HUMANS are ever more in need of extreme levels of loving care and concern. WE are a tough nut to crack. And bring back to a calm,loving condition.

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@willamsgreg6992]

@Jesse Porter Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@myrtlemarcum3142]

As she started coming around I began to hope in the end you would keep her. I was afraid if she lost you she would NEVER trust again ever. Your patience and love won her over. Thank you.

[@gailremp8389]

Once they pick you. You're screwed. Isn't it great!

[@vegskater1741]

@@gailremp8389 It IS great! I love that my cats 'picked' me. I don't feel screwed at all.

[@gailremp8389]

@@vegskater1741 thx for morning smile. Needed it. Have good, safe sane-ish weekend.

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@gailremp8389 Do you care for a chat ?

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@vegskater1741 Do you care for a chat ?

[@kateemma22]

Poor little girl had so much fear, understandably, and Stacia really just came out here and said 'I'm going to prove myself worthy of trusting' and she did. Queen, you should be proud of yourself, and may you get all the love and sandpaper tongue cat kisses for many days to come.

[@theresaakins2317]

How cute! Sandpaper tongue kisses!

[@jerrilynpapilon9611]

@@theresaakins2317 yep those sand paper kisses are sweet

[@courtneygrier2015]

So much respect for Stacia for never giving up on this little lady. Now she's a hero in my eyes and this cat's. 🥰

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat ?

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@theresaakins2317 Do you care for a chat ?

[@kellyu765]

THIS IS EXACTLY MY STORY WITH MY RESCUE!! She is a Russian Blue and was scared to death and hid under everything! I gave her a week of hiding then blocked off those areas but bought her a soft dome hut cat bed for one specific area she could retreat but I could still get to her. This pushed her out of her comfort zone but sped up the process of bonding. It was a slow process but so rewarding now she sticks to me like glue! She follows me everywhere and sleeps with me at night… she is my best friend! The trust she has put in me is such a beautiful gift and so precious to me. I can’t imagine my life without her! Patience is the key and when given the rewards are endless and so sweet! I love my GiGi and more… she loves me! 💕🐾🥰

[@Junie_theCutie]

I was really hoping this would end in a foster fail! She warmed up to you so well! And her cute little meows at the end! Gia is such a cute cat 😍

[@ZERO_O7X]

I could have never parted from such a wonderful cat and her journey into loving someone else. Simply beautiful and an amazing transformation. 🥰

[@Junie_theCutie]

I agree! I can’t imagine what her prior experience was with humans to have had her so scared. I’m glad she’s in good hands now!

[@inkbold8511]

There are other animals that need specialist care like this lady. Hence new family is okay for the kitty now she is used to human.

[@Junie_theCutie]

@Mr. Shlock yes, that’s indeed what I meant 😊

[@evsta100]

"I was really hoping this would end in a foster fail!" Why would you say something like that. It makes no sense.

[@SoulOfJustice1994]

My heart melted when she started purring, let alone the rest of her progress. So precious! ❤️

[@mamalupine7604]

❤️

[@quinnleydean8335]

The purring and the air biscuits did it for me!

[@radiredwolfgirl]

For some reason I started crying :')

[@theterbear9915]

I adopted a cat June of last year. He was from a hording situation. He was a very unique looking cat. Very pretty. But he was a nervous wreck when we brought him home and acted like this. But we kept giving him as much space and attention as possible. Now he's a cuddler and a talker. He likes to grab your hand and lick it. And he's best friends with the other 2 cats. He's great now.

[@mymuffin4me]

adorable lovey hiding inside and you won him over!

[@grahamstrouse1165]

So happy for both of you!

[@paulwangler]

It's great seeing a cat warm up to you. My cat went from only wanting to be touched sometimes, to wanting me to hold her against my chest like a baby. Being a cat dad/parent is very rewarding

[@tzinyernchong1939]

so adorable, especially how she "turned on" her two "torchlights" to go exploring at night 😸

[@widdzonconsole]

👀👻

[@mm-xu5df]

Spooky

[@riakun]

It makes me so happy that she kept that precious kitty. After the patience and working with her, it would feel almost, if not completely, cruel to uproot that fur baby and move her somewhere else. I hope these two continue many more years of love and affection ♥️

[@mjohnson1741]

Yes, there's a reason why she received this specific cat.

