Meatball started off as an unsocialized cat found outside in rough condition, but over the past months in foster he has fully blossomed into a social and loving companion! It took him months to gain trust and warm up to me, but now he cannot get enough pets. When I sit on the couch he quickly follows to sit next to me, lay on my lap, and will aggressively bump my hand if I am holding my phone not paying enough attention to him. He loves to be brushed and pet as long as you are willing to do it. And he is learning how to play with toys!  He initially was fearful and protective/resource guarding around other cats, but now that he has relaxed a bit in the home environment he is more curious about the other cats and seems to be trying to play with them more. It is so heartwarming to see him finally relax, be peaceful, purr and have joy in playing, after 3 years of being mistreated outside and living in fight or flight mode.  More about his background – he was an outdoor cat who was not doing well outside. He would only show up at the colony to eat some of the time, and would wait for the other cats to finish before going over to eat whatever food was left, if any. He often got picked on by other cats and wildlife, and showed up with large wounds. When we trapped him with the intention to Trap Neuter Return, he had other medical issues including needing a full dental extraction which was a several months wait list. At only 3 years old, the outdoor life was taking a toll on him and he was not fit to be returned outside. By the time his dental was completed, the construction site that had been his home was built up and there was no longer an empty lot where cats are fed. He still hides under the bed or couch when a stranger is visiting or if he gets spooked. He is food motivated and loves churu and catnip toys.  His medical needs have all been taken care of and now he is ready to find his adoptive home! His perfect home would be with someone who will appreciate him for who he is, be patient with him and his traumatic background, who will understand that he needs a soft gentle approach and some time to warm up and gain trust with a new human or animal friends at his own pace.