Minnie is one of two feral kittens (the other is Mouse) I inherited when I moved into this house in 2021. I had them both TNR’d and they made my courtyard their home. 

I moved to DC in summer 2023 and rented the place to someone I knew with the stipulation that I’d provide food but she must continue to care for them. When I left I’d been able to touch Mouse and pet her as she ate, but Minnie was always super skittish.

Fast-forward to mid-2024 and a neighbor one block over was able to get Minnie into his house after threat of Animal Control rounding up the neighborhood cats when someone made a complaint. Minnie was left on the street in her own. 

I returned Christmas 2024 and brought Mouse to live with me, and resumed caring for Minnie. However, being without Mouse and the disruption in the situation at my house, took a toll. She was even more skittish and it took the whole year of me regaining her trust.

Well, all the stars aligned on Thursday evening when I returned from a short trip, she was on the porch for her evening snack.

I was able to leave the front door open and I placed the food inside. She came into the doorway to eat, and then slowly, to my surprise, started wandering through the house. I texted the cat guru down the street who had brought Mouse in and he guided me through - close the doors was his advice.  

When she went into the guest room, which has a litter box, water and snack station for Mouse, I closed the door.

She cried, of course, but calmed down relatively quickly. I plugged in a Feliway, and she was quiet throughout the night. We’re on day two, and she has a couple of spots in the room where she hides out, but she talks to me when I go into to clean the litter box and put out her food.

I’m so incredibly happy and thankful that she’s no longer alone on the street, fending for herself.

She’s now safe, and always loved! 🥰   
Now, the acclimation to indoor kitty begins but I sense from her she’s like, what took you so long?!

Minnie finally came in!