The Shy Black Cat Who Kept His Distance — Until Someone Was Patient

When Shane first arrived at the Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City, he wanted to be left alone. The 10-year-old black cat, with a small patch of white on his neck like a little bow tie, kept his distance from people.

Shane also had arthritis. Shy, older, black and a little stiff, he faced many of the reasons cats are overlooked in shelters.

Slowly coming out of his shell

With time and patient care, Shane began to relax. Bit by bit, his gentle personality came through. But he still needed one thing the shelter could not give him: a home of his own.

The visitor who kept coming back

Candace Ma had adopted a senior cat named KiKi from Best Friends before, so she knew how special older cats can be. She visited Shane several times, giving him space and time.

And then one day, it happened. Candace walked in with a carrier and said she had come to take Shane home.

A new view

Shane now lives in Candace’s loft apartment with her husband and KiKi, and the two cats have formed a bond. His favorite spot is the bedroom, with a small balcony that looks out over a treetop.

For shy cats like Shane, patience is everything. Given a little time, they often turn into the most devoted companions.

Thinking about adopting a senior pet?

Older dogs and cats are often calm, gentle and already house-trained. If you are curious whether a senior pet could fit your life, our Adopting an Older Pet guides are a good place to start.