A very shy kitten found love and kindness and turned into the sweetest shoulder cat.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
A 5-week-old kitten was brought to an animal shelter in Los Angeles after she was found as a stray. The little tabby was so frightened that she backed herself into a corner.
She didn't want anyone near her at the shelter and was in need of a quiet foster home. "She would hiss and spat at every shadow or movement. I could tell from her constant meowing that she was very hungry," Aly W., Foster Mom, told Love Meow. "She would shake and hiss whenever she sensed that we were close."
The kitten named Cindy Lou Who was fearful of people. Despite trying to hide in every possibly way, she couldn't resist the offer of treats. Aly got right to work and set out on a mission to win her over.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
Aly put some enticing treats on a spatula and extended it into the carrier where the kitten had taken refuge. Slowly but surely, the tabby inched forward towards the opening. After a few more attempts, Cindy Lou emerged from her hiding spot and started eating in front of her foster mom.
Aly spent the whole afternoon keeping the little one company and reassuring her that she was safe. "The moment she realized I was here just to give her food and water, she immediately started purring," Aly shared with Love Meow.
"She went from extremely shy to extremely friendly within 24 hours."
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
The next day, little Cindy Lou climbed out of her own bed and crawled into Aly's lap instead. She laid her head on Aly's hand and purred herself to sleep. With a comfortable, quiet place, good food and plenty of love, the kitten made a complete 180.
"Little Cindy Lou loved getting chin scratches. She also loved to cuddle until she fell soundly asleep. She would meow so loudly whenever I left her room, and stopped immediately when I returned. She did that a few times until I began to think she was training me to 'come here'."
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
"She discovered the joy of using my back as a cat tree. She realized it was much easier to jump into my arms if she just climbed from behind. How smart!"
The tabby girl had an affinity for shoulder snuggles and kept her humans very occupied. "She was excellent at climbing up and down my shoulder," Aly added.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
It took a few days, but Cindy Lou could finally eat on her own, without the company of her foster mom. Once she found her confidence, her personality began to shine. "She's a very opinionated girl and determined to do whatever she wants."
The kitten would get lap time on demand and wouldn't take no for an answer. "It didn't matter if we were walking around or sitting down, she would hang onto our pants until we sat down to cuddle."
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
The kitten looked up to her foster brother Z (the cat) and followed in his paw-steps, learning to be a proper cat. Daisy the puppy enjoyed roughhousing with her rambunctious tabby friend.
Watch the kitten and her journey in this cute video:
Cindy Lou Who the kittenwww.youtube.com
When the kitten discovered Aly's office, she didn't hesitate to offer a "helping" paw.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
She would watch and supervise her foster mom and even give her the seal of approval on her work. The kitten insisted on sitting in the office chair with Aly and even welcomed Daisy to squeeze in and cuddle.
As time went by, the sweet kitten grew big and strong and was almost ready for her next chapter in life.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
One day, Cindy Lou got a surprise visit from a family. In no time, she had them wrapped around her little paws.
"She immediately climbed onto their shoulders and purred. They were amazed at how confident she was," Aly shared.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
The family fell head over heels for the kitten and knew they had been chosen. Last Monday, Cindy Lou graduated from foster care and moved in with her forever humans.
"We made a graduation cake (with cat food and treats). She finished the entire bowl," Aly added.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
The once timid kitten has blossomed into a confident, cuddly cat. She loves being the center of the attention and is living the life of her dreams.
Aly @_hellokirosrescue
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