Skip to content

Humane Society of Greater Rochester

Fable came from a home with many cats, so she was not sure what to make of human interaction when she first arrived at Lollypop Farm. She was nervous, often squishing herself in the corners of her kennel. She eventually allowed small pets on her head and started taking Churu, a tasty snack, when offered.

With patience and love, we knew Fable could learn to feel safe and comfortable in a loving home. Luckily for Fable, she found the perfect one!

Recently, her owner sent us a wonderful update on this cute little calico,

“When I brought her home, I was told that because of her history and how fearful she was, she might never be comfortable being pet or become particularly affectionate.

For the first few weeks, she wouldn’t come out from under my bed, but over the months, she’s slowly become incredibly confident and has completely taken over my room. She’s also recently discovered that she really, really LOVES to be petted and is now an absolute cuddle bug.

I just wanted to share how wonderfully she’s doing and how sweet it’s been to finally see this side of her personality.”

Decompression is an important part of bringing a pet into a new home, and for shy pets, the process can take longer. The “rule of threes” is a helpful guideline to keep in mind as your new pet adjusts:

  • 3 days to decompress and begin to relax in their new environment.
  • 3 weeks to start showing their true personality.
  • 3 months to feel truly at home and comfortable with their routine.

For Fable, it took a bit longer, but that’s ok! Every pet is different, but given space and understanding, your new pet will eventually settle right in.

Fable’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes all a shy cat needs is patience and a safe place to feel at home. For Fable, time and love helped reveal the affectionate cuddle bug she always was. It may take time, but Fable’s story shows that every shy cat deserves the chance to write a happy ending to their tale.