Shelter Cat Who 'Hasn't Opened Up to Anybody' Lets Staff Member Hold Her In Heartwarming Breakthrough
Many animals emotionally shut down when placed in a shelter. The stressful and chaotic environment causes them to withdraw in fear and anxiety. It takes a lot of time and patience to get these dogs and cats to trust again.
Elle is a long-haired gray cat who was recently brought to the NAWS Humane Society. She has had a difficult time adjusting and only recently let someone show her some affection.
@franflight Today was a big day for Elle. Getting her out of her cage was tough, but It was needed for the both of us. We bonded today for the first time and I think she's starting to trust me. Elle came to us after being relinquished for behaviorally marking around the home when the other cat in the home started to hiss at her. I believe that Elle's next home should be quiet with no dogs, and with an experienced cat owner who has cats that are very calm, submissive, or docile as Elle has always been a shy and reserved girl. Elle was found as a kitten and grew up in her previous home and was never an outdoor cat. If you are serious about adopting Elle please subm it an adoption application at nawsus.org and if you have any questions about her please feel free to message me. I love you guys so so much and hope you fall in love with Elle as much as I have, and I hope you see how much potential she has. Senidng you guys all of my love as always. #adopt#adoptdontshop#cat#catsoftiktok#catadoption
son original - Valentin
The TikTok from @franflight described how being back in the shelter after living as part of a family has traumatized the feline fur baby.
"Elle hasn't opened up to anybody," the onscreen text shared as Elle faced the corner and literally pasted herself against the kennel walls. "Going from a home environment to a shelter will do that to a cat."
The pretty kitty is unmotivated to participate in basic activities and continues to crawl further into her shell.
"Every day comes with new challenges for Elle," the story continued. "Tasks that used to be a part of her daily routine, she now struggles with. Tasks like eating. Grooming herself. Seeking affection. It's clear Elle isn't happy here."
The NAWS staff member was finally able to coax Elle out of her cage for the first time and held her on her lap for some much-needed affection. After a few moments, the sweet cat slowly let her guard down and leaned into the gentle pets.
"Today was a big day for Elle," the onscreen text shared. "Getting her out of her cage was tough, but It was needed for the both of us."
Elle Needs a Quiet Home
The fearful feline was recently returned from a family home and is seeking a calm, dog-free environment.
"Elle came to us after being relinquished for behaviorally marking around the home when the other cat in the home started to hiss at her," the caption revealed. "I believe that Elle's next home should be quiet with no dogs, and with an experienced cat owner who has cats that are very calm, submissive, or docile as Elle has always been a shy and reserved girl."
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Elle was previously found when she was just a kitten and spent her life in her previous home as an indoor cat. Elle is now ready and waiting to be adopted by a loving family where she can feel safe and loved again.
For more information on Elle or NAWS Humane Society, visit their website.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 8:10 AM.