It's worth the wait - Morris's story
3 weeks ago Morris had an uncertain future. The SPCA time stamped him for euthanasia because he was not acclimating to shelter life.
On day one he was just too petrified to even hiss at me. He spent the next 24 hours hiding in or behind his litter box. By day two, he gave me a small sign that he was a little more relaxed and offered a slow blink. The next 8 days were definitely tricky. Morris greeted me every morning with hisses. I gave him space. But I spent time in the room and talked to him. He was still feeling very insecure. He hid when I entered his room and refused to eat, use the litter box, or do anything until I left. When I had to remove and refresh his litter box, he tried to climb the walls! I was starting to think he may just be completely feral after all.
Then we had a breakthrough! Admittedly, his attempts to keep me away had me a bit reluctant to stick my fingers in his cage. But I finally went for it and learned that Morris had a sweet spot for head scratches. Somewhere inside Morris, there is a socialized cat just waiting to be rediscovered!
By day 11, although still being greeted with hisses, he was nudging in for more head scratches and finally starting to make sweet soft purrs and expressing some contentment. He even began to eat his food while I was still in the room. Later that same day, Morris was transferred into his new, BIGGER, apartment! This was really a game changer since he now had plenty of space for a proper hiding spot. And the next day I was able to lure him out for some proper head scratches!
Day 15 he was still a bit apprehensive about full trust. But Morris is now a completely different cat than he was two weeks ago. That morning he eagerly crawled out of his carrier to greet me and his usual hiss actually turned into a little meow...right in the middle! Emoji He now eats his food with me right by his side and this sweet boy cannot get enough good pets. He even gave me a small hand kiss and rolled over to show me his belly!
Today is day 18. Morris greeted me enthusiastically and shared a sweet little meow. I was finally able to get a full pet down his back and he rolled over to show me his belly again. Only this time outside of his safe space. We even did a little nose to nose touch!
I just wanted to share this story to inspire and as a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a bit of patience. This is a completely new experience for me and one that I am grateful for. I'm always learning something new. Thank you to Amy for being there at every step and answering all my texts and questions. She really helped restore my confidence which, in turn, helped build more confidence in Morris. It truly takes a village. Thank you!!
Tiffany C.
One last update about Morris. He is an absolute LOVE! I can't believe he was even timestamped for euthanasia. All he needs is love and time! Today was day 24 for us. He greeted me so eagerly! No hisses. I have been able to pet him while he eats and he happily rolls over to show me his belly and he reaches out with his little paws to ask for more!! But, today was bittersweet. As per the plan, we moved Morris and he was transferred to an amazing foster!
She has already updated me and said that they quickly went from slow blinks to headbutts for scratches, with no hisses! This is incredible! I am so proud of Morris!
I sincerely encourage all fosters to give cats like this a chance. Even if you can do it for a few weeks.
