A Loving Cattitude
Like over 80% of the adult cats at Rescue Village, Macaroni came to us as an owner surrender. He was experiencing trouble acclimating to a toddler that had moved into the home. The owners described Macaroni as friendly and independent, but he strongly disliked rough, extended petting and cuddling, and all the little child wanted to do was cuddle him! The owners knew Macaroni was no longer happy in their home. Additionally, they feared he would eventually lash out at the child.
One thing was clear. Macaroni loved dogs! He would wrestle and play with his canine brother in the home, and as sad as it was to break them apart, the family knew that Macaroni would be better off in another home without small children.
Upon intake, Macaroni was expressing high levels of fear, anxiety, and stress. He would strike out, lunge, hiss, and even growl at staff.
Initially we kept him in his carrier and placed him in a larger cage with food and a litter box until he settled down a bit. We had to handle Macaroni very carefully.
He was placed on medical hold for a week while we monitored him and he got used to the routine, learning that nothing bad was going to happen to him. Certainly good food and enrichment toys helped. He wasn’t lashing out anymore, and would accept pets from staff, and before long, he was placed up for adoption.
During Macaroni’s 2-month stay at Rescue Village, he became a shelter favorite! After several weeks, he was moved to the Cat Cafe, a large room where the public is allowed to go inside to spend time with the resident(s). The Cat Cafe provides a lot of extra space for long-term residents and helps keep them from getting bored and frustrated by enjoying the built-in cat perching and climbing spots.
Everyone knew not to try and cuddle Macaroni. He gave love and affection on his terms, and he would simply walk away if he wasn’t interested. Eventually, Rescue Village camp kids were allowed into the Cat Cafe to read to Macaroni, and yes, he even allowed them to pet him if they kept it brief!
Each week, when asked what their favorite part of camp was, multiple campers would choose “reading to Macaroni” as their camp highlight. Before the start of the last week of camp, Macaroni was finally adopted. A shelter specialist touched base with Macaroni’s new owner to see how he was adjusting. They replied with a funny picture of Macaroni, showing off his “cattitude” in full, lounging on the couch and the following note: “I just wanted to send another update on Macaroni. I think it’s safe to say he’s pretty comfortable here. We love him, and he tolerates us.”
Rescue Village provides care for each an every animal based on their personality. When they need it, we give them time, monitor them, go slow and keep it on their terms. It took a little while, but Macaroni now has a home where he can comfortably be his unique, independent self.