The "Unadoptables"

Tzatziki, Pancake, and Yoda were frightened and shy at the shelter. At the shelter, they were known as Yogurt, Pancake, and Meatball.

Because they were not behaving like friendly, immediately adoptable pets, they were classified as “working cats”—cats presumed better suited to barns or similar placements than to life with people. Potential adopters who expressed interest were being discouraged, and eventually the three were placed on a kill list and given an urgent deadline for a rescue organization to take them.

We agreed to bring them to Artemis House.

We were warned that once they were released into the sanctuary, we might never see them again. They might disappear into the outdoor spaces and avoid human contact altogether.

That isn't what happened.

Given space and time without being forced to interact, they began appearing more often. They watched us. They learned the routines. Then came the meowing at feeding time, approaching instead of retreating, and eventually coming close enough to ask for food and affection.

They are still themselves. Trust does not happen at the same speed for every cat, and shy cats do not suddenly become outgoing because they have been rescued.

But Tzatziki, Pancake, and Yoda have already shown us something important.

Sometimes the difference between an “unadoptable” cat and a cat who walks up asking to be petted is simply being given enough time to feel secure.