Black cat goes from avoidant to affectionate

Have you ever heard of all-black cats referred to as “voids”? It’s because, in certain settings, black cats can look like a black hole or an endless abyss. All you can see are two brightly glowing eyes.

Although he may look like a void, Asher is anything but — this lovable cat has an abundance of personality. However, he once had a void in his heart that might still be there if not for some kind and patient humans.

Asher was incredibly scared and painfully shy when he came into Best Friends’ care in Houston from a nearby animal shelter. The 2-year-old fluffy feline didn’t trust people at all.

Life is sweet for once-shy cat

Staff knew that a stay in foster care would help Asher put his guard down. Best Friends’ goal is for all shelters nationwide to reach no-kill, and people who step up to foster pets, either with Best Friends or any animal shelter or rescue organization, play a vital part in reaching that goal.

Once in his foster home, Asher’s foster caregivers started showing this shy boy what love looks like. Because he was wary of touch, they began petting him with a soft wand toy instead of their hands. Sure enough, Asher loved it and would flop over and make air biscuits while being petted. With time — and lots of treats — the wand toy was replaced by human hands.

Shy cat finds the confidence to climb higher

Asher wasn’t just warming up to humans. He also took cues from his foster friend, an orange kitty named Quesadilla. The two became fast friends — grooming, snuggling, even wrestling. With toys, tunnels, and fun activities provided by his foster family, Asher discovered the joy of play. Most of the time, he was content just being in the same room as the people as they worked or watched TV.

It was exactly the kind of support he needed. His next move was when he was adopted into a new home with a loving family, filling a void no other pet could.

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.