Betty bonds with the bustling brood

Rescued chickens, dogs, and cats were already a part of Julie’s big happy family before she decided to adopt 11-month-old Betty, a domestic short hair shy cat who fit into the mixed pack like a glove.

“You see an animal online and just click with them,” recalled Julie, who was enthralled by the idea of adding Betty to her growing family after seeing her for the first time.

Passionate about rescuing animals, Julie and her husband found PetRescue's subsidised shy cat adoption program via the Facebook page of Gary and the Handicats Rescue - a small private rescue group who took Betty into their care when she was just eight weeks old and at risk of being killed in a pound.

Julie and her husband fell in love with Betty as soon as they laid eyes on her photo. They then drove an hour to meet her, adopted her instantly, and took her home, only stopping to buy a multi-level cat stand after the rescue group mentioned Betty loves being up high.

Understanding a shy cat like Betty would need time to adjust to her new surroundings, Julie set Betty up with food and a litter tray in the bottom of her closet, leaving the door open.

Initially timid, it took Betty four days to come out of hiding and explore her new house, and around two weeks for Julie to gain her new feline friend’s trust - with the help of a few cat treats! Then, after about four weeks, Betty was settled, comfortable, and ready to really interact with her new family.

Now, Betty is purr-fectly content in her new home, and has become quite the ‘catheletic’ kitty - she loves chasing her favourite ball down the hallway, and expertly steals socks from drawers and presents them to Julie and her husband as if she’s caught a mouse. She follows Julie and her husband around the house often, and loves to fall asleep on their chests.

“It’s really rewarding to have rescued a cat like Betty,” Julie said.

“She was very timid at first, but now she’s settled in so well, gets along with all the other pets, and it’s just such a lovely stress relief. It really changes your focus when she comes and sits purring on your lap.”

Cats make amazing companions for young, old, and everyone in between. So if you need the love and companionship a cat can bring (or know someone who does), head to PetRescue.com.au to search for adoptable cats in your local area.