[@ImAshlynMars]

Yes it is sweet, but can we please remember that foster parents aren’t cruel for finding forever homes for their fosters? Even if she had rehomed, she would still equally be as good a person bc she took her time to care and rehabilitate her. And animals are resilient. Pets are nervous at first in any change until they realize the same patterns emerge: I get fed, I get petted, I can sleep, I can play = I’m safe and this is home. If I kept every cat I rehabbed I would have over 27. And then who will foster?

[@riakun]

@@ImAshlynMars yes, agreed. Sometimes people can't always keep the animal. Nothing wrong if they give them up, so long as the fur child gets a good home

[@TimeIdle]

It's not cruel because the foster had taught the cat to trust a human. If it can trust her, then the next one would be easier.

[@riakun]

@@TimeIdle I didn't say it was cruel if she couldn't keep the kitten. It's just sweet that she was able to

[@AzlianaLyana]

So much respect for the lady for being such a patient hoo-mom. At the end of the day, it's all about healing these poor souls inside out so that they can resume a normal life with people. 💖

[@hanouna7800]

Hi dear azliana 😊😊😊😊

[@cathithomas2888]

When one is trusted by a cat, they truly know what love is. Melts my heart.

[@little1942]

It can be very difficult to gain the trust of a cat with “human” issues. Glad that this woman had the patience and fortitude to draw Gia out and show her how good life can be with a loving human. A cat that guards their heart that closely is very tough to reach. But once you do, she’ll be the most loyal and loving pet you’ll ever see.

[@Laura-qo5tx]

I love this story! We took in a feral cat that attacked us every single day for 18 months, we took it slow and finally he ‘gave in’ to our love and quickly became the most loving and affectionate of the four feral cats we took in. About a year and a half ago we lost our baby boy but I love seeing stories such as these that remind me of our journey, which was so amazing and totally worth the shredded arms and legs that got us to the purrs and snugs

[@mymuffin4me]

love your story! you know how to love deeply.

[@missywilliams1162]

Laura, So sorry your “mister” had to move on without you all these 18 months; it’s a sad affair to lose a part of the family that’s also a faithful companion & friend of the nonhuman kind!! I am a firm believer that God places people & pets in our lives for several reasons: to learn about self, others & reciprocal respect & love, to grow & mature in positive ways & the list goes on

[@missywilliams1162]

But I have also heard about & experienced a lost pet returning in a different form down the line…..whether it’s ethereal & you can sense it or it’s in another pet. They make many (or most) of us better people, or I would like to hope. Watch for his return, his quirks, his behavior unlike any other. My 19 year old cat & very best buddy, Garfield, came back in the form of a tiny Russian blue (grayish) kitten who was down in a ditch

[@missywilliams1162]

Alone & drowning. I keep sending these replies before I’m finished running my gob!!! Anyway, my baby returned in him, several years later. Titcher is so much like Garf in every way, even having diabetes& weight issues!! Have a great night everyone,

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat ?

[@NoNo-lw4gy]

This lady has a heart of gold,tons of love to give and KINDNESS.

[@franksmith7247]

She's a beautiful woman and a beautiful person. Just lovely.

[@01Varda]

I’m so happy you decided to keep her, especially as it took her over a year to build that trust in a human again. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. x

[@theknightswhosay]

The purr around 3:38 must have felt so rewarding. I adopted a kitten from a bad situation, and it felt so good when he started to relax and purr around me.

[@absbabs6153]

same...gave me goosebumps (in a good way) the first time I heard it....it's better than saying "i love you"🙂

[@Aemirys]

Hearing her finally purr was the best thing ever!

[@chrisnine11]

This is what happens when the right pet meets the right person. Many folks would have given up any type training after a few weeks or months and lived with a cat on guard and hiding all the time. So happy Gia found a loving home! 🐈🐾❤️

[@willamsgreg6992]

Hi, How are you doing?

