Let me introduce you to Potato, the adorable feral kitten who completely transformed into an attention seeker once she got a taste of indoor life.
Potato initially arrived at Ashley’s Kitten Academy, a cat rescue in Washington, as a timid little cat. She had been born outside and raised by a feral cat who had since been spayed and vetted. Poor Potato desperately needed socialization.
When she first came in, Potato was so scared that she would cower in a corner of her pen. Having spent her early weeks without human contact, she had picked up some feral characteristics from her mother. But Ashley, the founder of the Kitten Academy, knew just how to help her.
They treated Potato for an upper respiratory infection and gave her a much-needed bath to get rid of the flea dirt on her coat. Despite being terrified, Potato couldn’t resist the comfort of being wrapped up in a towel after her thorough cleaning. The swaddling actually helped calm her down and, for the first time, she got to experience the joy of being cuddled.
Ashley created a calming and comfortable environment for Potato to decompress. Within just a day, Potato surprised everyone by actively seeking human interaction. “Potato was asking for human interaction,” Ashley shared with us, and it was a wonderful breakthrough.
As Potato started adjusting to her new indoor life, she had some notable milestones. Her successful use of the litter box was celebrated by everyone involved. Knowing she no longer had to fend for herself, Potato began embracing her new life.
When Blossom, one of the resident cats, approached Potato, the little furball didn’t hesitate to assert her dominance. She acted all big and scary, but Blossom saw through her act and accepted Potato as part of the family.
Potato flourished as an indoor cat. She even insisted on becoming friends with Thelma and Bonnie, two foster kittens. “She kept trying to play with them through her little pen. I let her out, and she had the best day. New playmates made her so happy,” Ashley said.
With the support of her foster family and feline friends, Potato gained confidence in open spaces and started exploring the world around her. She began with some epic zoomies on the couch and gradually ventured into the rest of the room.
Now, Potato seeks out attention and is no longer afraid of people. She zooms around the house, hopping like a little bunny, and responds when Ashley calls her name. Potato loves snuggling on a soft blanket or curling up on a warm lap, and she’s happy to share those cozy moments with her friends.
After recovering from some health issues, Potato felt more energetic and snugglier than ever. She discovered Ashley’s bed and decided to make it her own. She slept through the night, nestled under Ashley’s chin, on top of her head, or next to her hand. And when morning came, guess where she was? Back in bed, of course! It seems Potato has found her perfect sleeping spot.
Potato has made great progress and now weighs over a pound, surpassing her arrival weight of just 14 ounces. When she’s not zooming around the room with her buddies, she can be found lounging by the window, soaking up the sun and enjoying the good life.
If you want to keep up with Potato’s journey and follow Ashley’s rescues, make sure to check out their updates on Facebook and Instagram @youngestoldcatlady. And don’t forget to share this heartwarming story with your friends.
