Feral Cat Overcomes Health Struggles And Finds A New Life In Brooklyn
Ham was just four months old when rescuers first tried to catch him, and he gave them quite a challenge. Every time the TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) team set a trap, Ham would roll around next to it, playing and showing off.
His cheeky antics earned him the nickname “Ham,” and while he made everyone laugh, he had no idea that stepping into that trap was his ticket to a better life.
One of Ham’s rescuers, Dana from Brooklyn, never forgot about him. At the time, her team had countless kittens to care for, and though Ham slipped away, he stayed in the back of her mind. As shared on Instagram:
“We had to make the tough call to add Ham to the TNR list and come back for him at a later date.”
For the next two years, Ham managed to survive outdoors as a feral cat. With the help of a colony caretaker who kept an eye on him, Ham seemed to do well, until one day, things took a turn.
Within just two weeks, Ham’s eyes became cloudy and swollen. Suddenly, the playful young cat who once teased rescuers couldn’t see well enough to survive on his own. This time, when the rescue team set a trap, he went in willingly, desperate for food.
Dana’s heart broke when she finally saw him again.
“When he turned up with bulging and swollen eyes, bumping into things, I couldn’t help but feel like if I’d just been able to get him 2 years ago, I could have saved him from this fate. I am trying to focus on the fact that Ham is safe now, he’s with me, and we’re getting him the help he needs.”
Ham was frightened and wary of people, but the rescue team knew he needed care right away.
At the vet, Ham was treated for his eye condition, neutered, and vaccinated. A biopsy revealed that his eyes had likely been damaged by an old injury rather than disease. Thankfully, no tumors or viruses were found. With that relief, his recovery began.
Slowly, Ham started to adjust to indoor life. At first, Dana could only pet him with a spatula, then with the back of her hand.
Eventually, they worked up to real cuddles. Treats helped speed up the process, and before long, Ham was surprising everyone with how affectionate he had become.
As Ham settled into foster care, he met another cat named Biscuit. The two bonded almost instantly. Biscuit seemed to know that Ham needed a friend, and their connection was effortless. They wrestled, shared toys, napped side by side, and even developed their own routine.
“Biscuit loves to snooze on his human’s chest, and Ham is usually right by them on the couch, waiting for Biscuit to cozy up next to him. They love to wrestle and play with ribbon toys and are just truly the best of friends.”
Dana called Biscuit Ham’s “seeing-eye animal.” It was as if fate had brought them together.
After eight months in foster care with Natasha, Dana knew it was time for Ham and Biscuit to find their forever home, together.
“Ham has his best friend Biscuit by his side now, and they’re ready to move into their next phase of life TOGETHER! These boys are a package deal; I wouldn’t dream of separating them.”
Eventually, the perfect adopters came along. Susan and Andy fell in love with the bonded pair and welcomed them into their home. Dana was thrilled:
“Ham & Biscuit have found their humans! I truly, TRULY, could not be happier with the home that these boys have found. @boppism (Susan) and Andy have already proven themselves to be incredibly compassionate and kind humans ready to love on these boys as much as they will allow.”
Though it was bittersweet for Dana to say goodbye, she continues to receive updates and share them with Ham and Biscuit’s many fans online.
In their new home, the pair are thriving, snuggling, playing, and finally living the safe and happy life they deserve.
Ham’s journey from a tricky-to-catch kitten to a loving house cat with his best friend by his side is proof that even the most feral cats can surprise us with their resilience.
With patience, love, and the right people, every cat has the chance to discover what it means to be truly home.
