“Call the news … “
When Emily, a Rhode Island native, was just a kindergartener, her family brought home a tiny kitten named Muffin. Emily was overjoyed to have a furry new friend and couldn’t wait to spend time snuggling with her.
Muffin, however, had other plans. She wasn’t fond of kids, finding their energy overwhelming, and did her best to steer clear of them. “It was tough growing up with her, but I loved her all the same,” Emily shared with The Dodo, choosing not to reveal her last name.
Over the 15 years they’ve shared together, Emily has made a point of respecting Muffin’s boundaries. She never forced attention on her cat, and in time, Muffin began to slowly soften. “She really didn’t like me until about three years ago, when she started to warm up as I got older,” Emily explained.
Their bond developed at a snail’s pace, but recently, they experienced a milestone moment.
One evening, after Emily came home from work, she was relaxing on the couch when her family’s dog, Annie, startled Muffin. Startled, the cat darted toward Emily and leapt into her lap — and, to Emily’s surprise, stayed there. “She actually laid down, which I never expected,” Emily recalled.
Emily barely dared to breathe. Muffin had never done something like this before, and she didn’t want to scare her off. “I literally froze because I knew if I moved even a little, she’d probably get annoyed and leave,” Emily said.
The moment was so special that Emily immediately texted her friends, sharing the news and snapping a dozen photos to remember it. “I was so excited,” she said.
Though Muffin hasn’t repeated the gesture in the days since, Emily remains hopeful it wasn’t a one-time event. More than anything, she’s grateful for the trust they’ve built. “I think once the weather turns colder, she’ll be looking for a warm spot, and she’ll probably come back,” Emily added.