They took in a cat living in the snow and transformed his life completely. Once indoors, he began to reveal who he truly was.
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Little Wanderers NYC, an all-volunteer rescue, received a message from a woman who helps care for a small, struggling cat colony alongside another community member.
When snow blanketed the area, conditions became increasingly unforgiving. The cats' only shelter was cardboard boxes, with no insulation and no real protection from the bitter cold. Among them was a black-and-white cat named December. Skittish at first glance, he was a sweet soul hiding behind his wary eyes.
"He is the kind of cat who watches first, takes his time, but clearly wants connection," Sydney, rescue coordinator of Little Wanderers NYC, told Love Meow.
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Over time, the woman got to know December's routines and personality. As she cared for him day after day, she noticed his health declining. Wanting to help but lacking the resources or a place to bring him, she reached out to the rescue, knowing he deserved more.
Sydney and her team of volunteers stepped in, setting humane traps to bring the cats to safety. By the time December was rescued, he was in rough shape, battling a severe upper respiratory infection.
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December was rushed to the vet, where he received the care he urgently needed. For nearly two weeks, he spent most of his time sleeping as his exhausted body slowly recovered. Once he regained strength, he was transferred to foster care.
When Oana, a volunteer with the rescue, heard that December needed a foster home, she didn't hesitate to say yes.
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She prepared a calm, quiet space so December could adjust at his own pace. She paid close attention to his body language, letting him set the boundaries. "I noticed he was getting scared when he didn't see my hand approach him," Oana told Love Meow.
So she began showing her hand first, moving gently. Little by little, December relaxed, accepted pets, and even leaned in for more.
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As December settled in, he was introduced to the resident cat, Louis, who was immediately curious about the newcomer. As if Louis sensed December needed time, he stayed nearby, quietly keeping him company. "After four to five days, he started following Louis around and purring the moment he approached him."
Louis became a reassuring presence. With his encouragement, December began to play more, gaining confidence each day.
Louis and DecemberLittleWanderersNYC
In just one week, December transformed into the affectionate cat he was always meant to be. He now seeks out his foster mom for attention and happily naps on her or right beside her. The moment Oana pets him, he melts into a puddle of purrs, making "biscuits" in pure bliss.
"He's more relaxed around cats, and with patience, he'll relax around humans as well. Once you start petting him, he'll stay and even turn around for more."
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December has his "safe spots" whenever he needs some alone time. He thrives in a quiet home with friendly feline companions and people willing to give him the time and patience he needs to fully open up and trust.
With a loving foster home, December's personality continues to blossom.
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He explores every corner of the house and enjoys all kinds of cat toys, especially the noisier ones. He spends his nap time under the couch, on the windowsill, or on a wall-mounted cat bed perched close to the ceiling.
Once freezing and struggling to survive outdoors, December has come a long way. Now, he's discovering just how wonderful fluffy beds can be.
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"We are incredibly grateful to the people who feed community cats every single day," Sydney shared. "And we're grateful they trusted Little Wanderers NYC to step in when things became more than they could handle alone."
"This is why we do this work: to support those doing their best, to notice the cats everyone else walks past, and to make sure cats like December get the chance they deserve."
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Share this story with your friends. If you'd like to foster or adopt, message Little Wanderers NYC on Instagram @littlewanderersnyc and Facebook, or email adopt.littlewanderersnyc@gmail.com
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