After A 10-Year Friendship With A Human, Feral Cat Finally Chooses To Move In

"Toup was running around my neighborhood for a few years before he felt comfortable enough to live indoors here."

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• August 6, 2023

The connection between humans and animals is powerful and transcendent. Sometimes, it's an immediate bond; other times, it's a relationship that builds over time. For those who have tried to befriend a feral cat, they'd know that such a bond isn't forged overnight.

Feral cats, having spent most or all of their lives without human contact, are often wary and cautious. But as the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

Mig's story with Toup is a testament to that. When Mig first laid eyes on Toup during her high school days, it wasn't an instant fairy tale. The wary feline kept his distance, perhaps a result of past encounters or the innate caution of a street-smart animal. Yet, Mig sensed a connection, a potential for trust and camaraderie that went beyond the ordinary human-pet relationship.

The journey from mere acquaintances to best friends wasn't a swift one. For many, the idea of a feral cat transitioning into an indoor pet seems near impossible. They're set in their ways, adapted to the rigors and freedom of outdoor life.

But Mig's patience and persistence eventually paid off. Over time, Toup's defenses slowly came down. The wild feline that once kept his distance started seeking out Mig's company, and what began as a cautious friendship blossomed into a heartwarming bond.

Inspired by her experience with Toup, Mig recognized the potential for similar stories waiting to unfold. She took her passion a step further by establishing "The Biscuit Factory." A rescue center dedicated to helping feral cats, giving them a second chance at a loving home. It's a haven for cats that have been dismissed or overlooked, a place where they can learn to trust and love again.

For those moved by Mig and Toup's story, there's an opportunity to be a part of similar heartwarming tales. By supporting "The Biscuit Factory," you're not just helping rescue feral cats; you're giving them a chance to find their own human friend, someone who sees beyond the wild exterior to the loving soul within.

“Toup was running around my neighborhood for a few years before he felt comfortable enough to live indoors here"

“Toup was running around my neighborhood for a few years before he felt comfortable enough to live indoors here. I saw that he was ear-tipped, which is a visual indicator that a cat has been through a TNR program, so I knew he was spayed or neutered and deemed okay to live outside.

But I wanted to help him anyways, so I started leaving food outside for him on the porch, and eventually, he would let me pet him. Then, I started feeding him in my mudroom with the outside door open to help him feel more comfortable, and he slowly started spending more and more time inside.

Now, he spends more time inside than he does outside, especially if it’s cold or raining

"I saw that he was ear-tipped, which is a visual indicator that a cat has been through a TNR program, so I knew he was spayed or neutered and deemed okay to live outside. "

While many cats end up living as feral due to limited resources for their care, Toup was fortunate to escape that fate.

After regularly feeding Toup for a couple of years, his visits became more frequent, leading Mig to decide to welcome him inside.

This transition eventually helped Toup adjust to the luxuries of living indoors and comfortably settle in as an indoor cat.

Since adopting Toup, Mig has founded an independent rescue organization:

“ A few years ago, I started sharing Toup, along with some of my other cats, on social media and, much to my surprise, we gained a lot of followers.

I’ve always loved cats and I wanted to do something positive with our newfound support, so in December of 2022, I founded The Biscuit Factory, which is an independent, foster-based rescue.

Here, at The Biscuit Factory, we try to help our community cats in many different ways, including a huge focus on TNR, like the program we believe Toup once went through.”

Inspired by Toup, Mig founded "The Biscuit Factory" to rescue and aid feral cats and others in need.

“The Biscuit Factory” has been operating for almost half a year in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. We wanted to know what are their hopes and goals for their future.

I hope that The Biscuit Factory gains more support locally, especially in the form of volunteers and foster homes. Feral cats are a community problem, therefore I would like to see the community step up to help.

Eventually, I would like The Biscuit Factory to expand into having a cat café or ice cream parlor, where people can come and enjoy a treat with the kitties, and a large portion of the proceeds from this will help benefit the cats,” wrote Mig.

Over time, Mig and her family have rescued 35 cats, with plans to save even more in the future.

Toup's story showcases the deep connection that can develop between humans and wild animals, and also serves as motivation to rescue other stray felines.

“ I would like to thank all of the amazing people I have in my life to support my efforts in rescuing; my family, my partner, our foster homes, and of course all of our followers.

In this line of work, there are a lot of challenges

“The biggest challenge I have encountered working with feral cats is that, unfortunately, there are not many options for local low-cost spay/neuter clinics. So, I often transport large numbers of these cats several hours away, which takes a lot of time and planning,” wrote Mig.

And lastly, Mig added: “ I would like to thank all of the amazing people I have in my life to support my efforts in rescuing; my family, my partner, our foster homes, and of course all of our followers. I wouldn’t be able to continue helping cats if it weren’t for the support the kitties and I receive.”

Damjan