Riga got here to us at a few yr previous with one other cat, Rivoli. They each began out very scared, and would huddle collectively in a single hidey mattress. The primary time I went into their Studio, I might barely even see Riga, as a result of she was fully tucked behind Rivoli. Nevertheless, just some weeks later, Rivoli was having main breakthroughs, and ended up making a lot progress that he bought himself adopted, leaving Riga behind.
Fortunately, Riga was not alone. One other shy cat had been sharing their Studio, and ultimately, two extra joined. Altogether, they have been like a band of socially awkward misfits. Many weeks, I might sit of their Studio whereas working, and every week, I might current my hand for Riga to examine. Generally she simply stared, typically she gave it slightly sniff. I might see she was nonetheless nervous, however attempting her finest to be courageous. Over time, I used to be capable of give her cheek scratches — and I used to be pleasantly stunned when she really began closing her eyes and leaning in!
After nearly a yr in our care, one volunteer — who had recognized Riga from the beginning and adopted her progress even after shifting away — realized they couldn’t get her off their thoughts. Realizing this light woman additionally holds a mushy spot in my coronary heart, I might see why. They’d beforehand adopted two shy cats from us, so we knew they have been affected person and can be prepared to take as a lot time as wanted to assist Riga settle in. I can’t consider a greater end result for this candy, delicate woman!
