Theodore, a shy and withdrawn cat, was discovered as a street cat in North Philly. When he arrived at Stray Cat Relief, he kept his head down, hardly moved, and didn’t want to interact with anyone. But little did he know that his life was about to change for the better.
Liz, a cat behaviorist who volunteers for Stray Cat Relief, saw right through Theodore’s exterior and took him on to foster. “He seemed sad and depressed and wanted to be left alone. The first night I got him, I soon realized he wasn’t aggressive at all, just scared,” Liz told Love Meow.
Life on the street had not been kind to Theodore. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body and just needed a chance to feel safe and loved. “We don’t know how long he was outside, but I think he was indoors and put out. He seems to know human touch,” says Liz.
Liz began to pet his face, head, and back to show him that she meant well. Theodore didn’t resist the love and stood there as if to soak it all in. Within two days, he grew fond of petting and was willing to sit on Liz’s lap for more pampering.
“I’ve cuddled him at least an hour a day, nearly every day. He still doesn’t approach me when I enter the room, but he’s started smelling my hand when I offer it instead of hiding his face. He will also sometimes stretch out his body while I’m cuddling him.”
Theodore made little steps of progress each day, and by the first week, he was enjoying belly rubs in Liz’s arms. “He lets me rub his belly and massage his back paws. He’s such a sweet boy.”
For a long time, Theodore was living with very bad teeth while wandering the streets. He finally received the much-needed dental work, and now he can eat without discomfort and enjoy his life in full.
His favorite activity is none other than snuggling with the people he trusts. Theodore may have a perpetual sad face, but he turns into the sweetest boy as he melts into his foster mom’s arms. “He’s also not overly active and disinterested in toys. He doesn’t even track with his eyes – that’s not a cat that hunts.” Theodore was born to be an affectionate, loving companion.
Theodore continues to build confidence in his quiet, comfy foster home where he can relax and snooze all day, with endless hugs and kisses to remind him that he is adored. Though he has a bit to go before he’s ready to be adopted, Liz knows that Theodore will make a fantastic cuddly little companion.
“He’s also FIV+ but doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body, so he’s safe around other non-aggressive cats.”
After a rough start, Theodore is reveling in his new life, making up for lost love and hugs, and being the lovable teddy bear that he was always meant to be. It’s a joy to see how he has blossomed into a cuddly, affectionate companion.
Theodore’s story is a testament to the power of love and patience. It just takes one person to show a shy and withdrawn cat that they are deserving of love and affection. As Liz has shown, with a little bit of kindness and attention, even the most reserved cats can become the sweetest of companions.
