Everly’s Transformation: The Power of Patience and Play

Everly came to us as a one-year-old owner surrender, struggling to adjust to shelter life. Her distress often showed through nipping and swatting, earning her a reputation for being feisty. Despite this, those who got to know Everly saw her softer side—once she trusted someone, she became a loyal and affectionate companion. Unfortunately, her behavior caused her to be overlooked for weeks.

Everything changed when the Kelley family decided to give this beautiful calico a chance. Nearly a year later, we checked in on Everly, now affectionately called Evie. Rebekah from the Kelley family shared that Evie is now a constant companion, often sleeping by her side. When asked if Evie is still nippy or feisty, Rebekah says, “When we first brought her home, she was shy. After a few days, she really started to come out of her shell. At first, she would sometimes give gentle nips to get our attention, but with lots of playtime and a variety of toys, she’s outgrown that.”

As cat owners, it’s essential to guide our feline friends in learning appropriate play. Providing adequate activities and toys keeps them mentally and physically healthy. To help, we’ve included Lili Chin’s guide to interactive cat play below.

If you have a feisty feline or any cat behavior questions, Dr. Rachel Gellar, Cat Behavior and Retention Specialist, offers free assistance. Through her nonprofit, Dr. Gellar helps 900-1,000 cats stay in their homes each year, also aiding cat owners with necessary items.

We’re grateful to the Kelley family for giving Evie the chance to shine and turning her feistiness into playful energy.