Our first cat came to us at a time when I was working at an office. After I came home from work one day, David and the boys said, “you must leave work early tomorrow so we can take you to see this cat at the county shelter!”

So I did and we did.

In one cage was a chocolate black cat with white ear tufts and green eyes who meowed vigorously, and sniffed and pawed our fingers when we put them up to the bars. He let us stroke him through the bars. Eyes and ears looked fine. No drool. Nice white teeth. Alert and ears forward. So far, so good.

We asked to have him let out so we could hold him. He stayed on the counter for a few seconds and then jumped and hid under a table. The attendant got him out. Scott held him and we admired him, while I performed a brief external physical exam. After we asked about his history (found wandering, no collar, no ID chip, neutered, no rabies, ticks or known diseases), we asked for the adoption contract. The person helping us said she was very happy that an older cat was going to a good home.

The veterinarian gave him a clean bill of health and age estimate of 2 to 4 years.

We bought the basics: the same food he was fed in the shelter, two steel bowls: one for food, other for water. A litter box and litter.

Once released into the family room, Panther raced around and promptly hid under the comfy chair. There he stayed for most of 4 days, coming out only to eat, drink or use the litter box. We put all three necessities near the chair and very gradually moved them a little further away every 2 days. We talked to him in soothing voices. We petted him while he was under the chair and were rewarded with a few tentative purrs. On the fifth day, we actually saw our cat!

Over the next 6 months it became evident that Panther had been abused. He cringed if he saw a newspaper, stick, broom or pillow being moved or even held. He crouched and ran for his life if he passed through the kitchen while we ate. The vacuum cleaner noise terrified him.

It has taken much patience on both sides. Three years later, Panther sleeps wherever he wants, purrs loudly when stroked, plays with Jennifur, stands up to Charger in mock “boxing matches”, and will visit us while we eat to see if there are any interesting tidbits of turkey or chicken we would share with him.

Panther has taught us to relax, meditate, and most important of all, to have patience.