Caring for Millie and Her Feline Friends
Recently, I had the privilege of taking care of a new client’s household, which includes one dog, eight indoor cats, and a few feral cats. Among them was Millie, a diabetic cat whose fear was palpable the moment I walked through the door. When I first arrived, she was visibly terrified, tensing up and letting out distressed yowls whenever I got close. Her wide eyes darted to the tall gate that separated her from the other cats, as if contemplating a leap to escape the situation. My heart sank; I could sense that whatever she had endured in her past had left her deeply afraid. The last thing I wanted was to make her feel cornered, so I decided to take a gentle approach. I sat quietly nearby, giving her the space she needed to realize I wasn’t a threat.
As I observed Millie, I felt a deep connection to her plight. I quickly messaged her owner to share how Millie was reacting and asked if they had any advice. Just as I hit "send," something incredible happened—Millie surprised me by letting me inch closer. I took this as a sign of progress. I slid some food in front of her and carefully moved my hand close enough for her to sniff. To my delight, she began to trust me, allowing me to pet her. In that moment, she pressed her chin into my hand and even started purring! It felt like a small victory as I was able to lift her skin gently for her insulin injection, a crucial part of her care. I stayed beside her as she ate, letting her know I was there to support her.
With each visit, I also had the pleasure of getting to know Millie’s housemates. Bobette, the dog, was a joy, happily lounging outside with the ferals and always eager for a belly rub or treat. Chester was determined to head outdoors, but I ensured he stayed inside for his safety. Gertie was initially cautious, watching from a distance, but gradually moved a bit closer. While she didn’t let me pet her, we bonded over a string toy that she loved to play with.
I understand that it takes time and patience for each cat to grow comfortable with me. To help, I left a catnip-filled sock I’d worn in Millie’s room and the matching one in another room with the others. This way, they could associate my scent with something positive, and I believe this was a key component in building trust. To my surprise, Hazel and Scout, whom the client said she'd be shocked if I saw them, made appearances. Scout slowly warmed up to me, even allowing me to pet him, while Hazel came out for treats on my last night and let me pet her too! My heart swelled with pride at these milestones. And to my amazement, the ferals stayed closer than I had anticipated.
With each visit, Millie and I made small but significant strides. Her owner shared how much they loved her and how they had a special place in their hearts for her because of her past. I could see how special she was to them, and I wanted nothing more than for her to feel safe with me, too. Each visit, I spent a few quiet moments just sitting in her space, letting her decide if she wanted to come closer. It was incredibly rewarding to see her stop hiding each time I arrived. She began to rub against my hand for pets and became comfortable with my movements around the room.
Connecting with Millie and the other cats has been a privilege. I could feel Millie’s sadness and fear, and my only wish was for her to understand that she was safe with me—no rush, no pressure—just a steady, gentle presence. Each cat has their own pace and comfort zone, and I respect that deeply. The trust Millie allowed me to build is an honor, and knowing her owner appreciates this progress makes it even more meaningful.
Caring for animals like Millie is where the true reward lies. While being recognized as part of the Best of Omaha is wonderful, the connections I foster and the trust I build with these animals are what truly matter to me. Eight out of eight cats making friends with me in such a short time is no small feat, and I look forward to continuing this journey with Millie and her friends. Each visit brings new opportunities for a journey of trust and connection, and I can’t wait to see how our bond evolves over time.
Kommentare