Faces of No-Kill: Shy cat has a secret
If the CIA is scouting new secret agents, they might want to recruit Judy (if that’s even her real name). The 4-year-old tortoiseshell cat had everyone convinced that she was shy and reserved. But once she knew that she was home, she let her guard down and showed her true colors.
[Faces of No-Kill: Cat goes from scared to superstar]
Judy originally came to Best Friends in Houston from a nearby shelter. This timid tortie could have become a statistic, but luckily the shelter is one that has lifesaving partnerships with other organizations, such as Best Friends. That’s one of the most important ways that shelters across the country have reached no-kill — by working together to save pets who need extra care or time.
This story is a part of our Faces of No-Kill series, highlighting the journey of pets who lost their place to call home. These pets are thriving today thanks to animal shelters that said yes to lifesaving and found a way to save them. Best Friends’ goal is for every shelter and every community to reach no-kill in 2025, and this story shows why that’s so important.
The Best Friends team could tell that Judy had a playful side and tried to bring it out. But for the most part, she kept up her coy façade — until she met Lisa Deliu and Fraser Dey. The couple was looking to foster a kitty, and staff thought their home might be just the place to coax Judy out of her (tortoise)shell. Turns out, they were right.
[Faces of No-Kill: Shy senior cat gets a chance to shine]
Within hours, Judy felt right at home, stretching out on the couch like she’d been there forever. Her playful personality emerged, and soon she was zooming around the apartment. Judy finally revealed her real identity: a sweet and affectionate cat who also loves the thrill of the chase and bunny-kicking her toys into oblivion. Lisa and Fraser were smitten and asked to officially adopt her.
It’s no secret that home can bring out the best in every pet.
Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill in 2025
Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets.
Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.
You can help save homeless pets
You can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most.
Saving lives around the country
Together, we're creating compassionate no-kill communities nationwide for pets and the people who care for them.
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