'The distribution system got us': A timid stray joins a feral colony, gets rescued by caring humans, and transforms into a healthy, happy house cat

This little sweetheart first appeared at the feral feeding station in late October, running off the moment the door opened. By the next day, she was waiting with the colony but too scared to eat from their bowl, so she got her own little pile. It was immediately clear she wasn't a true feral. She wanted pets, wanted to be picked up, and was heartbreakingly thin. After posting online, calling shelters, and checking for a microchip with no results, it seemed no one was looking for her.

She stayed in the basement for a few days while introductions were prepared. At her first vet visit, she weighed only 6.1 pounds, but she tested negative for everything. Three weeks later, she'd already gained a pound and a half. She let her new hooman clip her nails, brush her fur, and even clean her teeth without fuss, proving she'd definitely been a pet before.

Now she's settling beautifully into the home she chose. She's getting along with the older resident cats, cuddling on the couch, playing under doors, and acting like she's lived there forever. A warm future awaits her.

01

via vegweg25
02

via vegweg25
03

via vegweg25
04

via vegweg25
05

via vegweg25
06

via vegweg25
07

via vegweg25
08

via vegweg25
09

via vegweg25
10

via vegweg25
11

via vegweg25
12

via vegweg25
13

via vegweg25
14

via vegweg25
15

via Malsperanza
Amazing what a little love can do. She went from scared and hungry to healthy, playful, and totally at home. It’s so sweet to see how quickly care and kindness helped her shine again.
16

via FeralSweater
17

via Aldwyn59
18

via It_Was_A_Toomah
The purrfect name for this adorable little cat. She already looks like she was meant to have something sweet and fitting, and it suits her personality in the cutest way.
19

via wizzerstinker
20

via Areil26
Clearly the purrfect match. She showed up at exactly the right time, found the right humans, and settled in like she always belonged. Some connections just make sense the moment they happen.
21

via CancerBee69
22

via moongirl12