Now and again, you come throughout a narrative that hits you proper within the feels, and this week, that story is all a couple of cat named Garbanzo and the devoted foster carer who has saved her life twice. Rachael Robertson is the epitome of an animal lover. Working within the pet care trade, fostering younger kittens, and taking care of her personal cats and canine, most of whom are very aged, have particular well being necessities, or each, she doesn’t get a variety of free time. Nonetheless, when a neighborhood animal shelter reached out to her in early February to inform her that one in every of her former foster kittens had been introduced in to them, she didn’t hesitate to take the decision. Initially, she had hoped that the ginger cat had simply managed to flee her dwelling, however Garbanzo (Bonzo for brief) had been surrendered by the one that had adopted her 4 years earlier. Much more distressing was the state she was in.
At 25 lbs, Garbanzo was morbidly overweight, her lengthy coat was matted and smelly, and she or he was completely petrified, lashing out at any try to the touch her; a far cry from the affectionate, assured younger cat that Rachael had stated goodbye to again in 2021.
Garbanzo’s Distressing State
Initially, Garbanzo’s proprietor blocked Rachael’s makes an attempt to contact her, however ultimately reached out to clarify what had occurred. A while after adopting Garbanzo, a person got here on the scene who would apparently have the benefit of tormenting, probably even harming the cat. After he ultimately departed, a housemate got here with their very own cat, leading to Garbanzo affected by stress-induced urinary points. Rachael knew that her dwelling, with varied cats and canine, was not going to be the best place to start out Garbanzo’s rehabilitation, however thankfully, her ex-partner was capable of assist out with some area in his dwelling.
The primary few days have been difficult for everybody, with Bonzo not often venturing out of her litter field and refusing to eat or drink. Every day, she grew somewhat extra relaxed, with Rachael taking issues at a brilliant sluggish tempo. Though this cat was clearly traumatized and scared of people, you might see that she was conflicted. This wasn’t a cat that was naturally shy or withdrawn; this was a cat who needed human contact, however whose expertise had taught her to concern it, which was really upsetting to see.
Making Progress
As her second week started, they noticed two enormous indicators of progress as Garbanzo issued a trusting ‘slow blink’ and even somewhat chirrup! There was nonetheless a protracted method to go, and cuddles have been very a lot off the desk for now, however they have been lastly beginning to see these partitions coming down. By this stage, Bonzo and Rachael have been creating fairly a following on TikTok and Instagram, and presents and donations have been rolling in from all around the globe, filling her easy sanctuary with all the most recent feline furnishings.
With the assistance of some gentle sedatives and her Feliway diffuser and spray, Garbanzo had a vet go to for a well being verify and grooming session in the direction of the tip of the third week, which was fairly a turning level. In her freshly shorn physique with an cute lion tail, Bonzo appeared extra relaxed, comfy, and pleasant, and after virtually three weeks of grumbles, hissing, and paw swipes, she was lastly beginning to present her true softer aspect. She was extra assured when enjoying video games, consuming from Rachael’s hand, and even began to permit some transient petting. From that time onwards, her character began shining by, and every single day introduced with it a brand new milestone. Day 23 noticed her transfer into a bigger room with extra entry to the home, and on day 24, her hisses was demanding meows, and she or he lastly permitted Rachael to present her a correct pat. The previous Garbanzo was making a comeback.
Successful Again Belief
Watching her enjoyable within the sunshine, luxuriating on her mattress, and demanding to be petted, you might virtually neglect that solely three weeks in the past, she was borderline feral. Gaining again the belief of a cat that had been so severely let down by people up to now isn’t any simple feat, however not solely has Bonzo change into affectionate with Rachael, she has additionally change into assured and pleasant with new folks, exhibiting that she is nearly able to search for a ceaselessly dwelling. At a slimmed-down weight of 16 lbs, she’s going to quickly be having a dental process to kind out her gingivitis, placing her in high situation, too.
Whereas Rachael’s love for Bonzo is clear, she additionally is aware of that she can’t present her with what she wants in a everlasting dwelling. With a number of pets who require a variety of care and a focus, Rachael is aware of that this ginger diva would quickly change into pressured and resentful of the competitors, to not point out the monetary and time pressure concerned. It might be simple for Rachael to easily give in to her feelings and maintain this beautiful feline, so it’s admirable that she is ready to put the wants of her fur household and Garbanzo forward of her coronary heart.
Functions are at present open for many who want to provide Garbanzo a ceaselessly dwelling, however the standards is strict. Rachael is in search of somebody:
- skilled with cats
- with no very younger youngsters
- with no different pets
- who lives inside one hour of her dwelling in L.A.
You don’t need to really feel obligated to maintain up with Garbanzo’s social media following, however we’re certain that her followers would adore it if you happen to do! Should you’d wish to be thought of, you could find out extra info and fill out an utility HERE, and you’ll keep updated along with her progress by following @rachaelrayrobertson.
So what’s subsequent for Rachael? The hotter climate and longer days imply that kitten season is nearly upon us, so hopefully, she’ll handle to get a brief break earlier than her dwelling turns into full of the sound of hungry, mewling kittens!
You may as well assist by donating to animal shelters and charities, adopting cats and kittens from shelters, and spaying/neutering your cat.
All photographs courtesy of Rachael Robertson, @rachaelraerobertson.
