HER STORY:
Clio was born and lived in a cat colony in Athens, Greece. Local animal lovers first noticed her when she was still a frightened kitten. It all began when they realized she had internal parasites and deworming paste was added to her food. They tried to approach her more closely to help her, but she remained too fearful. Despite this, they continued to pass by the colony every day, leaving food and water for all the cat and kittens.
For a period, she was sadly lost to sight. Until one day, Clio reappeared injured and unable to walk, dragging her hind legs. Even then, trapping her was extremely difficult, as she remained fearful of humans. Eventually, with great effort, she was brought to a veterinarian, where she underwent surgery for femoral head ostectomy. As she required recovery and care, foster placement was sought and we stepped in to help, as returning her to the streets in her condition would have been extremely dangerous. After her recovery, she was not returned to the colony, as it became clear she would not survive outdoors again. She remained with us, where she gradually began to soften, learn to trust, and rediscover the warmth of human presence.
CHARACTER:
Clio was initially a very fearful cat. She did not seek human contact and would tremble at the idea of being touched. However, she never showed aggression, she would simply try to hide.
After a surgery she needed to undergo, she had to stay in a crate for a period of time in order to properly follow her recovery and medication plan. With no pressure, day by day her behaviour began to change, as she learned the routine and started recognising the voice and movements of the volunteer looking after her.
After just 19 days, the first touch happened. As her defenses slowly started to drop, she began making impatient sounds and meowing whenever feeding time approached. Food played a key role, as she is very food-motivated. Although she was initially cautious, she was no longer afraid of the idea. Gradually, she started asking for food herself, rubbing against the volunteer and enjoying affection.
Once she was given access to the whole home, her favourite spot became under the sofa, where she felt safe. The rest of the house, its sounds and movement, were unfamiliar to her at first. Over time, however, she began to leave her “safe space,” trusting the environment, the other animals in the house, and the volunteer’s new presence in her life. When strangers entered the home, she would initially hide, but with time she also became accustomed to their presence.
Today, she coexists harmoniously with both dogs and cats and has become an inseparable part of the household.
It is important to highlight that this beautiful progress was achieved thanks to specific conditions and handling. In a new environment, she will again need space, time, patience, and respect in order to feel safe. She does not require much to open up, but she does need time without pressure or rushing.
And of course, we will be here to provide guidance and support throughout, so that Clio can transition smoothly into her forever home.