A Simple Joke Ended Up Changing Everything For Two Feral Cats In Oregon Shelter

Suzie Q and Anna, once wild and wary feral cats, found each other against all odds.

Through their separate struggles, their paths crossed, and what started as cautious curiosity soon grew into a deep, unshakable friendship.

Both Suzie Q and Anna were rescued by the local shelter in Ontario, Oregon.

The shelter is dedicated to reducing the feral and stray population through “trap, neuter, and return” programs, while also giving adoptable cats a second chance at life.

Feral cats are often wary of people. Having lived outdoors with little human contact, many of them find socialization difficult. 

It takes time, patience, and consistency to help them adjust to indoor life. Suzie Q and Anna, however, showed that transformation is possible.

Suzie Q was trapped with her mother and siblings when she was just nine months old. Volunteers described her as a playful kitten who enjoyed human company. 

She wasn’t fond of being carried around, but she didn’t shy away from affection either. With her charming habit of reaching her paw out from her cage as if expecting a greeting, she quickly became a shelter favorite.

Anna had a different story. She arrived at seven months old, without her mother or littermates. Despite being on her own, Anna adapted quickly. 

She learned to trust people, enjoyed affection, and developed a reputation for being especially cuddly.

Staff decided that both cats were ready to try their luck at an adoption event. Anna was adopted, while Suzie Q stayed behind. 

But within just one day, Anna was returned. The family explained that she had clashed with their dog, showing signs of aggression toward him.

Just to be clear, introducing a cat – especially one who began life feral – to another pet takes time and care. Anna’s reaction wasn’t unusual.

The shelter welcomed her back and quickly shared her update on Facebook. The post gained a lot of attention, and before long, a woman named Julie reached out to express interest. 

Julie was already caring for two cats, B.S. and Gremlin, so she had experience with feline companions.

There was one small problem: Julie was about to leave town. The shelter arranged for Anna to stay with a foster named Kerri in the meantime. Kerri later recalled the exchange with Julie:

“I texted Julie yesterday to confirm she was picking her up at PetSmart today, she was very excited about Anna joining their family. I jokingly said you should adopt Suzie Q too… Four is the perfect number!!”

What began as a joke turned into something more. When Julie learned about Suzie Q, she knew she couldn’t separate the pair. She decided to adopt both cats, giving Suzie Q and Anna a chance to stay together.

Julie later shared photos and videos of the two settling into her home, happily mingling with B.S. and Gremlin. 

The four cats quickly became a family, proving that sometimes the best decisions come from unexpected moments.

Suzie Q and Anna’s journey shows how resilience, kindness, and even a simple joke can lead to the perfect outcome. 

What started with rescue traps ended with two cats finding not only a home but also a lifelong bond.