A’Lana Bates, a resident of the United States, believes that it is not enough to only believe in your dreams–you must also voice them. Her mother’s wish came actual several weeks after she made it.
It was the eve of Mother’s Day in 2020 when A’Lana Bates and her father asked their mother what she wanted as a gift. “I don’t know,” she replied, “maybe a white and orange cat.”
The relatives quickly decided to take a kitten from the shelter in May, but fate had other plans. Just one week later, someone knocked on their door – it was an orange and white cat trying to hide from the rain.
They named him Tom, and it took months for him to get used to his new family. But in the end, it was all worth it.
“At first, he was very rough and wanted us to bring him food and water on deck,” Bates said. “He slowly started coming into the house, but we couldn’t touch him.”
Tom, or Fluffy as some of the family members affectionately called him, was an aggressive cat that didn’t like to be cuddled too much. He would most let you pet him for two minutes, and then he’d be gone. But his biggest fan was Mama Bates – she could sneak in a few extra cuddles before he went off.
“Tom wants to be a lover but isn’t sure how,” Bates said. “ If anybody pets him one second longer than he wants, he’ll bite them in a warning.”
Tom is now a happy, healthy cat who loves his forever family. He may no longer be a little kitten, but he will always remain the same special cat that brought them so much joy.
The family loves Tom dearly, and A’Lana’s mother always says, “I’m so glad our paths crossed that day – because, without him, we wouldn’t have been complete.”
The world is full of surprises. All you have to do is open your heart.
