A 4-year-old cat named Ivy is quietly waiting for someone to notice her. But tragically, the very thing she does to feel safe is also the reason potential adopters keep passing her by.
According to a Facebook post shared by the Humane Society of Broward County in Dania Beach, Florida, Ivy is “learning to navigate shelter life after spending her whole life in a loving home.”
However, “no one is noticing her because she’s always hiding in her cat tree,” states the July 1 post, which has garnered 4,200 likes.
The shelter’s digital marketing manager, Kaitlin Pechin, told Newsweek: “Ivy came to us after her previous owner had to leave for university and couldn’t bring her along,“
Shelter staff describe her as a cat who “picks and chooses when she wants to play or cuddle, but when she does, it’s so sweet.”
“Like many cats facing a major life change, Ivy was understandably shy at first. She finds comfort in her cat tree, and still spends a lot of time in it, especially when new people are around,” Pechin said.
“But with a little time and patience, she warms up quickly and shows off her affectionate and playful side. The staff has come to know her as gentle and sweet-natured, and she loves soft toys, treats, and petting once she feels safe. She will even curl up in your lap and purr.”
Ivy’s behavior isn’t unusual for cats trying to cope in a shelter environment. Research from the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno in the Czech Republic explains that cats can find many aspects of shelter life stressful. Being confined in cages, living near unfamiliar cats, being handled by staff, and constant changes in routine all add to their anxiety.
Interestingly, research shows that shelter cats may actually crave human interaction even more than typical pet cats, so not having enough calm, predictable contact with people can also be stressful for them. Cats often enjoy playing with humans using toys and seem to prefer these interactions.
Stress in animals is normal up to a point, but when it becomes excessive or persists for too long, it can harm their health and well-being. While many cats do begin to relax over time—often adjusting within two to five weeks—some never adapt fully and can remain chronically stressed for much longer.
Ivy has now been at the shelter for over a month, and staff are urging adopters to see past her shyness and recognize her true, loving nature.
“She may be shy at first, but it doesn’t take long for her gentle, affectionate personality to come out,” said the post.
Many Facebook users have shared their hopes that Ivy soon finds a forever home, while also opening up about their own heartfelt experiences.
One commenter said: “I adopted a cat from the shelter where I volunteer. He hid in a cat tree for a month. That is why I adopted him. When I got him home, it took about [three] weeks for him to come out of his “shell” he now runs the house and makes me laugh all the time. The most loving and funny cat I have ever known. Please, someone. Adopt this beautiful kitty. You won’t regret it!”
“I was in there yesterday. She came out to me, loved being pet and given treats. Then she and here roommate, Kallie started playing in and out of the cat tunnels in the room. I believe she and Kallie came in together, they are both sweet cats,” said another user.
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