06/01/2026
How beautiful to see kitty responding to calm and confident energy! On the original post by Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center, where Darby is available for adoption, a heartwarming video is posted by Kathryn Custer, clearly showing encouragement is exactly what she needed.
The fate of such fearful, special sweeties is often tragic unless fortunate to be given this chance. Most people are intimidated and discouraged by her “reaction” and it’s best if one lacks experience or is uncomfortable, to not jeopardize the cat’s wellbeing nor put oneself at risk.
Goosebumps watching, waiting for this beauty to ease some… knew it was coming and it did! Go visit and let us know you adopted Darby 😺
In a loud, stressful environment, often histories unknown and what cats experienced leading up to relocation, their current condition, level of frightfulness, confusion, all exacerbate the trauma. Fear and uncertainty escalate adding in hands reaching towards them when being fed and litter boxes cleaned, taken out and handled for exams, vaccinations and vet care.
Lacking the ability to escape, backing up against the cage and feeling trapped, it’s not surprising cats react defensively. Sadly, they can be falsely labeled feral based on “aggressive behaviors” exhibited. I always prefer “reactions” rather than “behaviors.” It’s communication.
PURRoudly, PURPURRsonal Space ROCKS, Inc. - South Jersey's Cat Lounge & Adoptionselps shelters save vulnerable populations of cats: “Reaching Out to Cats & Kittens in Shelters” including healthy cats deemed unmanageable and unadoptable. We opted to work with adults rather than kittens since they are very easily adopted, unless it’s critical and urgent, as with our Dahlia and Diego, weighing just ounces and Dahila’s survival uncertain initially!
I feel very fortunate and grateful being welcomed by shelters and given opportunities to evaluate cats labeled feral. Always hopeful to make a determination the aggression and feral-like behaviors shared with me are reactionary and fear-based and we literally save them from being killed.
If we do not have space or resources, based on my assessment, I’ll make the recommendation it’s safe for the cat to go into foster through the shelter and strongly advocate they be given that chance.
I’m Beyond Thankful and Appreciative for the Nurturing Love, Patience and Compassionate Care Fosters MaMa Maria and Auntie Angela provided for a couple of The Lounge’s Most Memorable Scaredy (and Spicy) Specials Initially: The One and Only Tiny, Bossiest Tabbytha and Our Angel Ambassador Senior Black Cat KING KYO, who came to us directly out of quarantine!!! He had three strikes against him… Senior, Black and a Bite History! Mama will tell you it was Love at First Bite. But he was the Gentlest Giant and taught us all so very much!!! It would take many posts to share all about KING KYO 🖤🐈⬛🖤 Also incredibly grateful for the Most Beautiful Life she and her family gave him! Both Tabby & King Kyo were the most affectionate, sweetest cats once we understood their individualized needs! 💜🖤🩶
Someone please give the same for Darby at Homeward Bound!!!
No one is interested in Darby. 💔
Shy and a bit spicy, she is getting overlooked. 😭
At 7 months old, this beautiful girl loves her treats, wet food, or really any kind of snack! 🥰
Darby gets along with other cats and is hoping to find her forever home THIS WEEKEND! Will you stop by and meet her? 🙏
Adoption Hours:
Fri 5/29- Sun 5/31- 11AM-4PM
📍125 County House Rd. Blackwood, NJ