One of the most remarkable things I've been given the chance to experience in my adult life is the way my roommate brings cats into our home. He has such a sweet ability to foster trust in cats and the patience to let that evolve at the pace it needs to evolve.
The relationship begins with just him talking to the cat, usually from a distance. After a while, he starts leaving them food and water. They become infrequent porch cats, who come and go as they please, but know they can find food and shelter on the porch when they need it. Sometimes things never get past this point, but quite often, the cat soon finds comfort in getting petted and played with.
Twice past this point, the cats have joined our household. In the case of both Alice and Tinkerbell, I watched a very beautiful transformation. With both of them, there was a long period of adjustment where they would only stay in one room. They would be frightened of the idea of the 'whole house' and felt uncomfortable about joining us in the living room. However, over time, this changed. Soon they went from being IN the house to being part of the home. In both cases, they learned to hang out with us, interact with us, and be part of the family.
It is a very beautiful thing to see a little outdoor cat go from being all on its own to being part of your family. You watch the very way this cat defines itself alter. The world is no longer this massive place full of challenges so immense that no consideration can be given to who the cat wishes to be. Once safe inside the house, and secure in the idea of the home, both of these cats began to shine. As I said before, this has been one of the great joys of my life. I am grateful to have experienced it.
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