A tabby cat lived on the streets for many years, blending in with the community and subsisting on the generosity of a loving family.
They put up shelters with food and clean water for stray cats on their porch. The tabby never allowed anyone to approach him; he always maintained his distance. His body became exhausted after several hard winters, and the effects of living on the streets started to manifest.
An animal rescuer chose to take a chance on the tired cat after noticing him.
Although not much was known about his past, he was obviously afraid of people because of the experiences that had shaped him.
The rescuer was able to capture him and transport him to Chatons Orphelins Montreal, a volunteer-run rescue, with the aid of a humane trap. He was given medical attention and given the French name Tigrou, which means Tigger. He was “completely lost and scared by all the changes, he had no idea that his life was about to change for the better,” the rescue reported.
With a dejected expression on his face, Tigrou withdrew to a corner of his kennel at the veterinary clinic. He had been suffering from a serious oral infection and was thought to be about eight years old. “Every meal must have been painful for him.”
Tigrou made a full recovery following a necessary dental procedure. He had very few teeth left, but at last he was pain-free.
Tigrou started learning how to coexist with people for the first time when he moved into his foster home. He ducked under furniture or hid in corners out of fear.
He was able to adapt at his own pace because his foster family provided him with all the time and space he required. Tigrou warmed up to them gradually. “He had been out on his own for years, so everything was unfamiliar to him. However, trust started to increase with encouraging feedback.
The key to demonstrating to Tigrou that human hands were nothing to be afraid of was treats. His distance from his people gradually decreased, and at last he permitted contact. We even witness him playing with catnip toys while rolling onto his back. He’s gradually emerging from his shell and improving every day.”
Curiosity replaced his fear as it subsided. Tigrou started investigating his surroundings, examining rooms, and claiming comfortable areas as his own.
He now walks around the house with increasing self-assurance. “He plays independently with toys and curls up to take naps by the window when he believes we’re not watching. He is kind and compassionate. His teddy bear personality is beginning to emerge.
Tigrou is still thriving with cozy beds and filling meals. He still gets startled by sudden movements and occasionally looks for a place to hide, but he is growing more at ease every day and has accepted his position as the house supervisor.
Fully satisfied with the conveniences of indoor life, he likes to watch birds and neighbors through the window.
Tigrou is genuinely flourishing because of those who gave him a new beginning.
He no longer sleeps with one eye open and instead takes naps in his fluffy bed rather than hiding in improvised shelters. Slow blinks and gentle purrs shared with those he trusts have taken the place of the fear that once clouded his face.
