Looking for my Furever Home

If you are interested in adoption Grant or Iggy, please email us at [email protected]. Serious inquires only. Adopting a new family member is a forever commitment. We look forward to seeing these two special boys meet their forever families where they will be loved and adored! They like so many deserve the best and Operation Hood is determined to find that for them! Adopt don't shop! Join us in making a difference! 

Please see the tips listed below regarding socializing a shy cat. New surroundings and people take time for cats and other animal family members to adjust. Investing time and love with your furever friend gives a lifetime of happiness! 
 Grant
Hi there! My name is Grant. I am a super independent guy who is currently being fostered in a home with other feline friends that I was properly introduced to. Introductions are KEY to making great friends so my new home will need to be one that is willing to offer the same. I am up to date on my vaccines and have been neutered. My foster mom gives the best belly rubs so I am seeking a home that my furever human will also do the same and appreciate my eagerness and curiosity to play! Pick me, if you are interested in me becoming part of your forever family! Please email the folks at Operation Hood at [email protected] if you are interested in potentially adopting me. Serious inquires only please, I need a secure home where I am adored and loved. I am looking forward to the next chapter of adventure in meeting my forever family!
​Love, Grant! 
Iggy
Hi my name is Iggy. My story is like many community cats meaning thankfully someone cared enough about me to act. Concerned individuals reached out to Operation Hood asking for assistance with TNR where I live. Although folks were kind enough to feed me where I wondered around, I unfortunately suffered an injury to my back right leg and needed medical care. I was trapped and taken to the vet where it was determined I needed my rear right leg amputated due to infection and loss of muscle mass.
Don't be sad, for me. I am very thankful someone cared enough to get me the medical care and recovery time needed to get me where I am today ready to find my forever home!

I am currently being fostered in a home that has other feline friends who I get along with. Proper introductions are KEY for everyone and takes time. If you are interested in me being part of your family please email [email protected] and let my friends at Operation Hood  know. I've been through a lot so serious inquires only please, I need to feel secure and loved. I want to move forward and live my best life with a loving forever family that will adore me.
​Love, Iggy. 

Tips for Socializing a Shy Cat

According to Perry's Place Heaven on Earth, a shy or under-socialized cat, sees the world can be a scary place.  If a cat feels threatened by the world around them (even if these threats are imagined), they can quickly withdraw from social activities and spend all day hiding under a bed or in a closet. Here are a few tips to help socialize a shy or fearful cat.
  • ​Make their world smaller. Cats are territorial animals. Too much territory can be overwhelming so it is important to start small. Set your cat up in one room in your house, i.e. a bathroom or small bedroom. Be sure to put a litter box, food, water, toys, and a bed in the room. Minimize hiding places if you are putting your shy cat in a bedroom by blocking access to under the bed or closing closets. If placing a cat in a bathroom, ensure that the toilet lid is closed and lock chemicals or cleaners in cabinets or remove them from the room.
  • Read your cat! Pay close attention to their body language. Shy or fearful cats pin their ears against their heads; they are wide eyed or pupils dilated. Shy cats often lick their lips and/or their whiskers are pressed against their face. Their bodies are huddled, muscles tense or lean away or poised to flee. Shy cats tend to tuck their tail under their body or their fur looks puffed up.
  • Give them time. The first step to earning a cat's trust is to prove that you're not trying to grab or do anything to them. If your cat is extremely shy, get it used to your presence before trying to make physical contact.  Start at the opposite side of the cat's room and slowly move closer to the cat over time. Try to avoid making noise or quick movements. Let your cat get used to your voice, your smell, and your energy.
  • Create a confident hunter. Get your cat used to playing with toys. Don't dangle toys in the cats face as you will only scare or annoy him/her. Build your cat's confidence, teach it to play, and eventually the cat will become more interactive with you.
  • Bridge the Gap. There are a few ways to start petting a cat. The first technique is to use a wooden or plastic back scratcher. The scratcher feels goods and will likely allow your hand access later on.  The second technique is to use a toy, such as a wand toy. Gently pet the cat with the toy and over time, slowly move your hand down the toy until your are able to pet the cat with your hand.
  • Reward interactive behavior. Ultimately we want the cat to be the one to initiate social activities like petting and cuddling. One way to encourage this is to reward the cat with play or with a high-value treat when it moves toward you to sniff or touch. Allow the cat to disengage when it wants to.
  • Make the world bigger.  Once the cat becomes confident in the smaller room and has consistent relaxed body posture and will play, eat, and socialize with you, you can begin to allow access to the rest of your home. 
  • ​Patience is key! Socialization is not a straight line. A cat might make great progress one day and backslide a bit the next. That’s okay. In the end, progress is up to the cat, and it’s our job to be patient and encouraging!
For more information on socializing a shy or fearful cat, visit Heavenly Cats No Cats Under the Bed:  Socializing a Shy or Fearful Cat.