A cat greeted a woman with the cutest excitement when she arrived to help, giving him new hope.
EddieDonna@feralcatcolony
While Donna, an animal rescuer, was caring for community cats in a neighborhood, a neighbor informed her about a cat that had been left behind.
She found the cream-colored cat sitting in a side-yard with a collar around his neck. She offered him food, hoping to gain his trust. "He has been over to eat every day since," Donna shared.
When she could approach him without him fleeing, she felt hopeful he'd soon come around.
Donna@feralcatcolony
The cat was ravenous, devouring every morsel and licking the bowl clean. The fur on his tail was matted, and he was thin under his coat.
When the cat seemed more comfortable, Donna extended her hand to see if he'd come to her. He responded with a strong head bump, then quickly returned to his food. With trust forming, she could even pet him and remove the old collar.
Donna@feralcatcolony
When Donna returned with a carrier, the cat greeted her with affectionate face rubs. He pressed his head into her hand, then rolled onto his side beside her as if pleading for a chance to go home with her.
"He's got burrs stuck to his tail. His fur is so thin, with lots of bare spots. He doesn't have the coat to be outside."
Donna@feralcatcolony
Donna opened the carrier and placed a can of food inside. Moments later, he walked right in, scarfing down his meal as she gently closed the door behind him.
His days of roaming the streets, scavenging for food, and seeking shelter were behind him as he embarked on a new journey. "It was easy to get him secured. His name is Eddie. He's now safe and off the streets."
Donna@feralcatcolony
Eddie was incredibly grateful to have a roof over his head and plenty of food. He was a good sport when Donna gave him a much-needed bath. "All the crud came off. He loved it."
After getting cleaned up, he felt so much better that he rested his head on Donna's hand, enjoying some scratches.
Donna@feralcatcolony
The sweet boy took every chance to seek affection as if making up for lost time. He snuggled with his foster dad, Randy, every night and greeted Donna each morning with enthusiastic head bumps. Knowing he deserved a loving home, Donna hoped a perfect family would soon find him.
When she brought Eddie to the vet, Krista from the clinic fell head over heels for him.
Donna@feralcatcolony
Since Krista already had three dogs (and a laid-back cat), she asked if she could foster-to-adopt Eddie to ensure their home would be the right fit for him. "She knows all about how to do the introductions slowly."
"My fingers and toes are crossed. I truly think he will be just fine."
Donna@feralcatcolony
"He's a really good boy and just wants to be by his person. He deserves it all."
When Krista and her husband arrived to pick him up, Eddie walked right up to them, seeking head scratches. He needed a full dental and other treatments, and Krista planned to bring him along to work.
Donna@feralcatcolony
Before Eddie left for his new adventures, he hopped onto the bed with Randy, nuzzling his shoulder. Then, he snuggled up to Donna as if to thank them for all they'd done.
Eddie turned out to be the perfect addition to Krista's family. He quickly settled into his new home and hit it off with his canine and feline siblings.
Krista
After his dental treatment, Eddie can now eat comfortably. He's a gentle, loyal companion, often nestling on his humans' laps or staying by their side at night.
"He's filled a hole in my heart that, honestly, I didn't know was going to be filled," Krista shared.
Krista
Share this story with your friends. More on Donna's rescue work on Instagram@feralcatcolony.
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