After Her Husband Left, the Frightened Cat He Abandoned Finally Found a Home

Split image of two cats resting: a black cat lying stretched out on a patterned blanket, and a gray long-haired cat curled up asleep on a soft surface.

Photo: Suzanne Delle

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

When I got together with my now ex-husband, we each had one cat. Mine was affectionate and followed me throughout the house. His cat, named Squirrel because of her gray fur, hid beneath the furniture and hissed whenever anyone came near her.


Two cats resting on a couch: a black cat lies stretched out along the back cushion while a fluffy gray cat sleeps curled up below.
Photo: Suzanne Delle

 

Soon after we combined our households, my feline companion of 13 years died. His death left a hole in my heart, but I hoped Miss Squirrel might relax and warm up to me once she was the only cat.

Unfortunately, she did not. She was truly my husband’s cat.

For Christmas, I decided to adopt a kitten who would be my companion. A friend of my mother rescued feral kittens and posted their photographs on a website. I began what felt like online dating for a kitten, and a six-month-old black boy named Widget caught my eye.

As soon as the sweet, even-tempered Widget entered our lives, Squirrel began seeking positive attention. It was almost as though she saw how much love I gave Widget and realized she wanted some too.

Before long, my husband was gone. Surprisingly, he left Squirrel behind.

Five years later, it is still the three of us. Squirrel and Widget will probably never be best friends, but they have learned to take turns with me. Both bump my hand when they want chin scratches.

I do not always enjoy coming home after a long day at work and having them fight over my attention. Still, Squirrel has learned to snuggle, purr, and wait patiently for her favorite activity. She loves hanging out in the bathroom while I shower and drinking the drops of water afterward.

More importantly, Squirrel has learned that I will never abandon her.

Widget, meanwhile, has remained my little love. He follows me throughout the house, watches television with me, and sleeps on his side of the bed every night.

I took a real chance when I chose him from a photograph on a website, but I could not have been luckier if I had visited every shelter in town. Widget is my furr-ever kitty.


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Story submitted by Suzanne Delle from Concord, NH.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!

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