When Julia Stuller encountered Callie at a shelter, she was informed by the staff that the cat was deemed “unadoptable” due to her aggressive behavior. Despite the warnings, Stuller felt a connection with Callie and decided to rescue her from the euthanasia list.
As Stuller welcomed Callie into her home, she soon realized that the cat’s demeanor matched the shelter’s description. Intrigued by Callie’s behavior, Stuller delved into her background, discovering a heartbreaking truth. Callie had previously given birth to two kittens who tragically passed away shortly after birth. Understanding the source of Callie’s distress, Stuller empathized with her.
“[Cats] have feelings, and they grieve, too,” Stuller emphasized.
Callie’s disposition began to soften when Stuller and her husband introduced two kittens into their household, whom Callie embraced as her own. However, it was when Stuller learned she was pregnant that Callie’s transformation truly unfolded.
“During my pregnancy, Callie became incredibly affectionate, constantly seeking cuddles and purring, behaviors she had never displayed before,” Stuller recalled.
The night before Stuller’s daughter was born, Callie exhibited unusually affectionate behavior, though Stuller couldn’t comprehend why, given that the birth was not imminent. However, the next day, Stuller’s daughter arrived earlier than expected, highlighting Callie’s intuitive connection to the impending arrival.
From the moment Callie met Stuller’s daughter, she was captivated. Regularly, under supervision, Callie would nestle beside Stuller’s daughter in her crib or bassinet, forging an unbreakable bond. As time passed, Callie and Stuller’s daughter became inseparable.
Now nearing the age of 2, Stuller’s daughter doesn’t always grasp the concept of gentleness with a cat. However, Callie has never once reacted aggressively.
“Callie is incredibly patient. She never bites or scratches her … I believe she sees my daughter as her own baby or recognizes her as a young child. It’s simply heartwarming,” Stuller remarked.
Even at her tender age, Stuller’s daughter recognizes the uniqueness of her bond with Callie. While she may keep her distance from Stuller’s other cats, she eagerly seeks out her feline best friend.
“She knows Callie’s name … She’ll say, ‘Callie cuddle’ when she wants to snuggle with Callie,” Stuller shared.
Reflecting on this heartwarming journey, Stuller emphasizes the importance of giving cats a chance. Despite initial appearances, cats often possess an abundance of love to share, far beyond what one might expect.