Sam I Am

As a feline rescue organization, PAWS encounters all kinds of cats. There are playful kitties, vocal kitties, timid kitties, and, occasionally, aggressive, wannabe-big-wildcats. Some want a companion to play with, and some prefer solitude. Every cat has its own personality, and it is up to the PAWS foster volunteers and adoption team to figure out how to meet its needs.

The fostering of Sam I Am is truly a study in how to handle a cat that presents many challenges to his caretaker. He clearly expresses his needs and can become aggressive if he feels threatened. 

Found living outdoors, Sam came to PAWS when the rescue group that originally took him in could no longer care for him. He was described as very protective of his personal space and "possessions," and was known to lash out if someone came too close or tried to touch his food dish or other personal things.

PAWS placed Sam with a very experienced foster mom who has been working with him since July 2021. Initially, he was terrified, hissing and spitting when approached. His foster mom recounts: "As long as I stayed two feet away, I was safe, otherwise he'd charge me, but always stop himself short. It was so sudden; I'd startle every time." Obviously, our foster volunteer was facing a serious challenge with Sam.

The woman who had worked with Sam and made some progress when Sam was at the original rescue group was invited to see him in his new foster home. Sam surprised everyone when he came over to her to accept some treats. He even sat on her lap very briefly. This was a spark of hope in what appeared to be a dark situation.

PAWS believes every cat deserves a chance. So, despite how challenging Sam was, we did not give up on him. Sam was given his own room. He allowed his foster mom to come in and read or talk quietly to him, and sometimes he would hang out across the room from her. Feeding him presented its own set of challenges. When his foster entered the room, she held a towel in front of her so she could set his food down without being swiped at. Sam thought he had his own personal butler, never realizing she was just trying to protect herself. Eventually, his foster mom was able to sit on the bed while Sam ate and watch him play afterward with his favorite dangly toy.

After about a month of playing cat and mouse, never getting close enough to be attacked, his foster mom tried feeding Sam treats. First, she put some on a long-handled spoon. After he accepted that, she tried offering the package.

Finally, he ate out of her hand.  Progress at last! But, sometimes his fear would take over and he would swat at her again.

Now, he likes being near his people and observes from a safe distance. He is still very jumpy about any movement and will spread out at the top of the stairs and challenge anyone to try to get around him. He must be coaxed back into his room with food or treats.  Then, he begs to come out when he hears people around. He has actually started to walk up and sniff his foster mom's hand and even rub up against her! 

Sam seems to like other cats and has tried to play with his feline housemates. But his efforts were ignored. Perhaps in time they will develop a friendship, and the other cats can teach him how to share his space.

Recently, Sam has made even more progress. He prefers to be free to roam the house and gets along with the other cats. He will come and stay near his foster mom and now allows her to pet him!