Tucker had lived happily with her two favorite people for 12 years until a cancer recurrence uprooted her family in the midst of moving. It seemed the kindest thing to rehome Tucker, since Gary (her dad) would be seeking lengthy treatment at a distant medical center.

The triple shock of losing her caregivers, her home as an only cat, and moving into a foster situation with other cats was clearly a burden. This amount of change makes a huge impression on a companion animal—especially a rigid cat like Tucker.

To be honest, Tucker had a rough time dealing with the changes in her everyday life. She has seemed overwhelmed by sadness, yet her (not uncommon) response to comforting attention has been angry growling, screaming, hissing, spitting, lunging, and even biting the hand that fed her.

Historically, her default method of dealing with people (other than her caregivers) had been to reject them first, before they have a chance to reject her. She has made it extremely clear to the other cats that she doesn’t want them within three feet of anything that is hers. They caught on quickly. It was a blood-less coup.

Around Christmas 04, Tucker began to loosen up. First, she decided she could be touched, on occasion. And now, she allows her foster caregiver to—pick her up and whisper in her ear! There’s still some growling, hissing, and name calling around the other cats, but nothing like before.

Tucker likes—cat treats; rituals (e.g., greeting, feeding, bedtime); her favorite chair; aimiable conversation; listening to pleasant music on the radio

She dislikes—having other cats intrude upon her space

Tucker needs a quiet home with one or two patient, gentle, cat-wise people who will give her the time and space to adjust to yet another new life. Cats like Tucker are very careful and deliberate. But once they open up they are fiercely loyal. Tucker wants to be the only pet, but she “could” possibly join another cat who is confident yet laid back.