Faces of No-Kill: Cat goes from grumpy to cuddly

When Peridot landed at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, she was like an unpolished jewel. The nervous cat, with stunning green eyes that match her gem namesake, would lash out at everyone, swatting and growling at their hands and feet.

“She would charge at you when you walked into the room,” says Bee McCarroll, one of Peridot’s caregivers. “She was overwhelmed with your presence and was very combative.”

Understanding her fear, her caregivers crafted a thoughtful plan to help her feel more at ease and show her that new people weren’t so scary after all. They began by sitting quietly in her room for a few minutes each day, talking softly or playing soothing music.

Once Peridot grew comfortable with their presence, they introduced clicker training. They would gently extend a hand while speaking calmly, and if Peridot rubbed against it instead of swatting, she’d hear a click and receive a yummy treat. It didn’t take long for her to catch on, realizing that touch wasn’t just acceptable — it might even be a little enjoyable.

This type of training gave Peridot the time and space to decide when — and if — she wanted affection, helping her feel safe. Little by little, she blossomed, revealing more of her true self. Then something amazing happened.

“One day I wasn't feeling well, so I just laid down in her room to take a nap at lunch,” says Bee. “And she was all about it. She came right over and cuddled up next me and fell asleep.”

[Meet a volunteer who turns even the grumpiest cats into purr machines]

Soon, whenever Bee came in for their lunchtime snoozefest, Peridot would rush over, asking to be petted, and start making biscuits on her lap. Giving Peridot the freedom and patience she needed to progress at her own pace prepared her for this moment: She decided to trust again. And that made all the difference.

“It was cool to see her blossom after working with her so much,” says Bee. “I fell in love with her and saw her potential. And I just loved our naps. She’d be right there next to me, making these cute noises. She’s an incredible little thing, and I’m so proud of her.”

When Kevin and Keenan Shionalyn visited the Sanctuary, they had a clear goal in mind: They were looking for a companion they could bond with deeply and one who would truly benefit from joining their home. And they found just that with Peridot.

“There was just something about her,” says Keenan. “When we first met her and started giving her treats, the way she interacted with us had a certain presence that reminded us of our old cat, and it was incredibly endearing. It just felt like it was the right match.”

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Keenan and Kevin found Peridot's quirks charming, noting that they were part of what drew them to her. She had a unique communication style, and with her, a growl didn't necessarily mean she was angry. Not only did her adopters not mind the sometimes-mixed messages, they liked that about her.

Peridot’s adjustment to her new home was seamless, and now she’s enjoying the good life, comfy and relaxed with her people. Cozy lap snuggles in front of the TV are a daily occurrence, and their entire apartment is her playground.

“When she got into our apartment and realized how much space she was going to have, she got so excited,” says Kevin. “By the first night, she was cuddling in bed with us and so affectionate.”

Though Peridot still hisses and growls, Kevin and Keenan understand it just adds to her charm. “She hisses at us sometimes when it's not meant to be a hiss,” says Keenan. “It's more like a sigh, which is so cute.”

The friendly, easygoing kitty is almost unrecognizable from the scared (and sometimes scary) cat from when she first arrived. Like an unpolished jewel, Peridot just needed a little extra help to become the sparkling gem she is today.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.