‘Trying to win their hearts.’ Shelter cat has adorable tactic for would-be adopters
A cat at a Philadelphia shelter has a remarkably adorable way to catch the attention of people who could shower her with love — and it’s really cat-like.
When Lizzy was brought into the Pennsylvania SPCA, she was coming from a bad situation, the shelter said in a Sept. 24 Facebook post.
“Exactly two weeks ago, Lizzy was rescued by our Animal Law Enforcement team with nearly 20 other cats,” the shelter said.
“She was in rough shape, battling a severe upper respiratory infection, ear mites, and itchy skin. She is also missing all of her teeth, which fuels her chronic (blep) face.”
The thing is, Lizzy has not let that previous hardship stop her from being her authentic self. She maintained a sweetness you may not expect from pets with a past like hers.
“Despite her rough start, Lizzy has remained so loving. Any time a person walks into the room, she immediately starts making biscuits trying to win their hearts,” the post said. “But sadly, she is continuously passed over, and we believe it is because she is FIV+.”
Making biscuits is another term for when cats rhythmically knead with their paws, looking like they’re kneading dough.
“You may have seen how your cat becomes relaxed when they are making biscuits,” Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital says. “Sometimes cats will become so adorably enthusiastic when they are kneading.”
When they knead, it can mean they feel safe and comforted and are expressing love. Unfortunately for Lizzy, people keep passing her by and the shelter believes it’s because she has “feline immunodeficiency virus,” the post said.
“FIV is not as daunting as it may sound. Both FIV positive and negative cats can live successfully together and it is not spread by simple friendly contact. So long as there is no aggressive behaviors (i.e. biting) cats can live well together,” the post continued.
Cats can catch FIV through fighting and the condition is often not detected unless the cat is prone to chronic respiratory infections and other illness, RSPCA says.
The shelter goes on to say that FIV-positive cats can “live long, happy lives” in a quiet environment and with a regulated, quality diet.
For more information on Lizzy and other adoptable pets, visit the shelter’s website.
This story was originally published September 24, 2024 at 3:02 PM with the headline "‘Trying to win their hearts.’ Shelter cat has adorable tactic for would-be adopters."