Traumatized Cat Hides In Bathroom After Being Cruelly Abandoned In Closed New York Store

Life as a stray can be harsh, constant hunger, uncertainty, and the daily struggle to survive. Bodhi, a stray cat, knew this reality all too well.

He ended up trapped alone inside a closed bodega for several days, frightened and without a single companion to offer comfort.

Fortunately, a New York City rescue group, Little Wanderers NYC, stepped in to help Bodhi find a safe home. When Charlotte came across their post, she didn’t hesitate and immediately offered to take him in.

Bodhi arrived at her house later that day, and the change was anything but easy. He was extremely afraid and acted very aggressively, as Charlotte shared on YouTube:

“He had been locked in a bodega for a couple of days after it had gone out of business. He came to my house and he was incredibly frightened and very, very aggressive.” 

Once Bodhi arrived, he practically made the bathroom his own, staying there for weeks. He wouldn’t leave, so Charlotte had to bring him meals and everything else he needed to feel safe and comfortable.

However, every time she got close, he would hiss, meow, and try to attack her. Charlotte continued:

“As soon as I enter the bathroom, he would swat at me and attack.”

Initially, Charlotte left the bathroom doors open, hoping Bodhi would explore the rest of the apartment since he hadn’t ventured out before.

Gradually, he grew more comfortable, and to her surprise, her plan worked!

Over time, small signs showed progress. Whenever Charlotte looked away, Bodhi would quietly venture into other parts of the apartment. If he was spotted, he’d hiss and dash back to the safety of the bathroom.

Then, one night, while playing with a catnip banana toy, Bodhi actually seemed calm and happy. This fun moment was a big change for him, as Charlotte mentioned:

“It was the first time that I had seen him feel really comfortable enough to play. And then, he started showing me his personality.”

As he grew comfortable with Charlotte, Bodhi began revealing his true personality. He started playing with the other cats and would happily flop onto his side.

While he still had his grumpy moments, his progress was remarkable.

Bodhi amazed everyone with his transformation, showing that even adult cats can go from feral to enjoying human companionship.

Thanks to Charlotte’s patience and gentle care, Bodhi learned to trust and became the joyful cat he was always meant to be.

Today, he enjoys a life full of love and cuddles. Reflecting on his journey, it’s clear that cats can adapt to new situations, but having a caring human by their side makes all the difference.

Charlotte’s love and reassurance gave Bodhi the confidence to face his fears and start anew, and without her, his transformation wouldn’t have been possible.