Stray Cat Steps into a Home for the First Time After Being Outside for Years, His World Completely Changes

A stray cat stepped into a home for the first time after spending years outside. His world completely changed.

PaddyChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

While helping a colony of strays and rescuing them one by one, Linda and Marie-Chantale came across a black-and-white cat with a wounded ear.

He was in poor condition after years of fending for himself and enduring the harsh elements. Shortly after setting up a humane trap, the hungry stray plodded in for food, unaware that he was about to embark on a new life.

“He was declining and losing his fight. His rescuer took it upon herself to catch him and find him a place to care for him,” Chatons Orphelins Montreal shared.

He was rescued after many years of living outdoorsChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

After a 3-hour journey, the cat was brought to Chatons Orphelins Montreal and lovingly named Paddy. Weary and scared, he quietly kept his head down in his carrier.

“Paddy had lived outside for many years. He was finally able to spend his first night in comfort and warmth.”

Paddy was timid and rough around the edgesChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

Estimated to be nine years old, Paddy arrived with a multitude of health issues. He struggled to breathe, had a frostbitten ear, and couldn’t eat without discomfort due to his infected gums.

“This cat wouldn’t have survived much longer in this state. Despite being exhausted and terrified, he allowed the veterinary team to help him.”

ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

The harsh realities of the streets had ravaged Paddy’s health, but it began to change with the help of the veterinary staff, volunteers, and the support of the caring community.

“After two rounds of antibiotics and a much-needed dental surgery, Paddy turned a corner. Now, he can devour his food without pain even though his tongue will always stick out.”

He was very scared when he first arrivedChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

Paddy bears many battle scars, each a trace of his rough life as a stray. With good care and a safe home, he has gained weight and strength.

“He was scared when he first arrived, afraid of people, and wouldn’t let anyone approach him. We noticed he was much nicer towards other cats, cooing as soon as he saw them in the house.”

Slowly but surely, he warmed up to his foster momChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

Paddy, who was food-motivated, began socialization with the help of treats. At first, his foster mom used a spatula to offer food. With lots of patience, she progressed to feeding him by hand.

“She was able to bond with a damaged cat. Eventually, he put his paw on her when she fed him, let her stroke him, and even asked her for more.”

Once he realized he was safe, he became a love bugChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

After a few months in foster care, Paddy has come out of his shell and completely transformed. “He has grown to love attention and cuddles. He is very endearing and gentle and has a heart of gold.”

He eagerly wants to befriend all the other cats in the house and become part of their crew.

He follows his people around the houseChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

He brushes against them whenever he sees them and has learned to play with toys by observing his feline friends. “He chases toys clumsily, and it’s adorable to watch. At night, he joins his foster mom in bed and purrs gently beside her.”

“Paddy is a gentle soul who enjoys being petted and talked to. He is shy at first, but once he gets to know you, he will follow you around like glue.”

He is a gentle soul and adores other catsChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

He rolls on his back or rubs against his people when he wants attention. He is quite the conversation starter with his charming coos and meows.

He sticks out his tongue all day, giving him an irresistibly playful look.

ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

“Seeing him transform and learn to trust makes everything so worth it. After many cold winters, he can now sleep warm and safe at night. Despite all he has endured, he remains the sweetest boy.”

He’s transformed into a happy, healthy, playful catChatonsOrphelinsMontreal

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