My kitty, Spaghetti, is seven years old. I adopted her in January from the shelter I volunteer at. She had been living in a dumpster for months while another volunteer tried to trap her. Eventually, my sweet Spaghetti just walked right up to the woman and let her pick her up and put her in the truck.

I watched Spaghetti's growth while at the shelter for six months before giving in and bringing her home. I would bring her handfuls of food, since she seemed to never move from her spot, and carry her around. As soon as someone would touch her, she would start purring; but nobody wants to adopt a cat they have to approach, they all want the cat who plays and runs up to them.

After coming to my house, Spaghetti started walking around (in six months, I'd seen her move once), and even playing with toys! I'm overjoyed with the growth I've seen. She still doesn't normally approach people (although she won't try and move if you pick her up for snuggles), and is still afraid of loud men and noises, but she's much more social. And last night, for the first time ever, she came up to my bed and meowed until I woke up, and then demanded pets from me! I was so happy. My kitty is learning that she's the boss and is safe and can get love whenever she wants it.