Faces of No-Kill: Sassy cat trades swats for snuggles

Pumba is a tortoiseshell-colored cat with a mountain lion-sized personality. The 7-year-old feline is the boss of her own world, and she isn’t afraid to let you know. When building relationships with people, Pumba lives by the motto: Trust is earned, not given. But there’s someone for every pet, even the sassiest cat.

At the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York, Pumba was very selective with whom she allowed to touch her, and even then, they could only do so in small increments before she would swat their hand away.

[Cat goes from touch-me-not to grumbly biscuit maker]

Staff and volunteers also learned Pumba didn’t like being around other cats (or other animals, for that matter). They addressed her need for privacy by creating a space for her at the lifesaving center that was all her own, and the comfort of her exclusive digs did pick up Pumba’s spirits some. Meanwhile, staff got to work finding a foster home for Pumba where she could truly let her personality shine.

Pumba went to a foster home with a young woman and her roommates, who were open to providing her with whatever level of social interaction she desired.

After a little time in foster care, she began to relax enough to show them a bit of her playful side. She has been affectionately called “a wildcat,” as she likes to do a backflip in the air when attempting to catch a toy or treat. But even with her wild side, she still preferred a calm environment and her own space. Lucky for Pumba, there was one special person who just happened to be searching for an independent cat with a big personality.

Gabrielle has always loved cats, but whenever she thought about gracing her home with a new friend, she decided she wasn’t ready. Her childhood cat, Storm, had left a lasting impression on her many years ago, and she struggled to think she could make room in her heart for another. But she finally told herself the time was right and began searching local animal shelters and rescue groups online.

When Gabrielle contacted Best Friends about adopting a cat, she listed some of her preferences: “independent,” “strong-willed,” and “not afraid to be alone when I’m at work.” Pumba instantly came to mind as a potential match.

The first time Gabrielle met Pumba was through a virtual meeting with Best Friends staff member Leah Cohn and Pumba’s foster family. The meeting went so well that Gabrielle knew right away she wanted to adopt Pumba. They made plans for Gabrielle to meet Pumba at the foster home.

[Spicy cat’s ‘instruction manual’ helps her get adopted]

The in-person meeting just solidified that Gabrielle’s calm demeanor and love for cats with big personalities who also value their independence was a great fit for both parties. So Gabrielle asked to make Pumba’s adoption official.

Leah says, “Since a lot of adopters prefer cats who tolerate petting and cuddles, it took a little time to find someone willing to work with (Pumba’s) strong boundaries.” Gabrielle was happily willing to do just that.

During their first night together, Gabrielle was careful to allow Pumba as much space and freedom as she needed to feel safe in her new home. Yet, to her surprise, Pumba decided she wanted to be next to Gabrielle that very night. “I woke up to her sleeping on top of my hip,” says Gabrielle.

Pumba is now living her best life with Gabrielle in their New York City apartment with a beautiful view of the park across the way. Pumba has also become much more social with Gabrielle’s family and friends. Gabrielle refers to her as the “welcome wagon” because most of their houseguests are not allowed to enter the apartment without her weaving herself through their legs and giving her stamp of approval.

“Pumba is an independent but loving soul who just makes this house a home,” says Gabrielle.

And as they say, there’s no place like home.

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.