“[She] immediately fell in love with him”
When a tiny black-and-white kitten named Fungi was rescued from the streets of Indonesia, he was in heartbreaking condition.
His little body was covered in patches of missing fur and irritated skin, and he seemed terrified of the world around him.
But behind his frightened eyes was a sweet little soul who just needed someone to give him a chance.
Last June, Shyaniz and her rescue team from Bubupawpaw, an Indonesian cat foster organization, discovered the struggling kitten and knew they couldn’t leave him behind.
“When we first found him, his body was covered in a fungal skin infection, which is actually how he got [his] name,” Shyaniz told The Dodo.
Determined to help him heal, Shyaniz brought Fungi to a veterinarian, where he began receiving treatments for his painful skin condition.
She then welcomed him into her home, hoping that with proper care, patience and plenty of love, the little kitten would finally begin to feel safe.
Over the following weeks, Fungi’s physical condition slowly improved.
His skin began healing, and his fur started growing back.
But emotionally, the tiny kitten still had a long way to go.
While his body was getting better, Fungi remained too frightened to trust the world around him.
Instead of exploring his surroundings or playing with the other cats, he often retreated into his litter box, choosing to hide where he felt most secure.
“Fungi is a very shy and timid kitten, especially around strangers …” Shyaniz explained.
Nobody knew exactly what the kitten had experienced before his rescue, but it was clear he needed time to gain confidence.
Shyaniz refused to give up on him.
With gentle care, a predictable routine and plenty of patience, she continued helping Fungi adjust to his new surroundings.
After several months of treatment, the little kitten was finally healthy enough to search for a forever home.
Shyaniz brought him to the Indonesia International Pet Expo, hoping that among the many visitors, someone special would see past his shyness and fall in love with him.
But the busy event was overwhelming for Fungi.
Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, sounds and activity, he retreated into his litter box once again.
As other kittens caught the attention of potential adopters, Fungi remained hidden away.
“During the event, he spent most of his time hiding inside the litter box, so not many potential adopters showed interest in him,” Shyaniz recalled. “We felt sad seeing other kittens get adopted while Fungi was still waiting for his family.”
For a while, it seemed that the sweet kitten might leave the event without finding anyone.
But then, one woman walked over — and everything changed.
Her name was Angelica.
Among all the adorable cats waiting for homes, something about little Fungi immediately caught her attention.
“[S]he was drawn to Fungi right away,” Shyaniz said. “[She] immediately fell in love with him.”
Angelica wanted to hold the timid kitten, and what happened next surprised everyone.
Instead of pulling away or trying to hide, Fungi relaxed into her arms.
She gently cradled him like a baby, and the kitten did something incredibly touching.
He wrapped his tiny paws around her wrist, closed his eyes and settled into her embrace.
It was as though the frightened little kitten had finally found someone he felt comfortable trusting.
“When she held him, he seemed to feel comfortable with her almost immediately, even though he’s usually so scared of people,” Shyaniz shared.
For the rescue team, watching Fungi respond so peacefully to someone he’d only just met was unforgettable.
And for Angelica, that tender little hug was all it took.
She knew she wanted to bring him home.
Angelica submitted an adoption application and completed Bubupawpaw’s screening process, hoping she would soon be able to call the sweet kitten her own.
Then came the wonderful news everyone had been waiting for.
“Once everything was approved, Fungi finally found his forever family!” Shyaniz said.
The kitten who had once been too scared to leave his litter box was finally going home with someone who adored him.
And his story didn’t end there.
Fungi, now lovingly renamed Flowey, has settled into his new life with his adoptive parents and a feline sibling whom he’s already bonded with.
The frightened, uncomfortable kitten rescued months earlier has blossomed into a cherished family member, surrounded by warmth, companionship and affection.
For Shyaniz and the rescue team, seeing his transformation has made every moment of patience and care worthwhile.
“It makes us so happy to see how far he’s come from the frightened little kitten who used to hide in his litter box,” Shyaniz said.
Once, Fungi hid from the world because everything seemed so unfamiliar and frightening.
Now, he has a family who loves him, a cozy home where he belongs and a future filled with possibilities.
And it all began with one gentle hug — and a woman who saw something special in the kitten everyone else had overlooked. ❤️