Huge catio is where Gerrie and Loki enjoy hanging out and playing as they observe the outside world. One day, a new cat decided to say hi in the catio. When he returned and a neighbor said that he was a stray who had lived in the region for years, the cats’ parents realized that they had assumed the wrong thing and didn’t give it much thought.
They gave him the name Ziggy and began wooing him as soon as they realized what had happened.
Ziggy started coming by twice a day for food, but was much too scared to be touched at first. His new friends wanted to find a way for him to feel safe each time he stopped by, so they decided to build him his own little house.
They figured if he was still being standoffish as the colder months approached, then he would also have a warm place to stay, and they started feeding him in there to get him used to it.
Ziggy definitely appreciated the house and very, very slowly started warming up to the couple, but it was clear he still had a long way to go.
“After a few weeks of feeding, I could finally touch him while he was eating,” Renee, the cats’ mom (who asked that her last name not be included), told The Dodo. “But as soon as he finished his food, he didn’t want to be touched.”
Before they saw Ziggy curled up in his tiny house, hurt, and in need of help, the couple was still debating what to do with him. Should they try to bring him inside or just keep feeding him outside until he was more comfortable? They carried him home after having the necessary operation, which they had hurriedly obtained from the veterinarian.
“After he had surgery, we kept him in a separated room for a few days,” Renee said. “After a few days, we let him meet Gerrie and Loki again. Luckily they still got along, so we decided to keep Ziggy with us.”
The couple had built Ziggy a little outdoor house so he’d have his very own space to feel safe in — but in the end, it was their home where he truly found safety and comfort in the form of a brand-new forever family.
It took a little time, but Ziggy is now completely settled into his new home and loving life. After his new parents helped him heal and took such good care of him, it seems he decided they weren’t so scary after all. His favorite activities now include laying near the warm dishwasher and stretching out next to the window.
He still likes to hang out outside with his new siblings — but instead of having his own little house, he now gets to share the great, big catio with Gerrie and Loki.
The three cats now enjoy spending time together and watching people pass by while keeping an eye out for other stray cats who might require a home.