Mary is a 1.5-year-old black domestic shorthair who came in with her large litter. She rarely makes a scene in the cat free roam, usually choosing a cozy cubby over the center of the room—it's just her way. Early on, she moved from a floor cubby to a wall perch, her comfort zone growing bit by bit. What you notice is her habit of quietly watching, stretching out now and then, rubbing against a sisal post, or batting at a toy. With people, Mary takes time. She prefers to warm up on her own pace and may need weeks before she shows interest in interaction. That said, she melted last week, coaxed out for pets, happy in your hand for a while. She's been a dedicated mother and clearly bonds with other cats. Mary also does surprisingly well with dogs after a recent escape into a room with pups; she just curled up right beside them. If you respect her need for time, you'll gain a companion who eventually blooms into affection. Her adoption fee covers everything—spay, vaccinations, preventives, and a microchip, plus her stay at CCHS. Every animal deserves a happy ending. This one starts with you.