'This little guy has already made so much progress': Bombur’s wholesome journey from a wary porch cat to a cuddly indoor companion proves that patience and kindness can change everything

Author image for Sarah Brown
Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Jan 22, 2026 7:00 PM EST

Bombur didn't love being indoors at first, but he eventually decided laps were worth it.

He started out as one of many neighborhood cats after a move about six months ago. Food was the first love language. Bombur showed up for meals, then stuck around for pets, and eventually upgraded himself to back-porch resident. Friendly, charming, and clearly not feral, he gave off strong "I could be an indoor cat if given half a chance" energy.

So he got the chance. With help from a local shelter, Bombur was vetted and moved inside where he immediately decided this was all extremely suspicious. Once the door closed, the brave porch cat turned into a hissy little gargoyle. Touch? Absolutely not. Eye contact? Limited. Vibes? Uncertain.

Instead of rushing him, his hooman played the long game. Quiet companionship. Slow blinks. Existing peacefully nearby like a very calm piece of furniture. Bombur's setup slowly expanded from a crate to a large pen to full-time office access, and sitting inside the pen together became the real trust-builder.

Bit by bit, Bombur thawed. The hisses faded. Curiosity crept in. These days, he taps for attention while work is happening and recently escalated things by climbing directly into a lap because responses were not fast enough.

Bombur is still up for adoption and needs a patient person, but he's already proven something important: given time, space, and respect, this cat knows exactly how to come around. 

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Advertisement
  • 01
    Meet Bombur. He's one of the many cats in the neighborhood I moved into about six months ago. I started putting food out for the local strays, and he kept coming back. At first it was just for meals, then he started letting me pet him, and eventually he began sleeping on my back porch.
    via Jotari67
  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10598950400
    via Jotari67
  • 03
    Cheezburger Image 10598950144
    via Jotari67
  • 04
    With how friendly he was outside, I felt like he deserved a chance at a real indoor life. I worked with my local shelter to get him vetted, and he's been living in my home office since.
    via Jotari67
  • 05
    Cheezburger Image 10598949888
    via Jotari67
  • 06
    We started with a dog crate, then upgraded to a large indoor enclosed pen. Now most of his things are still in the pen, but he has full access to the room 24/7.
    via Jotari67
  • 07
    WINIPET Make Your Pet Happy
    via Jotari67
  • 08
    Even though he was friendly outside, once he was actually indoors and the door closed, he really struggled. He became hissy, withdrawn, and didn't want to be touched at all. It took a lot of patience, quiet time, slow blinks, just existing calmly near him before he finally let me pet him again.
    via Jotari67
  • 09
    THEIFER chewy s Invers sloop
    via Jotari67
  • 10
    When he was ready, I moved him into the bigger pen and started sitting inside it with him. Little by little, the friendly porch cat. started to come back.
    via Jotari67
  • 11
    68
    via Jotari67
  • 12
    Cheezburger Image 10598949120
    via Jotari67
  • 13
    Lately, he's been getting braver and more affectionate. He'll put his paws up on me while I work, gently grabbing for attention. And two nights ago, while I was distracted in a work chat and not responding fast enough, he surprised me by climbing right into my lap on his own.
    via Jotari67
  • 14
    Cheezburger Image 10598948608
    via Jotari67
  • 15
    Bombur is currently up for adoption through my local shelter and is looking for a understanding person who will give him the time he needs. But seeing how far he's already come gives me so much hope that he's going to be an amazing indoor cat for someone.
    via Jotari67
  • 16
    Cheezburger Image 10598949376
    via Jotari67
  • 17
    From hissing in fear to choosing to curl up in my lap-this little guy has already made so much progress, and I couldn't be more proud of him!
    via Jotari67
  • 18
    Cheezburger Image 10598948352
    via Jotari67
  • 19
    domer00 He clearly feels safe and loved. It will just take time
    via a

  • He’s going to need a little time, but he’s already well on his way. Every small step shows how much he’s learning to trust and settle into indoor life. The progress he’s made so far says a lot, and with patience and understanding, he’s only going to keep growing more comfortable. It’s clear he has it in him to thrive once he’s fully adjusted.

  • 20
    Alternative-Wish... What a little lovebug!
    via a
  • 21
    Maximus77x Thank you so much for helping him! He looks absolutely lovely.
    via a
  • 22
    Technical_Ad3691 He mustache u to stay inside
    via a
  • 23
    Emotional-Dog81... He's adorable !! Best of luck finding him a good home!! You've done great so far!!
    via a

  • This little guy is going to find his purrmanent home in no time. With that sweet face, gentle progress, and growing confidence, it’s easy to see why someone will fall for him fast. He just needs the right person who’s willing to give him a bit of patience, and once that happens, he’s going to settle in beautifully and never look back. 

  • 24
    TrickOrange1304 He must be so grateful You can see the love in his eyes.
    via a
  • 25
    Icy_Yesterday8265 Aw thank you for taking him. in and giving him the opportunity at a life indoors. He's so cute, I bet he'll be adopted quick. This story belongs in r/formerlyferal. Youre amazing for helping the cats, thank you.
    via Icy_Yesterday8265

  • Watching his transformation from wary outdoor cat to cuddly indoor companion has been pretty incredible. What started as hissing and hesitation has slowly turned into trust, curiosity, and sweet moments of affection. He’s learned that indoors means warmth, safety, and comfort, and now he’s embracing it on his own terms. Every small step adds up, and it’s clear he’s becoming the cozy house cat he was always meant to be. 

  • 26
    wholewheat_taco He's beautiful
    via wholewheat_taco

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

transformation pets feline pawrents feral Cats stray wholesome
Scroll Down For The Next Article