Rescue Stories: Buddy - A Scared Street Cat Found His Happy Family

We’re excited to share a rescue story with you today that’s very special to us. Buddy is one of our best friends. His mom, Jenna, is very good friends with Mommy, and we followed Buddy’s story from the very beginning. He definitely has a “Happy Ever After” ending. Without further ado, meet our friend, Buddy!

Lola

When I moved into my apartment in Houston during the summer of 2010, I discovered there were many strays and a group of feral cats in the complex. Being a cat lover, I set up a feeding station on my fenced in front porch, and I also fed the ferals in a few different areas around the complex.

I first noticed Buddy towards the end of the summer in 2010. He would stare at me from way across the courtyard that my apartment faced. He seemed curious about me, but kept his distance. He would come to eat on my porch, but only after I had gone inside. If I opened the door he would immediately run away. My first impression was that he was feral because he stayed away from people. But unlike other ferals he was very interested in watching me.

Buddy when he was living on the street. 

I slowly gained his trust by just talking to him. People probably thought I was a nut when I was talking to him across the courtyard! It took a little over a year, but he gradually came closer and closer to me.

Buddy on the street.

He learned the sound of my car, and when he heard me pull up he would trot down the sidewalk to greet me and follow me onto the porch. He eventually let me pet him, but I learned that he was very fearful if you approached him straight on. So I would sit in a lawn chair with my hand dangling, and he would come up to me and let me lightly touch him. I was successful in finding homes for several of my strays and had the same intention for Buddy. As soon as he was the slightest bit comfortable with me I was able to get him to the vet and then place him in my bathroom. When he got a clean bill of health I started to look for a home for him.

Buddy, happy in his box.

He did surprisingly well when I brought him inside. He stayed in the bathroom for several days so that my cats could get used to him, and when I let him out he got along very well with them. He was very fearful of my roommate John, though. John is a crazy cat man and tried very hard to win Buddy over, but Buddy was always very fearful of him. I got the strong impression that Buddy had been abused because of the way he flinched when you tried to pet him. And because he was so fearful of John, I assumed a man had abused him. When I had taken him to the vet he was already neutered so I also assumed that he had belonged to someone and they had thrown him out.

Buddy bonded with me but was still fearful of being touched much. And he would NOT let me pick him up or handle him in any way. He would really freak out. I was afraid that he would have a difficult time adjusting to another home so I decided it was best that he stay with me.

Spooky was a cat that I had long before Buddy. Spooky was a very jumpy cat that preferred to be alone for the most part. After Spooky’s best friend went to the Rainbow Bridge and I was down to four cats, Spooky and Buddy and he really started to get along very well. They played a little together and at night they slept in 2 beds that were next to each other.

Spooky

Buddy spent a lot of time with my other cat, Finnigan, whom he is extremely bonded with. But he had a relationship with Spooky that no one else had. Spooky became ill and died very suddenly in June of 2018. For about two months afterwards, Buddy was very depressed. He lost a little weight and looked for Spooky all over the house. He also became much more affectionate towards me which was a pleasant surprise, but also very sad because I knew he was upset and needed nurturing. Eventually, though, he returned to his old self.

Buddy sitting on his mom's lap.

I've had limited contact with Buddy for the most part as he is very fearful of touch. I respect his choice, and I let him come to me and try not to ever startle him. Little by little he's become more comfortable with more touch. 2018 was the year that I saw the most progress in him, which started after Spooky's death. Buddy seeks out petting now and likes to lay beside me on the couch for short periods of time, which never happened before. He also sat on my lap for the longest time ever! Normally it would be about 1-2 minutes max; this year he has sat on my lap several times for 20+ minutes! Progress!

Buddy and his best friend, Finnigan.

Although Buddy is still fearful of touch, I feel like he has come a long way! It's a very slow process and he may never be 100% comfortable, but I have learned to love him on his terms. I let him come to me, and he comes to me much more often than he used to. Having a cat like Buddy is not for everyone. It takes a special person to love a fearful cat. Buddy is very bonded with Finnigan and they do everything together. He is happy, and that is all that I ever wanted.

Jenna,

Connecticut