Nina & Bonnie: from hoard to home

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Born into a terrible hoarding situation that included more than 50 cats, Nina and Bonita arrived at Happy Cats in early 2022 along with many of their feline housemates.

Although Bonnie appeared resilient and eager to meet new people, her constant loud purr was evidence that she was trying to manage her fear. Tiny Nina, however, was obviously frightened and spent much of her time hiding in cocoons where she could defend her space with a ready paw swat.


The behavior team patiently worked with spunky little Nina, until she was brave enough to interact with her human friends, especially behavior team member Sarah Roach. Here Nina is ”sitting pretty.” She knows a yummy reward is coming!


That fall the girls were adopted together, even though Nina remained very shy. When that home proved incompatible with their needs, Sarah agreed to “foster” them at her own home. “Yeah, right,” said absolutely everyone who knew them!


As predicted by all, “Foster Mom” became “Forever Mom” one week before Thanksgiving 2022. Nearly two years later, Sarah, Nina and Bonnie continue to give thanks!


Surprisingly, Nina has blossomed into the hostess when new people visit, while Bonnie observes from a distance. Their lives are filled with bird and squirrel watching, playing with their countless toys, napping—together and separately—and working on their tans!

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