Helen Woodward Animal Center met Simba for the first time in late Spring of this year. The one year old orange tabby came to us from one of our partner shelters in the LA area. Unlike many of our tenants, he didn’t have a tragic backstory; at least, not more tragic than usual. He didn’t have any medical conditions that might cause a financial burden on his future family. And he was found on the streets of Los Angeles County — hardly a unique home for a rescue cat.
What made Simba unique was that he was very… opinionated. He didn’t like men. He didn’t like a lot of women. He didn’t like being picked up. He didn’t like being pet for too long. He didn’t like being pet for too little. And Simba was sure to let you know when he wasn’t not pleased. At least, if you weren’t among the very few people who he decides is his person.
This opinionated personality lead to Simba becoming one of the Center’s longest tenured tenants this year. Anytime anyone would ever show him interest, they would be put off by his strong personality.
Thus, he sat in the Center’s cattery, watching all of his neighbors find their forever families.
But then, as August turned to September, Simba got his break. A younger couple had come in to look at cats and, drawn by Simba’s handsomeness, wanted to meet him one on one. Our staff let them into his meeting room expecting the spicy boy to drive them away with his grumpiness. And yet, nothing of the sort happened. Simba accepted both the woman and man’s pets. He brushed his face against them. He purred in their presence. He had chosen them.
The couple took Simba home that day and report that he’s integrated perfectly into their home. They said he gives lots of morning cuddles, loves playing with his toys, and makes all the biscuits in the world. They said they’re absolutely in love with him and he’s stuck with them for good.