[@davidryan6112]

Hello

[@claudiatapia8310]

She had to forced the cat to get out of her comfort zone and things got better for the cat, she received more love from the new owner, until was completely comfortable. What a lovely story of love and perseverance! Thanks for sharing :))

[@yousee66]

This story is somewhat similar to mine. My cat who I named "Jagger" but was very hyper... He was roughly 7 mos...full of fleas had injury to left leg. Could not get near him at all. Now 2 years later..I can finally pet & give him kisses. Yes patience & consistency is the key. So happy for the both of you 😊 😻

[@melizaramirez4557]

I am happy for you and jagger too Great job! ❤️👍

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat ?

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@melizaramirez4557 Do you care for a chat ?

[@morganbarfield108]

The love on her face at 3:34 like “I found my mama” was the sweetest thing ever.

[@etorresrodz]

At 4:21 you can see the love on her face, she's kinda looking up for her human smiling ❤️

[@tracisr]

This woman's patience is admirable. So many people would give up or just let the cat hide forever. This was so nice to see!

[@glitterbaby7768]

I went to the shelter and adopted my sweet little bb. She was in the shelter 3 yrs no one wanted to adopt her because she came to no one. I brought her home and she didn't come to me for 4 months. One day I was watching TV and she came down the stairs, jumped up on the couch and laid next to me. Its been 7 yrs and she is the most loving ❤ sweetest pet I've ever had!!!

[@KatieVanHelsing]

Anyone else have that little gasp of joy when she started making biscuits while getting petted? 🥰🥰

[@lavenderlovely32]

Yess 😍

[@willamsgreg6992]

Hi, How are you doing?

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@lavenderlovely32 Hi, How are you doing?

[@youngraines851]

What a heartwarming story - Gia must have had such a traumatic past & it took the patience of an angel (Stacia) to draw this beautiful one out & start to learn trust & live life again. Thank you! 💗

[@Hamna_fr]

Im so happy she finally trusted her !

[@elj1234]

I’m tearing up like crazy. That woman’s kindness and love is awe inspiring ❤️😺🫶. I hope they have many more years together

[@Interestingstories3241]

I am gonna definitely get a pet after this. I wish my pet is as cuddly as this 😺 cat.

[@catherineearnshaw8472]

Can I just say, when the world seems at its lowest point, this story shines a light into the darkness.❤

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@johnd5398]

@@willamsgreg6992 how many women are you going to creep on in one comment section? and with the exact same line?

[@tigerlily0988]

When she turned her head towards her owner and started purring…. I knew their bond had finally been established. I’m so happy Gia found such a wonderful forever home with Stacia.

[@sugarbear1965]

I’m crying!! Thanks for the tears of joy!

[@e.conboy4286]

It was a ‘We got this’ moment, wasn’t it?

[@bonalba20]

Well done you! And to all the other caring souls who have saved these wonderful creatures! I have 3 Spanish stray feral cats that I brought to the UK. I love them dearly and they give me so much joy x a reason to live after the passing of my dear wife of 40 years.

[@anegol6892]

Stacia is a very patient nurturing angel. She never gave up on Gia and her patience paid off. Gia has blossomed into a beautiful happy cat. These animal transformation stories are inspiring and heartwarming. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@iamlrrr8282]

I applaud her on her patience. Cats are mysterious and very individualistic, and to have the patience for a year before any love reciprocation… that’s a DoDo hero in my book!

[@humanbeing8819]

oh my, the day you were finally able to pet her with your hand must have been so special. Well done, she's a little beauty.

[@Hector-sp2hv]

A foster failure - the best kind of failure! Aaww, she’s such a sweet baby!

[@kimberlym5988]

We had a neighborhood cat that adopted us (he eventually died of old age at 19 or so), but when he came into our lives, it took 3 years in order for him to stay in the house for any length of time without freaking out and having a hiccup attack. We started by feeding him inside the house and it went from there. During really cold or nasty days, he'd eventually start staying inside. It took him awhile for him to figure out our house was a safe, good place.

[@mymuffin4me]

wonderful story, i have happy tears reading this.

[@willamsgreg6992]

Hi, How are you doing?

[@davidryan6112]

Hello

[@oliviaenglund]

Like any creature, human or animal, it takes time to trust again when you’ve been mistreated and abandoned. Her progress is beautiful and you can tell how sweet & gentle she is even though she was cautious around you. You can see her trust and love for you! So happy she found her forever home 🥺💕

[@willamsgreg6992]

Do you care for a chat and get to know each other more better?

