'I’d like to keep him but the issue is that he is so scared': After showing up in a pawrent's backyard, a once-fearful kitten learns that home can mean hugs, safety, and second chances

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Oct 20, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

It started, as these things often do, with a meow from the backyard. After a week of persistent crying, a tiny stray kitten finally wandered inside this hooman's kitchen and decided to stay. Clearly, the Cat Distribution System had made another perfect delivery. The two resident cats welcomed the newcomer immediately, which is rare as cats never agree on anything.

Three weeks later, this new addition is playful, curious, and already ruling the house with tiny paws. He's still not sure about the hoomans, though. The moment his new pawrent moves too close, he bolts faster than a cat seeing the vacuum. Yet in his quiet moments, half-asleep and cozy, he allows a few precious pets before remembering he's supposed to be suspicious.

Now, it's time for the first big milestone: the vet visit. Getting him into a carrier might feel like a mission impossible, but patience and a few tasty bribes will do the trick. After all, trust takes time, and this little one has already taken the first brave step toward his forever home.

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  • 01
    'The cat distribution system has awarded me with another cat'
    via Mustafa ezz from Pexels / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    The cat distribution system has awarded me with another cat - a stray kitten that one day (after spending a week yelling in the back yard) just walked into our kitchen and decided to stay. I'm guessing he was drawn to my two adult cats who strangely accepted him right away. It's
    via Hour_Owl_2719
  • 03
    been nearly 3 weeks now, he's super cute and playful. I'd like to keep him... but the issue is that he is SO scared of humans. Anytime I even think of moving closer to him he races away at the speed of light.
    via Hour_Owl_2719
  • 04
    I've been super patient and waiting for him to come closer. The past week I've been able to give him some scratches when he's super sleepy but after like 5 seconds he starts hissing and slapping my hand. Now the issue is that I really need to take him to
    via Hour_Owl_2719
  • 05
    Person petting sleepy cat
    via anytka / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 06
    the vet for a checkup and probably have him neutered as well since he looks like he's about and 5 months old. My first issue is that I honestly do not know how to get him into the carrier issue number two (which worries me even more) is that I'm afraid we'll lose that tiny bit of trust that we've been able to build over the past weeks.
    via Hour_Owl_2719
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    Cheezburger Image 10565745664
    via Hour_Owl_2719
  • 08
    Any suggestions on how to handle this in the least traumatic way possible?
    via Hour_Owl_2719
  • 09
    Even_Ability9699 You need to be the one giving him food instead of just leaving it out. You can try spoon feeding him chicken baby food when he gets hungry. Also make sure he sees the older cats being pet by you.
    via Even_Ability9699

  • Food is the fastest way to a feline’s heart! Try hand-feeding a few tasty bites. With patience, that shy little kitty will trust you in no time.

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    Cartographer No2... food, consistency, and time. I'm with the others saying get him taking food directly from you. try and give meals. at the same time, in the same way, in the same place. calm, quiet environment; ideally just
    via CartographerNo2717
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    you. cats are creatures of habit and like things they can predict. as long as you don't force it, and you're consistent, it might be a lot quicker than you think. source: two rescued street cats on my lap right now
    via CartographerNo2717
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    jurassicmark33 Patience, and time. Stuck with it, they'll bend (for pets) before they bolt.
    via jurassicmark33
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    SoggyContributi... Treats and otherwise ignore. Cats hate being ignored.
    via SoggyContribution239

  • Sometimes the best way to win a cat’s heart is to pretend you’re not trying. Ignore them just a little. They can’t resist being the center of attention for long!

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    Future_Pen_8895 My cat was so traumatized she would hide in closets for weeks. I put her in her carrier and put the carrier on my desk while I was working so she could observe me for hours and little by little she became familiar with me. She's now the biggest cuddle bug
    via Future_Pen_8895
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    mama_Maria123 Play with him, talk to him. My cat loves when I just rattle on at him.
    via mama_Maria123
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    sbearz Time. Food. Space to choose when to start trusting. That's my experience with a feral that ran into my home to have 2 kittens 1 day later. It's been 5 years, and I've had to let her go at her own pace on
    via sbearz
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    how much she trusts me, one inch at a time. Now she's my shadow and even takes short walks with me on good days! Good luck, don't worry, he'll get there.
    via sbearz
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    Loves-Kitty-Babies Food and let it approach you! If you're chill, the easier it will prob be:)
    via Loves-Kitty-Babies
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    SafeBorder2906 1. Keep your voice quiet and soothing. 2. Crouch down to make yourself seem smaller. 3. Make eye contact and blink slowly. Slow blinks show the cat that you are relaxed and not gearing up for a fight.
    via SafeBorder2906

  • Sometimes the best way to earn a cat’s trust is to quite literally see the world from their point of view. Get down on their level, offer a few slow blinks, and let the friendship bloom.

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    Far-Paramedic7160 Food, Treats, food, love, time, treats and more love
    via Far-Paramedic7160

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Tags

pets adopted feline pawrents Cat distribution system Cats stray rescue
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