*** If you have any questions or would like to meet any of our adoptable cats, email catadoptions@nawsus.org. Please include a cell number and check your SPAM folder if you do not receive a timely response. Meet Mary: Ready to Be Understood, Ready to Be Home Seven-year-old Mary came to NAWS from a local animal control facility, where she was at risk of euthanasia. We may never know how she became homeless, but we do know this: Mary’s next chapter can be filled with safety, trust, and love—and the right person can help her begin it. Mary is a beautiful grey tabby with a curious spirit and a soft side she shares once she feels secure. She loves head pets, wand toys, cat trees, cardboard scratchers, and settling by a window for birdwatching or “Cat TV.” When trust grows, she forms a strong bond with her person and may curl up beside them on the couch or sleep nearby at night. Mary needs an experienced, patient adopter who will respect her clear boundaries. She enjoys affection on her terms and can become overstimulated by too much handling or touch beyond her head; if her signals are missed, she may become mouthy or give a quick nip. She can be held briefly and will let you know when she is ready to be put down. Mary has been returned twice after her needs were misunderstood—not because she is a “bad” cat, but because she needs someone willing to learn her language and let trust unfold at her pace. Her best match is a quiet, adult-only home without children, cats, or dogs, where she can be the only pet and have space to feel safe. A calm, observant person who appreciates an independent cat—and finds joy in earning her trust—could become the steady presence Mary has been waiting for. Mary does not need to be changed; she needs to be understood. If you are an experienced cat lover ready to offer patience, consistency, and a peaceful home, please contact NAWS today to meet Mary. Give her the chance to choose you—and to finally discover what it means to be home for good. Want to help her feel extra pampered while she waits? Click the Sponsor button on her profile! Your one-time gift helps cover food, litter, medical care, and all the little extras that make shelter life cozier. Thank you for helping save lives! All NAWS cats are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and up to date on vaccines. A Cat Adoption Application is required should you decide you would like to apply to adopt a NAWS cat. Please complete and submit the application electronically on our website at http://www.nawsus.org.