MEGAN Domestic Short Hair Brazil, IN

MEGAN is a 1 1/2 year old domestic short hair kitty originally brought into CCHS to be spayed for TNR on 4/8/22. We determined she was pregnant and the plan changed. One of our fosters cared for Megan for 3 months until her babies were ready for adoption. She had 5 kittens on 4/23/22 (all were adopted). From the beginning, it was clear that people weren't on Megan's most favored list and improving her attitude towards us would take time and perseverance. This month, October, it's finally paid off! At first, she'd hiss and pull her ears back when we 'd reach in her kennel to perform daily tasks. Megan would let us handle her babies, but she was very clear that she was off limits! She had no interest in becoming friends and would lay in her litter box (the last photo in this series and her first photo at the shelter), neither of which is conducive to getting adopted. She got worse when we separated her from her kittens, then improved when an orphan litter in need of a nursing mom was put with her (next to last photo w/Casey & Cody). Megan was completely relaxed again; she enjoyed being a mom. Once those kittens were on their own, we hoped moving her to the free roam might help speed up the process of revealing her personality.

Over more than 2 months, Megan spent most of her time cuddled cozily and securely in one of the wall cubbies, she napping or feigning sleep. After a few weeks, Megan was able to be coaxed out of her cubby with a wand toy, but faster than the flash on a camera, she quickly retreated to the cubby. Smart as a tack, the following week she never left the cubby to play, so the only photo ops were legs darting in and out. Nevertheless, it was huge progress learning that Megan loves to play. A few weeks later and Megan is out on the free roam floor in the front, albeit behind a cat tree in the corner, having a grand time playing with a teaser on her own, as well as with another cat. The momentum continued the following week when not only was she unphased by having her photos taken (except her eyes are closed in most of them), but she allowed the photographer to pet her, which she loved and purred about the more she was petted, hold her and even rubbed on her ankles afterward. Each milestone met is so thrilling and every detail so special. Like learning that when you talk to her, she makes air biscuits. Megan's adoption fee is $70. She's spayed, current on shots, wormed, treated with monthly heart worm and flea preventive and microchipped. She's FIV/FeLV negative.

We could present Megan's story in a condensed version, but that would be a disservice to her. Understanding Megan's journey is vital to ensuring her adoption is successful and lasting to she and her adopter.