Thousands of TikTok users are following the heartwarming journey of a woman helping a once-feral cat adjust to indoor life. Sarah, who shares updates under the handle @heysarahtherapy, took in the sick young cat after it began sleeping in her backyard.
The cat, now named Neve—short for “never touch me”—had been living in a nearby park after her mother and littermates disappeared. When Sarah noticed Neve was unwell, she and a neighbor brought her to a veterinarian. There, Neve received treatment and was spayed to prevent future litters.
Sarah then brought Neve into her home and began the slow process of gaining her trust. At first, the cat was extremely fearful. In a video posted on May 19, Sarah explained that Neve spent the first four days hiding and terrified.
On the fifth day, Neve started to explore the room while Sarah was present—a sign of progress. Hoping to comfort her, Sarah brought in Neve’s outdoor blanket and chair. But when she tried to remove the blanket for washing, the cat became so frightened she hid for the rest of the day.
The next day, Neve still kept her distance. Sarah admitted to feeling discouraged, saying, “I was disheartened and frustrated with myself.” She decided to leave the blanket unwashed, trying not to disrupt the cat’s fragile sense of security.
That night, something changed. Neve began playing with toys while Sarah was nearby—something she had never done before. Reading her body language, Sarah engaged with her gently using feather toys. The two spent the evening playing, marking a breakthrough in their bond.
The video documenting this moment earned more than 70,000 likes, with many viewers sharing their support and advice. “In a few months, you won’t know she was ever feral,” one user commented. Others advised adding more hiding spaces and reminded Sarah to let Neve set the pace.
Veterinary experts say that caring for a formerly feral, or “community,” cat requires time and patience. Indoors, they need food, water, a litter box, and a safe, quiet space to hide. Positive associations, like receiving food near a caregiver, can slowly help build trust. In some cases, cats that can’t adapt indoors may be better supported outdoors with regular care and shelter.
Despite occasional setbacks—such as Neve hiding after hearing a leaf blower—Sarah has kept documenting the cat’s progress. By day 10, Neve had toys, a cat tree, and new hiding spots. She had also become more curious and playful, often initiating games herself.
Sarah now describes their relationship as being in the “best place possible,” a sign of how far Neve has come in just a short time.
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