Feral Cat Finds Love In Lowe’s, Has Staff Wrapped Around Her Paw

Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor

Apr 13, 2022 4:00 PM EDT

Feral cats typically avoid human contact at all costs while living in the wilds of rural townships or on the streets of big cities. Although nature provides them lodging, these cats often find that human interactions can grant them a chance a trust and love.

About five years ago, a feral cat began hanging out around the Lawn & Garden Center at Lowe's in downtown Richmond, Virginia. Since the outdoor garden center has plenty of fallen birdseed on the ground attracting small wildlife, the calico cat usually had its fair share of dinner. But dining on birds and mice requires a lot of energy, and the cat was still looking a bit lean.

Story written by Alex Lemieux.

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Although she was timid of people, the cat would venture inside for warmth once wintertime came and it got too cold to hunt. Once she spent more time inside with both employees and customers, the cat gained more trust in people and their name for her: Francine.
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After the Lowe's employees began feeding Francine, she knew the store was home and set out to have the staff wrapped around her paw.
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Speaking with Doug, a supervisor at the home improvement store, he explained that "Francine will stand by the doors and wait until somebody comes in and will run behind them to get inside." He added, "She knows enough to know she can get in and out of those automatic doors."
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Anyone visiting this particular Lowe's will often find Francine in her favorite spot on top of boxes of gardening equipment or on one of the outdoor furniture pieces dotting the store. Passersby will typically question, "Is that a cat?" as Francine is laying perfectly still among the hustle and bustle of the store. Yet, all stop and snap pictures with her and give her all the pets she could ask for. But she doesn't just blend in with the potted plants in Lawn & Garden. Francine also makes sure to patrol the store every day.
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"She'll walk from end to end through the store," Doug said. "She's fun; she just cruises around."
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Francine isn't a feral cat with a temporary home anymore. "She's a permanent member of staff," according to Doug. Although Francine may unofficially be a component of Lawn & Garden, each employee loves her presence. They make sure she goes to the vet every year for her yearly checkup and any shots if necessary. Doug even said an employee transferred to a store 30 minutes from downtown Richmond still comes to drop off plenty of food for Francine every week.
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Being both a rodent deterrent and stress reliever for employees and customers alike, Francine's presence is cherished by all. Anyone that comes into the store knows that she "runs the place now."
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