Office Life Helps Cat Bounce Back From Family Tragically And Unexpectedly Losing Her Human

The loss of a loved one can greatly upset the balance in someone's life. When you're no longer left with a companion, it can be challenging for a person to rebuild their life-their perspective on the future. But, even cats feel the same sadness.

Zoe, a three-year-old domestic shorthair, was taken in by the Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) in February after her owner passed away. RACC Communications Director Robin Young said Zoe was very down in the dumps when she arrived and quite insecure in her new surroundings, swatting, hissing, and biting at the shelter's staff.

Story written by Alex Lemieux.

Posted by Marielru

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Like any person used to the love and care of an individual hit abruptly by the course of life, Zoe's emotions were hurt, and she felt like her life was spiraling out of control. In times of personal strife, the people around us are sometimes interestingly placed to lend a helping hand—that's what friends are for, even new ones. That human hand reached out to grab that fuzzy paw to lead them to a space of healing.

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From time to time, RACC administrative staff will allow longtime animal residents and stressed-out cats, dogs, and other pets under their purview to reside in their offices to give them a chance for a new setting outside their kennel environment.

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"I felt that Zoe was really overwhelmed with everything that had happened in her life recently and decided I would give her a try as my office cat," Robin said. "She could have the space and time she needed to decompress and enjoy looking out the window."

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Robin gave Zoe a space in her office with multiple beds to sit in and as many toys as she could want. Although Zoe is a little shy when it comes to meeting new people, there's a baby gate at Robin's office door, so Zoe can lay and watch what's going on around her outside the kennel rooms. It's allowed her to witness other great humans who visit with her and begin to change her outlook on her future.

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As Zoe becomes more comfortable with her caretakers and visitors, she lets them know she's ready to be pet by purring and rubbing up against them. Yet, she only likes receiving pets on her own terms. She allows people she's familiar with handling her but is more hesitant with strangers and, according to Robin, when Zoe is finished being pet, will "tell you she is done with a little swat."

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Regardless, Robin and the dedicated caretakers at the RACC have a fondness for her personality. And until Zoe has a forever home of her own, she'll continue to enjoy laying on Robin's desk most of the day.
"We love her 'cattitude,'" Robin remarked. "She makes us laugh, and we want her to find her a cat-savvy person to love."

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