A timid feline, Toby, found behind a Brooklyn laundromat, surprised everyone by becoming a hugging enthusiast.
Bushwick Street Cats, a volunteer-based rescue group, received word of a feral cat with four kittens residing behind a Brooklyn laundromat. Using humane traps, they safely captured the feline family.
The kittens, about six weeks old, were extremely feral. Recognizing their need for socialization, they were swiftly placed into foster care. Their mother was spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and returned to her colony.
“Management will continue to feed and provide shelter, while she will keep the rats at bay,” said Chris Glazier of Bushwick Street Cats, as reported by Love Meow.
Toby, an orange tabby, was the shyest of the litter. He initially shied away from people and wanted nothing to do with them—or so he thought.
“He was scared and feral when he first came to my place. I put him in the bathroom at first, so I could gradually introduce him to apartment life,” shared Jen Williamson, an experienced foster mom.
He was provided with a kitty condo for safety and comfort, giving him a place to decompress, hide, and sleep. At first, he refused to come out of his little cave, and would hiss and growl whenever Jen entered the room.
With patience, treats, and coaxing, Toby let out his first purr on the second day and gradually warmed up to his human.
Once he felt safe, Toby began seeking affection and exploring his surroundings. He became very snuggly with his foster mom and felt more confident in her presence. “It wasn’t long before he was out and playing in the apartment like he’d lived here his whole life.”
Toby discovered his penchant for hugs and would wrap his arms around his foster mom or snuggle beside her during naps.
