The Ones in the Back - A Message from Mr. Whiskers

Cole is a FIP survivor

Greetings from the colony,

Mr. Whiskers here — your loyal friend, streetwise philosopher, and advocate for all things feline.

Today, I’m not talking about alley scraps or sunbathing on warm rocks. No, today’s topic is far more tender. It’s about the cats you don’t notice right away — the ones tucked into the corners at adoption centers, curled small in the back of the cage, or who turn their faces when you try to meet their eyes.

Maybe their fur isn’t flashy. Perhaps they’ve lost an eye to a street fight, or a bit of their spirit from a hard life. Maybe they’re older, with hips that ache and dreams of a soft lap to nap in. But let me tell you something, I know in my bones:

These cats haven’t given up.

They’re just waiting for someone to see them.

The bold kittens and showstopper fluffballs? They get scooped up fast. But the shy ones? The seniors? The plain Janes with the hearts of gold? They wait. And wait. And wait some more.

But oh, the love they have to give.

You see, when you earn the trust of a cat who’s been overlooked or forgotten, it’s magic. It’s slow blinks that mean thank you. It’s tiny headbutts at dawn that whisper I’m home. It’s healing, not just for them — but maybe for you too.

So if you’re heading to the shelter or to meet adoptable cats at Petco in Morgan Hill, pause for a moment. Look for the quiet one. The one hiding under the blanket. The one with cloudy eyes, or no eyes at all.

Ask about them. Sit quietly. Let them come to you — or not. Just give them a chance. You might be the first person who has ever.

You think you’re saving them, but trust me…

They might just be the ones saving you.

Purrs and whisker kisses,

Mr. Whiskers

Feral philosopher and ambassador of second chances

🐾💛

P.S. The kind folks at Garlic City Kitty Rescue are here to help. Whether you’re ready to adopt or just curious, they can guide you to your perfect feline friend — even if that friend is a little shy at first.