At first, Pete the cat doesn't feel comfortable in his new home. But his owner doesn't give up. She shows how she gains the trust of her senior on TikTok.
A new environment can often be quite intimidating for cats. TikToker Kamile (
@kiiim90
) also had the same experience. At the animal shelter she chooses Cat Grandpa Pete. When the animal moves in, she discovers that the 15-year-old senior is completely withdrawn. At the time, Kamile had no idea how much patience she would have to have to get used to it. To gain the cat's trust, she leaves no stone unturned. She captures the animal story in a video that touches the community's hearts.
“It broke my heart when I found out that this beautiful cat was surrendered to the shelter at the age of 15,” Kamile wrote in her TikTok video. The owner still remembers the day she took in the shelter cat. “Then I was even more upset when I saw how sad Pete was, even when we took him to his new home.”
Pete the cat doesn't want to play - it takes months for him to blossom
Kamile and her husband tried to encourage the cat to play. But Pete just sat there listlessly and didn't react. He usually hid under the furniture in fear. The owner was desperate. Had he had such bad experiences with people that he would never be able to trust them? “Maybe his heart was broken too much.”
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After a few months, the cat gradually thawed. “Pete finally started running and playing like he was a little kitten again.” He has now also become friends with his cat brothers Amigo and Zene. “I’m so happy to see this dear old cat enjoying his life again.”
Avoid stress: Support cats in their new homes
To avoid stress for cats in their new home and to make it easier for their cats to settle in, owners can consider three tips:
First of all, arrive:
Give your cat enough time to get used to the new environment. If your animal roommate initially avoids all contact, you should respect that. To do this, create enough retreats where your cat can hide - for example, they love to hide in boxes and boxes.
Be quiet:
Loud noises can scare your pet. Therefore, if your cat dares to come out of hiding, behave as calmly as possible and speak in a quiet, gentle voice. Sit on the floor at eye level or squat down. You will see: Over time, your animal will slowly get closer and you can take the next step. A cat fishing rod, for example, is suitable as the first cat toy at a distance.
Create rituals:
Processes that are repeated daily give your animal peace and security. Therefore, feed your cat at the same times and, if possible, with the type that he is already familiar with. After getting used to it, you can slowly change the cat's food. Have you found out what your pet particularly likes to eat? All the better! A tasty treat is a good opportunity to endear yourself to your cat.
People on TikTok are touched – “Thank you for loving him”
Kamile is happy about every development her senior cat makes. “Every day he gets happier and happier. And he plays with one of his new brothers almost every day.” The TikTok community is also grateful that the cat now has a loving home and can enjoy his life again. The users commented under the video with emotion:
“Thank you for loving him. ❤️“
“It's so nice to see how he has regained his joy and will to live. Thank you for your strength and endurance. Pete will thank you with his affection. 😻🤗”
“How can you give up a cat that has accompanied you for 15 years. 🥺”
“Thank you for loving him and giving him the chance to play like a kitten again. 🙏🏻♥️”
“Thank you for giving him a loving home. 🥰”