“Hi, sweetie.” (meowing)
“It’s OK.” (meowing)
This scared little kitty is Joey.
His skin is hurt, and he has a hard time walking,
since he was born without front legs.
On top of all that, Joey’s afraid of people.
(meowing)
But we’re here now, Joey.
We’re going to help you feel better
and turn you back into a happy cat.
We know you can do it.
First, let’s take you home with us.
Don’t worry, buddy.
You’re safe now.
How about some food?
Aw, you seem too scared to eat.
How about some pets?
“Can I try petting you?”
“I’m not gonna hurt you, I promise.”
Hmm...you don’t seem so sure about that yet either.
It’s OK.
We’ll wait.
Your new brother, Kitty Boy, wants you to get better, too,
so he can play with you.
(meowing)
Sorry. You have to wait until Joey is ready, Kitty Boy,
but until then, could we try pets again?
There you go.
Whoa. You really like pets!
OK, Joey.
Since you’re letting us touch you,
let’s try a bath.
This special soap helps your hurt skin heal.
Ahh. All clean.
Feeling more comfortable now?
“Good job.”
Let’s go through our checklist.
You let us pet you.
You let us bathe you.
(meowing)
But what about a hug?
Can we hold you?
“Come on.”
“All the way.”
“Here, you want me to help you?”
“Aw, there you go.”
“There you go.”
“Oh, my sweet boy.”
You must be feeling so safe with us now.
Hmm...
You’re clean and comfortable, Joey,
but you’re still too scared to play.
What’s wrong?
“Toys aren’t your thing?”
“You don’t care.”
That’s OK.
We can try again later.
We love cuddles, too,
but we want you to feel comfortable enough to play.
Hmm. What if we bring in some backup?
(meowing)
Maybe Kitty Boy can show you how to play like a cat.
(purring)
He’s asking to come in.
(purring)
What do you think?
(meowing)
OK, let him in.
It’s like you’re saying, “Who is this?”
“What is happening?”
(giggling) You look a little confused.
It might take some time, and that’s OK,
but Kitty Boy really wants to know,
“Will you please play now?”
“How ’bout now?”
Sorry, Kitty Boy,
Joey’s still too scared to play.
(gasping) Joey! Are you cuddling with your brother?
And are you playing?
(chirruping)
Hey, what are you two talking about?
(chirruping)
(meowing) (chirruping)
Whoa!
We’ve never seen you move like that before!
We didn’t know you could jump that far.
When we first met you, Joey,
we thought you’d never be comfortable around anyone,
but you look really comfortable now.
“He is the sweetest, cuddliest cat I’ve ever met.”
“All he wants is love all day, every day.”
And thanks to playing with Kitty Boy,
you can hop like a kangaroo.
You’re a happy cat, Joey,
and it’s all thanks to Kitty Boy
for helping shower you with love.
We love you, Joey, and we’re so glad you’re all better.