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Missy came in as a stray to the BC SPCA Vancouver Branch in August 2007. Her owner was located, but sadly did not want to care for Missy any longer and chose not to come pick her up.
Everything went well in the beginning; Missy was friendly with people, but still very independent. Eventually though, Missy began to get extremely frustrated in the shelter environment; she just simply was not getting enough stimulation every day.
 Missy began acting out quite frequently and picked on other cats and even people when they were trying to be affectionate. Much hissing and swatting would occur whenever people would try to pet her; very unfortunate as she really was a sweet cat deep down.
Staff and volunteers alike were optimistic when a lovely woman agreed to take Missy on a possible foster-to-adopt basis. Although she was warned ahead of time that Missy would never be a lap cat judging by her current behaviour, the times have apparently changed. Missy was adopted by her brave foster mum who has since written us a glowing report on Missy’s turnaround.
“Hissy Missy” transforms into “Kitz The Lap Kitty” snuggling on my lap 2011
A few years ago I came to the Vancouver SPCA in search of a cat who might want to adopt me. Like most people I was considering a younger cat, but as I made the rounds I was particularly taken by one cat who pressed the top of her head loving against the kennel front. I gently rubbed her head, and then popped the door open a bit to give her a better pet. Moments later I slammed the door shut, amidst much hissing and scratching.
This was my first introduction to “Missy”. I told her “good luck getting adopted” and briskly moved on to the next kennel. The next day the Cat Coordinator was in, so I asked her why “Missy” was so cranky. The Coordinator told me “Missy” had been awaiting adoption for over 4 months; not as free to get out in the common room with the other cats due to her violent ways.
 My heart went out to “Missy” immediately, imagining how long each day must have felt to her. I tho’t it over and then re-visited the SPCA, telling them I would take “Missy” on a “Foster” basis, before committing to adoption. The day I came to get her I was warned that “she will never be a lap cat”, so I should be sure I will be able to deal with that.
Long story short … For the 1st several months the closest “Missy” would come to me was to be in the same room with me and to sleep on a chair next to my bed. A few years later, however, it is a much different story.
With much love, encouragement, patience and faith, “Kitz” (formerly “Missy”) has not only become a “lap kitty”, but she also sleeps snuggled up next to me under the blankets at night. Not only does she allow me to pick her up and cuddle and kiss her, but she purrs like a semi-truck motor when I do, and now only occasionally hisses at me when I let go of her.
Working patiently to transform “Hissy Missy” into “Kitz The Lap Kitty” has been one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences of my life!
This truly is a story of commitment, good faith, and plenty of hard work. We cannot thank Sharon enough for taking Kitz on to be her one and only cat despite multiple warnings that she may never be exactly what was desired. Thank you so much to Sharon for making adoption your first option and for helping Kitz turn into the cat she really was deep down.
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