Evelyn

Colour: DSH Tortoiseshell
Born Approx: May 1, 2023
Gender: Spayed Female, micro-chipped

History:

In the summer of 2023, a couple living in a town near Lethbridge grew concerned when they observed that a homeless young mother-cat and her three kittens had taken refuge under a neighbour’s front step. The little mom we named Emori, had lost part of her rear right leg due to some type of catastrophic injury, which made providing for her youngsters quite impossible. The couple and the neighbour started feeding the little family, and contacted rescue-groups. Regardless of capacity issues, PAW decided to make a special effort to trap the injured female and her offspring. With the indispensable help of the same couple, the Society was able to capture the kittens and, eventually, their mother. The orange boy – now named Julien – entered the trap first, true to the couple’s description of him as “super curious”. His sisters, Klarra (since adopted) and Evelyn, followed a day later and Emori (also since adopted) soon after.

Personality:

Pretty Evelyn was always a little shyer than her siblings. Tortoiseshells are known for their intelligence and with intelligence, comes caution and evaluation. After the two little girls’ rescue, they were handled as much as possible. It paid off quickly. If Evelyn was on a cat tree, or a raised surface, she was okay with being picked up for a cuddle. Your approach must be slow and respectful. Her foster mom speaks to her in a very soft voice – almost a whisper. Evelyn likes that. She will come onto foster mom’s lap (when it’s free of other cats) and enjoy a snuggle. She likes to be groomed (a great way to create a bond).

Evelyn is active too! Every morning she, her brother and younger sibling (before they were adopted) played Indy500. She also enjoys playing with a string toy (with a person on the other end) and stick-handling balls and springs. Her favourite toy was a decapitated furry mouse without the plastic inner body – only the outer covering remains – it’s so funny! But the darned little thing went missing and she’s never found a replacement – even when foster mom took apart another little furry mouse, it was just never the same. Evelyn is a good eater and eagerly awaits her breakfast and dinner. She also lives with two small dogs (who do not chase) and does fine with them. Now that Julien has been adopted, Evelyn plays with a sanctuary cat, Rebus. She always got along with him so he took the place of Julien (sort of). But she became used to Julien’s absence and her foster family has not noticed any lingering depression.

It truly is a gratifying experience to work with shy cats, as long as they are given as much time as needed. Time and patience are the tools to help them become accustomed to any new situation. All young cats, but especially shyer ones, need your attention, especially as they get used to a new home. Playing with them, brushing, nail trimming, picking up and handling are all ways to help them get to know you. We would still caution that, although Evelyn has made great progress, when she goes to a new home, there is likely to be a period of regression. But that will pass. The longer she is with her family, the more she will trust and change. She is still a bit frightened of being approached from above (she can smell an ulterior motive!) but when she is the one doing the approaching, she will let you pick her up and gently hug her in your arms. She will reward you with a soft, little purr that is almost imperceptible. Foster mom says, “Evelyn is a beautiful little soul.”

Because we consider Evelyn to be (somewhat) special needs, we would prefer if her adoptive home were to be in Lethbridge or surrounding area.