After nearly a year of effort, a rescuer finally brought a big street cat to safety, only to discover he was a gentle giant with plenty to say.
Bundt CakeHaley
Haley, a dedicated volunteer with Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue, has spent countless hours caring for a colony of 27 cats, getting them spayed, neutered, and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
One by one, the colony's tomcats were rescued. Eventually, only one remained: a street-smart cat named Bundt Cake. "He let me sit pretty close to him, but he never went in the (humane) trap," Haley shared.
"And did that man eat, from chicken nuggets to rotisserie chicken."
Haley
Bundt Cake had been through his fair share of territorial battles, wearing the scars to prove it. He survived two unforgiving winters, always alert to his surroundings. He began to recognize Haley—not fully trusting, but aware she always brought food.
Over time, he started watching her from a distance.
Haley
After countless attempts and almost a full year of trying, Haley finally brought the last tomcat off the streets. She and her team continued their work rescuing the remaining cats. "Hopefully, this will be the start to the end."
For what was likely the first time in his life, Bundt Cake settled into a quiet indoor space. Though nervous, he didn't have a mean bone in his body.
Haley
Haley expected Bundt Cake would take a while to adjust to indoor life, but he had other plans.
After spending some time decompressing, he bravely stepped out of his carrier and began exploring. Before long, he turned to his foster mom and started meowing with all his heart. His raspy voice sounded like a feline chain-smoker. Behind his battle scars and oversized cheeks was a gentle soul eager for affection.
Haley
"Within 30 minutes of me sitting with him, he was purring, making biscuits, and yelling in my face."
He couldn't get enough food, devouring every meal as if it were his last. He fell in love with blankets, kneading them like a seasoned baker and rubbing his cheeks into the soft fabric, soaking up every bit of comfort.
Haley
"He also wonders where I go all day and why I can't just stay in there with him 24/7."
When Haley played a video of him meowing, Bundt Cake responded immediately, as if recognizing his own raspy voice, offering up a deluge of opinions. "He's simply the easiest feral cat I've ever had, and we thank him for that."
Haley
Perhaps Bundt Cake realized he no longer had to fight for survival or scavenge for food. Indoor life, with its steady meals and endless affection, suited him beautifully. "He is the life of the party and always has something to say," the rescue shared.
"He thrives on catnip and is perfectly content just lounging around all day."
Haley
Along with his love of soft blankets, Haley discovered he also adored other cats. Even when some greeted him with hisses, he welcomed them into his space, sharing his blankets and toys. "He wants to be friends with all of his foster siblings. He's the whole package."
At two years old, Bundt Cake, the former street cat, is living the good life.
Haley
No more wandering the streets or wondering what tomorrow might bring, Bundt Cake now spends his days in warmth and comfort, filling his foster home with loud purrs, dreamy slow blinks, and his trademark raspy meows.
Haley
Share this story with your friends. More on Bundt Cake and Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue (in WI) on Instagram @thriftedkittensrescue and Facebook. Thanks to Haley @haleyh0l.
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