A cat that has spent many winters outside finally experiences home for the first time. His world is about to change.
SherlockKittensOrphansMontreal
An orange tabby had lived in an empty yard and sought refuge among the clutter. He had survived several winters in the neighborhood, blending into the landscape and the pile of trash.
When the cold became unbearable, he shielded himself with broken furniture and sought warmth. Living off scraps left for local strays, “he remained a loner, always elusive,” Celine Crom of Chatons Orphelins Montreal shared with Love Meow.
One day, a Good Samaritan, Veronique, noticed that the cat had an “injured eye” and reached out to the rescue community for help.
He had braved many harsh winters before he was rescuedKittensOrphansMontreal
Jess, an animal rescuer, immediately responded to the call. They set up a humane trap with food and before long the cat, too hungry to resist, walked right in. “The cat was scared and wouldn’t let anyone near him, but he was finally safe and spent his first night in warmth.”
They affectionately named the tabby “Sherlok” and his days of roaming the streets and enduring the bitter cold finally came to an end.
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“Sherlok, who is IVF+, has a white spot in his left eye from an old injury he sustained while living as a stray. He stayed with his rescuer (Jess) where he was warm and well fed, although he remained very fearful and hid for a long time.”
For weeks he hissed and thrashed when Jess tried to get close, but she never gave up on him.
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In time she realized that he was hard of hearing and therefore started easy. She tried a gentler approach to socializing him, gradually showing him that people could be trusted. It took some time, but he slowly began to come out of his shell.
Jess worked patiently and diligently to gain his trust, all the while searching for a rescue group that could provide him with the care he needed.
He let the vet examine him even though his heart was racingKittensOrphansMontreal
Celine and her team at Chatons Orphelins Montreal welcomed Sherlok into their rescue and arranged a foster home for the deserving boy.
“He allowed the vet to examine him even though his heart was pounding out of his chest. One of his eyes has an old wound (that has healed and leaves a fuzzy patch of scar tissue), but he can see fine with the other eye.”
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“His hearing appears to be very limited. After treating him for a mild upper respiratory infection, he started his new journey in his nursing home where he would be loved and pampered.”
Sherlock was estimated to be seven years old. His life had been about avoiding people, but for the first time he learned to embrace and enjoy human affection.
He began to enjoy his new life as an indoor catKittensOrphansMontreal
“After all this time alone and injured outside, he’s finally on the other side of the window.”
Once he got used to his new abode, his beautiful personality began to shine. Every day he was closer to his foster parents until he was right next to them. Finally, he stayed his paws on the lap, snuggled close and fell asleep.
He let his guard down and turned into a lap catKittensOrphansMontreal
The fear in his eyes is gone, replaced by the most serene look. He’s blossomed into a full-time lap-dog, always eager to snooze on his humans.
For many years he only knew how to protect himself from danger. Now that he no longer has to worry about food and shelter, he can relax and be himself. The true hug bug in him that had been dormant all these years is now in full bloom.
He wants to be at the mercy of his people all the timeKittensOrphansMontreal
“Sherlok thrives on tenderness and love. He is grateful for his new life, where he feels safe and warm.”
He has made a complete turnaround from a fearful cat hiding in the mess and fighting for survival to a cute teddy bear basking in all the love and attention from his humans.
He has blossomed into a teddy bear, eager for attention and hugsKittensOrphansMontreal
Sherlock is ready to be the heart of a loving home where he will be cherished and carefree for the rest of his life.
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