Petite and ‘painfully shy’ cat kept hiding at Indiana shelter. She needs a new home
A “painfully shy” cat is learning how to be more open and less hissy to those around her, an Indiana shelter is saying.
When Luna, a petite domestic shorthair cat, arrived at the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Fishers, she was absolutely terrified of the new world surrounding her, the shelter said. So much so that she couldn’t even stay in the environment — no matter how warm and nurturing it was.
“I’m no longer at the HSHC in an apartment or the Roaming Room,” the shelter said, taking on the voice of Luna, in a Feb. 1 Facebook post. “Because I spent all of my time hiding under my bed or a blanket, backing up from anyone who approached me, it was decided that I needed to move into a foster home.”
Even though she was placed in the shelter with other cats, her shyness was overwhelming enough to where staff couldn’t ignore it and decided it would be best to place her in foster care.
“I moved in with my foster mom and her existing cats in early August. I am almost 2-years-old, only 6 pounds, and a lovely dilute Calico (buff, white, and grey),” the post said.
Her foster mom posted an update of Luna’s progress.
“When Luna first arrived, she was scared of everything, even the other cats. She preferred to be alone and would hide. But now, Luna has made significant progress. She allows us to pet her and even lets us pick her up, albeit reluctantly,” the post said. “Luna spends more time interacting, playing, and eating alongside the other cats. She can be a hissy swatter when afraid, but Luna now approaches me for kisses and rubs her head against my hand.”
Luna is slowly learning from the other cats at the foster home how to, well, “cat” properly, her foster mom says.
“She is becoming a much braver girl, remaining near me for attention. This progress is a testament to Luna’s resilience and the potential for her to thrive in a loving, forever home. I love little Luna and am so proud of her progress.”
While she’s still in the process of coming out of her shell, Luna is slowly learning to trust humans.
“I will still need plenty of time and patience when I move to my forever home. But my plan is to become a confident kitty,” the post said.
For more information on Luna, visit the shelter’s website.
Fishers is about a 20-mile drive northeast from Indianapolis.
This story was originally published February 3, 2025 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Petite and ‘painfully shy’ cat kept hiding at Indiana shelter. She needs a new home."