She took him to the vet to be checked out, and his microchip was scanned (Stock Image) (Image: LuckyBusiness via Getty Images)
When a wary feline began appearing regularly in a woman’s garden, she was curious to uncover its backstory.
Shea Maritato and her partner relocated to an army base in the autumn of 2023. It was at this point that the “beautiful baby” repeatedly appeared in their garden, resting beneath furniture on their patio.
Shea described the cat as “very skittish” as he refused to allow anyone near him. However, she was resolute in gaining his confidence – and continuously assured him that she would “be his mama if he let me”.
The compassionate animal enthusiast said: “After a couple of weeks, he started to get brave and curious about our cat inside. It didn’t take him long to realise that we were a safe place for him to get food, shelter and love.”
Whilst the stray remained timid, “his personality began to shine through”. Despite him appearing to be a homeless cat, Shea was keen to incorporate him into their household.
So to keep the moggy safe, she devised a strategy to encourage him indoors.
The couple began leaving the door ajar to invite the stray inside. “Sometimes he would walk in”, but would then “scurry out” if anyone got too close to him.
Fortunately, the cat appeared to feel increasingly secure as he was making the rear garden “his own”. Shea posted a photograph of him relaxing contentedly on the outdoor chair.
Throughout the following weeks, the family concentrated on establishing a stronger connection with the cat. And eventually, it all paid off.
Shea explained: “By week six, I knew it was time. The night before, there had been a major rainstorm, and I was worried sick. I opened the door to the kitchen, and after a few minutes, he walked in, and I closed the door for good”.
The feline “decompressed” almost instantly and clearly “knew he was home”. Shea arranged a veterinary appointment – but then uncovered something devastating.
She revealed: “We got him to the vet, where we found out that he was neutered and chipped, but the owners had deleted their information. A neighbour of ours said that she thought he’d been dumped.”
Despite being unwanted by his former owners, the cat had now found people who genuinely cared.
Shea and her partner christened him Miso – he adapted immediately to their household. He even displays his “silly side”, which wasn’t visible when the stray was trying to fend for itself outside.
The couple have subsequently rescued 19 cats altogether, keeping four of them, creating one large and happy family!
In the comments section, viewers applauded the duo for rehoming cats. One person wrote: “I’ve worked in rescue for 6 years, people like you that help get them off the streets help so much more than you know. Thank you for getting those sweet babies homes!”.
Meanwhile, another person concurred: “Those who see the needs of abandoned animals and do everything they can to give them a loving home are those who will be forever blessed”.
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