[@Faye786]

Thats so true no matter what species, it takes time to heal from emotional and physical trauma. Some take longer then others. ❤

[@treesvelthoven2612]

Exectly like mine kitty, who's not with me anymore for 4 years, she died at the age of 18. She came from a shelter when she was 3 months old and wasn't socialized at all. It took me also for about 4 months that she would trust me and at one night I woke up and felt her sleeping against my head on my pillow. From that day on we were inseparable. I still miss her so much 😔

[@e.conboy4286]

I know that feeling. Bless your heart dear. ❤️ 🐾🐾

[@treesvelthoven2612]

@@e.conboy4286 Thank you, Bless you too ❤️🙏

[@Brick-so1ig]

Love Watching Her Gain Her Confidence and Feeling Secure....She is a BEAUTY!!!

[@doctorsmooch.4709]

What an innocent and gentle soul, she's really cute and looks adorable.

[@nattywho]

Funny, because the love, consistency and patience can be translated to our human relationships too! So happy that you decided to keep her…she is exactly where she belongs! I pray you all have many years together!

[@dorotak6280]

so true! whish we were so patient and loving with our fellow humans

[@godbluffvdgg]

So, I should start feeding my wife baby chicken food on a wooden spoon? I'll try it, I guess...:)

[@nattywho]

@@godbluffvdgg I feel sorry for your wife, if that is what you got from my comment! I said love, consistency and patience can translate over to human relationships! But, somehow you came to the conclusion that you should feed her baby chicken from a wooden spoon! You need help dude!

[@nattywho]

@@dorotak6280 Exactly

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@nattywho Jezzus Get a sense of humor...You cat people are ridiculous!...

[@harry__vince]

you can tell by her voice how good of a person she is, she sounds so nice

[@SuperMrBlaze]

My blind adopted cat spent one month behind the cupboard until I was able to lure him out! Patience and FOOD helped a lot! 😁😁😁

[@terriwarner8682]

Sarah O - EXACTLY spot on! One does not “own” an Animal. The Animal is a companion, a precious friend to love and cherish. You and Gia are very blessed!

[@shoobadoo123]

Looks like you were trying to reply to a comment, but you just posted a general comment instead. So “Sarah O” won’t see this 😂

[@susanboothroyd3069]

Yes ,ive had a stray too he was old it took him 8 months to me out from the back of my settee,that day I just burst.into tears,I was so happy .He then used to sit on my chest ,it took patience,but I was so happy for him and me!

[@Meow_World27]

@@shoobadoo123 right

[@willamsgreg6992]

Hi, How are you doing?

[@willamsgreg6992]

@@susanboothroyd3069 Hi, How are you doing?

[@singerrb4984]

Precious little baby, so happy she was able to trust her foster mom.

[@JadetheGoober]

I cried at the first pets. You see the trust register in her eyes, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve seen all year.

[@pathacker4963]

Patience is everything. It builds trust.

[@3minutestill]

I noticed at the beginning of this video she wasn't making any noise but by the end she was speaking. You did an amazing job showing her love momma.

[@Sarasarah3]

This made me tear up. What a beautiful kitty, still open to trust 💜. You’re an incredible fur momma

[@billmalone5050]

God bless you for all of the time, patience, effort and love that you put into that cat. She never knew about feeling safe, fed, warm, dry, secure, confident, wanted and loved. You were the one who was meant to give that cat her best life possible.

[@ceeceetracey9839]

Thats an amazing story. We need more people like her.

[@KreatureKennedy]

I’m SO HAPPY YOU KEPT HER! That’s so sweet.

[@mobileentertainment575]

I cannot even imagine the experience this little girl had faced in her past to make her so scared, so shy. God bless Stacia for her love and her kindness in bringing Gia out from the darkness.

[@janhoyle1462]

That is just wonderful!

[@justme-4me]

YAY!!!! That made my heart so happy that you kept her. Her trusting you was probably one of the hardest things she ever had to do past surviving. You can see she loves you back just as much!