Shelter didn’t think cat would get along with others — then came a heartwarming bond
A shelter didn’t think a cat would get along with others — then he formed a heartwarming bond.
Tigger, who loves attention, was introduced to a fearful cat named Ozzy. Despite their differences, the two North Carolina felines quickly became “best buds.”
“Within a couple of days we discovered them curled up sleeping together,” the Bertie County Humane Society wrote Jan. 13 in a Facebook post. “They got along great and would even share wet food, eating on the same plate at the same time. Ozzy began to come to us for scratches and belly rubs.”
But the good news didn’t end there. After more than a year of waiting, Tigger and Ozzy finally were adopted — together.
“Several of our volunteers were there for the meet and greet and to say our goodbyes,” the humane society wrote. “And yes, there were tears, but they were happy tears.”
The animal organization, which advocates for the Bertie County shelter, said Tigger arrived after he showed up at a home in rough shape. The shelter knows fewer details about Ozzy’s past but said he became known for being scared around people, according to a video posted on social media in July and details volunteer Penny Harmon told McClatchy News in a phone interview.
Meanwhile, the humane society had been told that Tigger wasn’t friendly toward other cats. So he was kept separate until he was placed near Ozzy a year ago, starting a friendship that eventually caught the attention of their new owners.
“This couple recently lost their senior cat and were willing to open their hearts to our boys,” the humane society wrote. “They saw Tigger’s last video and wanted to meet him, and when we told them about Tigger and Ozzy’s story, they decided to adopt them both.”
The couple, who lives in another state, also thought Ozzy was a good match because of his name. Some of their family members used Ozzy as a nickname, a variation of the wife’s maiden name.
“They felt it was a sign,” the humane society wrote. “They have experience with timid cats and did not hesitate to take Ozzy knowing he would require patience until he trusted them.”
According to their new owners, both cats are “doing great. Ozzy has really come out, and they have been running through the house together playing with their toys,” the Facebook post said.
The Bertie County Humane Society is based in Windsor, a roughly 115-mile drive northeast from Raleigh.
This story was originally published January 15, 2025 at 1:08 PM.
