She devoted years to a feral cat – the bond they formed before her passing is truly unforgettable
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is trust developed overnight. People, especially those with a traumatic past, who have never experienced genuine love, often struggle to trust someone, and this profound reality isn't just restricted to humans. Animals, particularly the ferals, go through stages of insecurity, fear, and anxiety before letting their guards down. Valerie, who goes by @phoenixferals on Instagram, experienced this firsthand when the feral cat that she had spent years trying to befriend finally chose to move in with her just before passing.
Fran, Valerie's cat, had spent 12 years on the streets, enduring the extreme Arizona heat and counting on a stranger for food, before she moved in with her. For four years, Valerie watched Fran from a distance, trying to earn her trust. "It took many years of feeding for her to come within a few feet of me," she shared. However, it was only a year before the cat passed away that she ultimately decided to give Valerie a chance. "For 12 months, she was finally safe and comfortable for the first time in her life," the woman shared. Everything was going great until she noticed Fran drooling. At first, Valerie believed that the cat just needed a dental cleaning; however, when Fran stopped eating and was taken to a vet, her tongue biopsy revealed that she had an "aggressive" oral cancer.
To end the poor cat's suffering, Valerie had to take the tough call of euthanizing her. However, amidst the heartbreak, she was happy that she could at least have Fran with her during her final moments. Interestingly, the cat wasn't a fan of physical touch; in fact, Vallerie shared that even when Fran moved in with her, she could never pet her. "I am so grateful that she got to know the good life before she passed. It was the greatest honor to be able to offer her a retirement home," Vallerie shared. Fran was just among a handful of fortunate cats who experienced love before death. Unlike her, globally, as per World Population Review, around 480 million cats are on the streets, facing the cruel world all alone.
Meanwhile, Valerie's heartfelt story received an overwhelming response on social media. For instance, a user who goes by @thecreatingwonders on Instagram commented, "You may not have gotten to spend the rest of your life with her… but she got to spend the rest of her life… with you, and there is so much beauty in that. Rest easy, sweet girl!" @orsolya.dunai said, "Cats know when they are dying. My cat knew for a year. They tend to spend more time with their person when dying. You were Fran's person. You will meet again in the next life."
Likewise, another user, @duchess_n_chloe, wrote, "Very sad but happy she decided on you for her final months. She knew you were her safe haven. Rip, Fran." On the other hand, @zoe_claire_m said, "She left this world finally knowing love, shelter, a home, and peace. What a gift you gave her. I bet she’s telling everyone up there all about her special mum." @og_ninaaa commented, "You helped her pass in peace with love and comfort. You were her greatest gift, and she was to you. The most beautiful love stories are the most heartbreaking. Sending love and prayers." @norse_joel shared, "She literally said, 'I don't have much time, and I choose you to spend it with you.'" You can watch the video here!
You can follow Valerie (@phoenixferals) on Instagram for more animal-related content.