Once in a while, you come throughout a narrative that hits you proper within the feels, and this week, that story is all a few 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 loads of free time. Nonetheless, when an area animal shelter reached out to her in early February to inform her that considered one 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 house, 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 finally reached out to clarify what had occurred. A while after adopting Garbanzo, a person got here on the scene who would apparently get pleasure from tormenting, probably even harming the cat. After he finally departed, a housemate got here with their very own cat, leading to Garbanzo affected by stress-induced urinary points. Rachael knew that her house, with numerous cats and canine, was not going to be the proper place to start out Garbanzo’s rehabilitation, however fortuitously, her ex-partner was capable of assist out with some house in his house.
The primary few days have been difficult for everybody, with Bonzo hardly ever venturing out of her litter field and refusing to eat or drink. Every day, she grew a bit of extra relaxed, with Rachael taking issues at an excellent sluggish tempo. Though this cat was clearly traumatized and frightened 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 This wasn’t a cat that was naturally shy or withdrawn; this was a cat who needed human contact, however whose expertise had taught her to worry it, which was really upsetting to see.
Making Progress
As her second week started, they noticed two big indicators of progress as Garbanzo issued a trusting ‘sluggish blink’ and even a bit of chirrup! There was nonetheless an extended approach 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 delicate sedatives and her Feliway diffuser and spray, Garbanzo had a vet go to for a well being examine and grooming session in 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 nearly three weeks of grumbles, hissing, and paw swipes, she was lastly beginning to present her true softer aspect. She was extra assured when taking part in video games, consuming from Rachael’s hand, and even began to permit some temporary petting. From that time onwards, her character began shining via, and each 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 changed into demanding meows, and she or he lastly permitted Rachael to present her a correct pat. The outdated 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 nearly 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 is not any straightforward feat, however not solely has Bonzo grow to be affectionate with Rachael, she has additionally grow to be assured and pleasant with new folks, displaying that she is nearly able to search for a eternally house. At a slimmed-down weight of 16 lbs, she is 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 apparent, she additionally is aware of that she can’t present her with what she wants in a everlasting house. With a number of pets who require loads of care and a focus, Rachael is aware of that this ginger diva would quickly grow to be burdened and resentful of the competitors, to not point out the monetary and time pressure concerned. It will be straightforward for Rachael to easily give in to her feelings and hold 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.
Purposes are at present open for individuals who wish to provide Garbanzo a eternally house, 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 house in L.A.
You don’t should really feel obligated to maintain up with Garbanzo’s social media following, however we’re certain that her followers would adore it for those who do! In the event you’d wish to be thought of, you will discover out extra info and fill out an utility HERE, and you may 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 house turns into stuffed with the sound of hungry, mewling kittens!
It’s also possible to assist by donating to animal shelters and charities, adopting cats and kittens from shelters, and spaying/neutering your cat.
All photos courtesy of Rachael Robertson, @rachaelraerobertson.
