'While I have made a little progress, I am still very timid around people': Person finds out formerly feral cat has been stuck in a shelter for over 2 years because she's scared of people, decides to give her a chance, and finds out she's purrfect

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Apr 30, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

Few people give timid cats a chance, but those who do are always happy that they did. 

Cats who have previously been strays are not always the simplest cats. And that is fair. They have a history, they have stories to tell, they have lived a whole life - with difficulties of their own - that you know nothing about. These timid cats who are afraid of humans are generally afraid of them for a reason. Not every human is a cat person, as difficult as they may be for people like us to understand, and while most of those people don't care about cats, some of them are actively terrible to them. 

Still, winning a timid cat's love is something so, so worth it. Getting a cat to trust you, to see - in you - that not all humans are terrible, is worth every bit of effort. Maybe their love wouldn't come as quickly as that of another cat. And maybe these cats will show their love in ways that are a little different. In the end, it will all be worth it. All these cats need is a chance, and once you earn their love, they will love you just as hard, if not harder, than any other cat. 

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  • 01

    "Saw that she'd been waiting over 2 years and it broke my heart"

    Cheezburger Image 10627095552
    via misssaladfingers
  • 02
    09:17 4G. 82+ catchat.org/adopt-a-cat/o + 18 Gabby ... I've been waiting over 2 years... Hi, my name is Gabby, I am around 3 years old now, neutered, and arrived at the rescue with my sister Monica. We were born outside and had to scavenge for food. We were both terrified at first and while I have made a little progress I am still very timid around people. I am looking for a special person who will be incredibly patient with me and who can accept that I may never be a cat who enjoys being fussed
    via misssaladfingers
  • 03
    Her history and the fact she's been overlooked because she's timid broke my heart.
    via misssaladfingers
  • 04
    She's very scared of people but they say she will do well with cat siblings. Gabby joins the family this Sunday
    via misssaladfingers

  • We agree - it breaks our hearts to read about cats like this. Timid cats are not bad cats. Shy cats, scared cats, low-energy cats - they all get looked over in shelters because they don't fit the “template” of what most people look for when they go to adopt. But all these cats need is a chance. Every time - we mean it, every single time - we have heard of someone adopting one of these cats, they have never regretted it. They have always loved these cats and been loved by these cats just as much as by any other. 

     

  • 05
    Picture of a cute calico cat peeking through a chair.
    via Unsplash / Furkids.com.tw 福契毛裔誌 - furkids

    Picture of a cute calico cat peeking through a chair.

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 06
    CheekAltruistic5921 Awww. I miss my Tortie. She was half maine- coon and MASSIVE. Wouldn't let anyone touch her but me. She stayed outside almost constantly, she was so strong a lithe she could tense up her shoulders and you couldn't grab her by the scruff of the neck if she was getting into something. I hope she makes an amazing addition to your family
    via CheekAltruistic5921
  • 07
    misssaladfingers OP I'm hoping one day I'll gain her trust but if she doesn't want to be touched ever that's still cool. She has a loving home, warm bed and all the food and treats she could want
    via misssaladfingers

  • This matters too. This. The understanding that not all cats are the same, not all cats will cuddle with you three times a day. Some cats need their space more than others, and that doesn't mean that they don't love you or don't appreciate you. It just means that they show their love in different ways. And it is up to you to figure out what those ways are instead of forcing something else on them. 

  • 08
    Picture of a cute calico cat showing its tummy.
    via Unsplash / Connor O'Reilly

    Picture of a cute calico cat showing its tummy.

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 09
    Esperoni I have never seen a shelter actually tell a potential owner a cat needs to be allowed outside. Is this is legitimate shelter or someone with a house that holds pets or cats?
    via Esperoni
  • 10
    misssaladfingers OP It's a charity and she is being fostered currently so it's from her personality, if she's shown interest in going out plus based on health needs
    via misssaladfingers
  • 11
    Picture of a calico cat outside.
    via Unsplash / Boris Izmaylov

    Picture of a calico cat outside. 

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 12
    encore412 Thank you OP, you are so kind. Please post an update once gabby gets settled (will you rename her?)
    via encore412
  • 13
    misssaladfingers OP I feel like after everything she's been through and if she's used to her name I'll just leave it. Poor lady has been through enough!
    via misssaladfingers
  • 14
    okram2k Status: Overlooked made me so sad
    via okram2k
  • 15
    misssaladfingers OP That's what broke my heart as well! And overlooked for over 2 years
    via misssaladfingers
  • 16
    Picture of a cute calico cat.
    via Unsplash / Furkids.com.tw 福契毛裔誌 - furkids

    Picture of a cute calico cat.

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 17
    crowrots "why dont we give it a go?" TEARS IN MY EYES AT WORK
    via crowrots
  • 18
    misssaladfingers OP How could I not adopt her after reading that, right?!
    via misssaladfingers

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aww wholesome cat adorable adoption heartwarming cute adopted story Cats rescue
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