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Misunderstood shelter cat just needs chance — and someone fluent in ‘cat-speak’

Kiki, being perfectly content.
Kiki, being perfectly content. Photo grab from Humane Society for Hamilton County (Indiana)

Cats can get mislabeled as grumpy or moody if they’re not approached correctly, and that’s what happened to one sweet cat in Indiana.

Kiki, a bright-eyed, tortoiseshell feline who is 11 years old, has found herself mislabeled, which is why she’s been a resident of the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Fishers for well over a year.

She was found as a stray kitten and spent her life with one person who truly understood her,” the shelter said in an April 6 Facebook post. “But when life changed, she found herself at the shelter, a place that’s been tough on her, especially since she doesn’t like other animals.”

Kiki just needs that one special person who is educated in troubled cat ways.

“She’s a one-person kind of cat, someone who needs time to warm up, space to feel safe, and the respect of her boundaries,” the shelter said. “If you push her too fast, she’ll let you know. But if you give her the chance to come to you, you’ll see her gentle, loving side. She craves head and neck scratches and might even curl up in your lap when she trusts you.”

The shelter posted a video of Kiki’s softer side.

“One of our dedicated fosters took her home and learned the secret: Sit quietly. Let her come to you. Respect her signals. With time and patience, she blossoms into a sweet, affectionate companion who just wants to feel safe and loved,” the shelter said. “She’s not for everyone, but for someone fluent in “Cat-Speak” and willing to give her the time she needs, she will be an incredibly loyal companion.”

It’s best if Kiki is adopted by someone with no other pets and no children, the shelter said.

For more information on Kiki, visit the shelter’s website.

Fishers is about a 20-mile drive northeast from downtown Indianapolis.

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This story was originally published April 7, 2025 at 8:46 AM with the headline "Misunderstood shelter cat just needs chance — and someone fluent in ‘cat-speak’."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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