Faces of No-Kill: Treats help cat unwrap her sweet side

Shelter workers and foster volunteers know there’s a key to most any cat’s heart: lickable cat treats. They’re little tubes filled with creamy cat food (and apparently magic). Tear open one of these tubes, and even the most terrified tabby can’t resist a lick. Of course, winning over a cat who’s experienced hardship takes more than just treats. But these savory morsels can be a gateway to convincing cats that humans aren’t so bad.

Just ask Salt Water Taffy.

A cat who hides and sleeps in their litter box can be a telltale sign they’re feeling scared and stressed. That was 8-year-old Salt Water Taffy when she arrived at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in New York from a shelter. But beneath the fear, Best Friends staff could sense her sweet, gentle nature. The question was, how would they get potential adopters to see it?

The answer, as it so often is, was time and care in a foster home. During her time with Best Friends, Salt Water Taffy stayed in several foster homes, and each one allowed her to warm up to people at her own pace. Initially, this shy girl would retreat to the back of the closet or under the bed. However, to have her reappear, all her foster caregivers had to do was open a lickable cat treat. Then she’d magically appear at their feet like she’d been standing there the whole time.

[Shy cat sprinkled with love]

Once Salt Water Taffy was feeling safe, a more confident cat emerged. Turns out, she was incredibly loving and enjoyed being around people. (Her loud, rumbly purr proved it.) She loved the companionship of other cats just as much and would follow resident cats around the house. Whether she was rolling in catnip or blissfully being brushed, foster care showed her just how sweet life can be.

Foster care was just what Salt Water Taffy needed, but nothing beats a home of your own. Luckily, hers was right around the corner. A volunteer at the pet adoption center who had been following her story fell in love with her and decided to bring her home.

Today, she goes by “Salty,” though her adopter says she’s anything but. She seeks out scratches and gets so excited when the wand toy comes out to play. She’s also found her voice and will politely meow when she’d like food or company. When she wants a quiet moment, Salty sits on the windowsill, watching the bustling city go by.

[Life is sweet for once-shy cat]

Salty shares her new home with two other cats. While she’s curious about them, they’ve been a little more unsure of her. The introduction process has been slow and thoughtful, and they’re making progress — thanks in part to treats. Her adopter will give treats to all three cats side by side, so Salty’s housemates can learn that good things happen when they’re together. It’s a good lesson for everyone: Treats can make tricky situations better. So go ahead and treat yourself.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. 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.