Peanut the cat didn’t have any good reasons to trust people. She was living in southern Utah as part of a feral colony when somebody shot her. The resulting injury left Peanut paralyzed in her back legs. Afterward, she came to live at Best Friends. Peanut was safe and her needs were met, but beyond that, she didn’t want any further help. Certainly not any affection.

The caregivers looking after her put a ramp from the floor to a window, which allowed Peanut to climb up and stare out at the world. She spent most of her time on that windowsill with a rather blank look on her face.

Then one of Peanut’s caregivers had an idea. A wild, crazy, never-gonna-fly idea, but she thought she’d try it anyway. (You only live once, right?) Michelle Warfle thought that maybe she could try petting Peanut at the same time that she fed her. And you know what? It worked! Peanut was so focused on getting food that she didn’t seem to mind a little human contact, even though she’d always shied away from it before.

Everything changed after that. It took time, but Peanut warmed up to the petting thing bit by bit. And then one day, the unbelievable happened. Peanut purred! This feral cat, who’d been paralyzed by human cruelty, actually purred. "That was a pretty neat day," Michelle admits.

Since then, Peanut has grown to trust other people besides Michelle. She even allows strangers to pet her sometimes. Not always right away, and sometimes not at all, but it happens. More and more as time goes by. And with this revelation that people can be friends after all, Peanut has been spending a whole lot less time staring out the window. Instead, she explores her surroundings and says hello to those around her. Good for her! Life was never meant to be a spectator sport.

Story by David Dickson
Photo by Sarah Ause

Care for special animals like Peanut is made possible by your support of Best Friends.

March 30, 2008 : 5:20 PM ET
posted by: Any Animal for President

I just read the story of Peanut the cat. First off I was going to mention the cart idea, but Isaiah had already suggested such. Best Friends has to be one of many sanctuaries that I would describe as Heaven on Earth of Animal care, and all the "Angels" who care for them. May the Lord have mercy on the repulsive individual who shot Peanut.

March 27, 2008 : 3:42 PM ET
posted by: mmissig

Peanut could be my cat's twin! Scaredy, is feral, but lives in my home with 3 buddies. He also would run at the sight of humans.....but I pet him when he eats....sometimes he allows me to pick him up, and sometimes....he too will purr. It has taken years, but I won't give up, and I still respect his "space." Such a wonderful feeling to know that he can trust me! Bless all of you and the work you do!

March 27, 2008 : 12:14 PM ET
posted by: Lara

What a beautiful girl, and how wonderful she can trust again, and form that wonderful bond of love !

March 26, 2008 : 12:27 PM ET
posted by: isaiah@msn.com

This was for the story about your kitty "Peanuts" who got shot & couldn't walk. How sad that is. I wonder if you're aware of a place called "handicappedpets.com", they have carts there for animals lkie this cat that inable them to walk again. The carts are alittle spendy, but well worth the joy of seeing the animal be able to walk again for the remainder of their lives. I hope you'll check into it for her & other animals, maybe where you're a animal rescue center, they maybe able to work something out for the cart.

March 24, 2008 : 1:58 PM ET
posted by: veganmarcy

yup i've used the food technique with my (ex-)ferals as well. it helps. peanut looks like my staz, who's still the wildest of the bunch ;)

March 24, 2008 : 12:37 PM ET
posted by: nicolebt

That is exactly how I got the kitten living under my deck to let me near him. Right after we bought our house we discovered a 3-4 week old kitten living under the deck. He was intrigued by us but wouldn't let us come near him. I finally realized that if I put the food out a couple of feet in front of me, when he came to eat I could pet him. Over a 2 week period he went from "Don't come near me" to "Hold me, pet me, love me, 24 hours a day". He, of course, went to the vet, got checked for FeLeuk/FIV, fixed, and moved into the house with our other cat. He wouldn't let me brush him at all...every time I came at him with the brush he'd try to eat it. I used the same trick of brushing him while he ate and he didn't seem to mind. After a few months, he not only didn't mind the brush while eating but actually enjoys it.

