A couple wanted to get a kitten but ended up being chosen by a shy shelter cat who had waited months for them.
Honey aka PeachesExploitsValleySPCA
A few months ago, a stray cat was spotted wandering the streets of a neighborhood all alone.
She appeared in neighbors' yards and even at their doors, scrounging for food. Concerned neighbors wanted to help her, but every time they tried to approach, she would take off, only to return a few minutes later.
They began feeding her and built a shelter when they couldn't catch her. They also asked around to see if anyone was missing a cat.
Jessica, Zack
As no one came forward to claim the cat and the temperatures began to drop, they contacted Exploits Valley SPCA, hoping to find her a home before the weather turned too cold.
With the help of the kind neighbors, the cat was finally brought to safety, leaving her life on the streets behind.
Jessica
The SPCA took her in and provided a safe space for her to decompress. She was estimated to be 3-4 years old and was covered in fleas. "When she first arrived, she was so scared we could not touch her," the SPCA shared.
She tried to hide in every way possible, eventually ducking her head into the litter box.
ExploitsValleySPCA
With proper care and plenty of good food, she slowly warmed up to the staff and volunteers. After a few days, she began seeking affection and pets. "She was purring and getting her belly rubbed. Although she's still scared in her new surroundings, it's clear she's a tame cat who was once owned."
After a few more days at the shelter, "Honey," lovingly named by her rescuers, was ready to look for a home where she would be cherished and adored.
ExploitsValleySPCA
Though eager for love, Honey stayed in a corner quietly, too shy to approach visitors. Overshadowed by the more outgoing cats, she was often overlooked as her time at the shelter continued.
The staff hoped to find her a special human to win her over. "Once she likes you, she loves you."
ExploitsValleySPCA
Recently, a couple visited the SPCA, looking to adopt a kitten. "After our cat of 13 years passed suddenly, I knew I wouldn't be able to go on without another loaf of love," they shared.
They couldn't find any kitten, but they saw a little head poking out from a cat tree and realized the cat, Honey, shared the same name as their beloved Great Dane, who had passed away. They left the shelter that day but couldn't stop thinking about her.
ExploitsValleySPCA
"Fast forward a few days, I went back to the SPCA to spend some time with Honey. She was fearful but let me pet her, and she started purring right away. This wasn't something she did for everyone."
Honey drooled from happiness as if she had found the person she'd been waiting for. "When I saw how much she trusted me. Given her name, I knew she was going to be the one."
ExploitsValleySPCA
When they decided to adopt Honey, the shelter staff were thrilled. Honey was one of the 12 cats who had waited the longest and was the shyest of them all. Now, she was the first to find her forever home.
After about a week in her new home, Honey, now Peaches, is adjusting beautifully.
ExploitsValleySPCA
"She loves to cuddle. She is still hiding but is open to all of the love when I can catch her. She has been eating and using her litter and finding all the nooks and crannies in the house, the silliest one being on top of the hot water tank."
"Peaches will never know what it's like to be abandoned again, and she will be loved for the rest of her life."
ExploitsValleySPCA
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