Odette S. was browsing the ASPCA’s website for a cat to adopt, trying not to get her hopes up, but she was in luck! When she spotted Cinnabun, a petite calico, she learned the cat was still available.

From Overcrowded Conditions to Her Own Home

Cinnabun was one of three cats relinquished to the ASPCA by an overwhelmed pet owner. The animal transfer was arranged by the ASPCA’s New York City Community Engagement Team.

Following her surrender to the ASPCA, Cinnabun was cared for by the ASPCA’s Animal Recovery Center (ARC) team. Following her time in ARC, Cinnabun was fearful and demonstrated behaviors that suggested she was severely under-socialized. Luckily, Erica B., ARC’s Senior Operations Manager, volunteered to foster Cinnabun in her office.

Eventually, Cinnabun began sidling up to Erica when they played on the floor. “She would even lie in my lap at times,” Erica says. “That was huge.” Not long after Cinnabun’s initial progress, Odette and her husband, John, met and adopted Cinnabun.

A Slow Start

Since her adoption, Cinnabun—now Cinnamon—is gaining confidence, though more slowly than expected. But by no means are Odette and John giving up on her.

“We know at some point she should come around,” says Odette, who notes that, as she and John anticipated, Cinnamon hid under the couch the entirety of her first week. Odette and John’s patience and realistic expectations have helped Cinnamon acclimate at her own pace.

Worth the Wait

Fortunately, Cinnamon’s shyness has done nothing to diminish her playfulness. “She’s the most playful cat I’ve ever known, and she likes attention while she’s playing,” explains Odette. Cinnamon’s progress is slow, but steady, and Odette and John celebrate every development.

It didn’t take long before another major breakthrough: “Cinnamon has finally allowed us to start petting her and she clearly enjoys it; she purrs loudly and happily when we do,” Odette reports. “Progress at last. You just have to be patient…and open.”