March 24, 2008 : 11:35 AM ET
posted by: christinec

We have 2 feral kitties we have tried to tame, and this acutally worked for me as well with one of them. The cat was rubbing up against another cat with his back turned to me. He thought it was great until he turned around and saw who was touching him. But I kept trying every day when I fed him, and now he is much better and even comes looking for a pet if I'm in what he considers a safe spot. Still cant get near the other though, but we keep trying.

March 24, 2008 : 10:20 AM ET
posted by: dcjuliagulia

My heart breaks everytime I hear another story of animal abuse such as Peanut's. I know that God will deliver the punishment deserved to the worthless coward who committed such an act of cruelty against this innocent little creature, but I wouldn't mind getting my hands on him/her first. Thanks Best Friends for all you do for animals and for adorable Peanut.

March 24, 2008 : 7:05 AM ET
posted by: nchinigo

This made me laugh as I have a kitty who can not get enough of petting while eating. My husband and I have named this activity "peating" and it is a regular part of our lives. Bandit is such a peat addict that he will come and give his cutest mews and lead you to is food dish for the peats he desires. Great story, glad you got Peanut to come out of her shell!

March 23, 2008 : 4:18 PM ET
posted by: beachie47

Michelle,

There's nothing more wonderful than reaching out to an animal and having it respond positively. Good work! Peanut's story made me think about Violet, a Corgi I knew who had a back injury also. Her owners had a wheeled harness made for her so she could be strapped in and go for walks (runs!) as she used to. It makes me wonder if something like that exists or could be made for cats, so they can follow their natural tendency to chase something. I can just see Peanut dashing around after a toy on a string! Seems like it would be a huge psychological boost to her to be able to get around on her own. I'll be checking back to see what your response is.

Susan

March 23, 2008 : 11:00 AM ET
posted by: marys@bestfriends.org

Peanut is so adorable! Thanks, Best Friends and Michelle, for giving her the good life she deserves.

March 23, 2008 : 10:25 AM ET
posted by: steiner45

It is incredibly disturbing all the cruelty that people can cause to animals but knowing that there are people out there like Michelle who are passionate and innovative and willing to go the extra effort to give these great animals a second chance is extremely reassuring. Thanks to Michelle and all the other amazing people at the sanctuary and other animal welfare groups. Animals count on them and these people REALLY are making a positive difference.

March 22, 2008 : 5:16 PM ET
posted by: mmgirl

Peanut reminds me also of my baby Mimi. She was a feral kitten who was rescued with her littermates, the mom ran away, and they were all taken care of at a vet. clinic. All of the babies had been adopted except for her, and I was the only person she ever came to, that's how I ended up adopting her. Feral cats take more time to adjust, and some may never adjust, but all babies are worth the love and support in the world.

March 22, 2008 : 12:58 PM ET
posted by: Silverhooklady

Peanut's story reminds me so much of my kitty Josephine. She was badly mistreated my her owner, who even resorted to taking Josie to the vet to be euthanized. My son, a Vet Tech, brought her home & then we had a totally wild child on our hands -- no way we were going to touch her! But I had the same idea of starting to pet her while she ate & it worked!! Now she is very loving & seeks attention. Bless you all at Best Friends!

March 22, 2008 : 12:26 PM ET
posted by: carolynbushong

I so relate to the Peanut story since I have several feral cats and a disabled ragdoll cat that raccoons attacked (back leg and tail had to be amputated), but she acts normal now. I trapped 4 ferals (mama & 3 babies) into my basement when the snow and cold became unbearable this winter here in Colorado. I've taken them in to be fixed and plan to release them soon. One allows me to pet him and pick him up and when I do, he sort of struggles to get loose, but is purring the whole time. Last spring I found a newborn feral in my shed (litter mates had frozen), and raised him from birth. Everyone wondered about the nature vs. nurture issue and if he would be friendly or not. He is the most loving cat I have ever had, but not to everyone, only me and my boyfriend.

March 22, 2008 : 11:57 AM ET
posted by: desertred

God has blessed Peanut with your wonderfuly care...Michelle, please give Peanut a hug for me too. What a pretty kitty!!!

I toured the special kitty house when last there at Best Friends and got to see many who have to have the extra love....I am so thankful for all of you who do what you do! Wish I could do more for them all! I am a Best Friends Supporter however! Thank you, Many Blessings and Happy Easter!

Ruth Hammons