After the passing of her last two cats, Barbara B. decided to wait before getting another. With her kids grown and gone, and the couple’s busy work schedules and love for traveling, they were rarely home. However, after retirement, Barbara began to long for a furry companion. Unfortunately, her husband was against the idea of getting a pet. That is until his cousin convinced them to adopt a cat named Cecelia, after Barbara’s mother, who had passed away two years prior.
On January 4th, 2020, Barbara and her husband traveled 1.5 hours to adopt their new feline friend. During the car ride home, Cecelia yowled and thrashed about in her carrier, leaving Barbara feeling nervous and worried. Once they arrived home, Cecelia shot out of her carrier and hid in the basement. Unable to find her, Barbara moved her food and water into the basement, creating a temporary safe haven for the new feline.
The first few nights were restless, as Cecelia yowled and kept Barbara and her husband up all night. Her aggressive tendencies towards being touched or petted were also concerning. Despite the challenges, the foster mother desperately wanted the adoption to work, as Cecelia had been adopted and returned multiple times.
By day six, Cecelia began to come out of her shell, showing her energetic and playful nature. Barbara and her husband spent two hours a day playing with her and showering her with toys. Cecelia made them laugh and helped them through the difficult time of the pandemic. As the weather grew warmer, Barbara wanted Cecelia to be an indoor cat, but she had other plans, wanting to explore outside with her owners.
Barbara got a cat tent for Cecelia, but before long, she wanted to explore further. So, Barbara got a harness and leash for her. Cecelia adapted immediately and began taking walks with Barbara’s husband, dragging him through the neighbors’ yards and onto their porches. Despite the occasional aggression towards other cats, Cecelia’s walks became one of her favorite activities.
Over time, Cecelia’s behavior improved as she became more affectionate towards her owners. Although biting was still a problem, Barbara noticed that they became gentler, and she now runs around with her tail up and purrs when petted. For Barbara and her husband, the stressful experience of adopting Cecelia turned into a heartwarming bond filled with love and affection.
In conclusion, adopting a pet can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Cecelia’s story is a reminder of the patience required to let a new pet adjust to their new home and surroundings. Sometimes it takes time, and sometimes it takes a lot of patience, but the love and bond that develop thereafter are priceless. Cecelia is a happy cat who has brought joy to her owners’ lives, and they are grateful to have her as a part of their family.
