Adopted 'Scaredy' Cat Warms To Owner Just In Time For Holidays

WEST BABYLON, NY — Sometimes, a person and their pet are just made for each other. In the case of Carmen Cotto and her cat, Angelica, that couldn't be more true. However, it took several months and perhaps a dash of Christmas magic.

Cotto, 66, of West Babylon, has had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for years. However, 2019 was particularly rough. Early in the year, she lost her dog of 13 years, Lola. In September, she lost her dad. And just a few weeks ago, she nearly lost her brother, 50, who has multiple sclerosis. But it was around March when Cotto began looking for another pet at the behest of her children after Lola died.

"I didn’t want another pet, but my children insisted that I needed somebody to keep me company, and I’m kind of glad they did," Cotto told Patch.

She eventually found good company in Angelica, which, based on the conditions they met in, was unlikely.

Angelica, now roughly 2 years old, was found as a stray on the streets by Lora Wild, a volunteer at Northport Cat Rescue Association, mere weeks after Christmas 2018. The rescue helps cats recover from being spayed or neutered and teaches them how to be social again if need be, just to be a pet. That was certainly the case for Angelica.

"[She] came to me terrified," Wild said.

In a room Wild and her husband had set up for the cats they rescue, Angelica hid behind a curtain for about two months. It had gotten to the point where Wild thought Angelica might have had to live her life at a sanctuary for un-adoptable cats.

"I would tear up thinking this cat just may never come around and be socialized," she said.

But Wild didn't want to give up on Angelica. She realized she had it in her when one day, the cat came out and rubbed up to her. While Angelica was still scared of everyone, she showed Wild that she could love.

"I knew as long as we found a special person with patience, time and lots of love, she would come around," Wild said. "My story leads to the best part...her adopter, Carmen."

In hopes of finding a new pet, Cotto saw Angelica on the Northport Cat Rescue Association website and visited Wild, eager to meet her future four-legged friend.

Angelica wasn't so eager, however.

"When [Cotto] came over, Angelica ran as fast as a bullet; away from her," Wild said. "Not the fairy tale, jump-in-her-arms-and-be-your-best-friend situation anyone was hoping for."

Wild suggested Cotto's daughter wait outside, as her extra presence might have spooked Angelica. Cotto returned to the room and sat on a bench, while Angelica hid behind drapes. She wouldn't come out, but Cotto kept peeking behind the curtains at the cat, who was facing away from her. Very slowly, Cotto got her hand behind the drapes and was able to softly scratch Angelica's ear. Amazingly, she didn't budge.

"I was like 'Oh my God, she’s mine!,' Cotto said. "I was so excited. Lora told me that nobody but her was able to touch this cat. And [Angelica] is so beautiful. She has the biggest, prettiest eyes. I knew I was in for a long road with her, because she is a scaredy cat, but I wanted her. I just fell in love."

The adoption wasn't a surefire thing at that point. The apartment complex Cotto lives at had a management shift three years ago, with the new ownership putting a ban on pets, save for service animals. Cotto's dog was grandfathered in, though the rule certainly could have been an obstacle for adopting Angelica. Knowing that, she sought out a doctor's note.

"I told my doctor, 'I’ve been very down and out since I lost my dog, and I really want this cat.'"

He agreed, and Cotto got her note. She officially adopted Angelica on March 10.

Wild admitted she cried when it was time to say goodbye to Angelica.

"But I knew in my heart she was going to the one person who would love her the most," she said.

Now and then, she got updates from Cotto on how her relationship with Angelica was developing. At first, it wasn't great. The cat would hide, whether it was under Cotto's couch lining or a hole in the lining of her box spring. It took nearly two weeks for her to stop hiding in the holes and start wandering the house. While Angelica would eat and drink, Cotto couldn't go anywhere near her.

"As soon as I got up from wherever I was, she’d run," Cotto explained. "But I said, ‘Okay, little by little.’ I just gave her her space."

Two and a half weeks later, Angelica would stroll up to Carmen and take a treat from off the floor in front of her — but never from her hand. That took another month.

Still, Cotto was patient even in the face of adversity: she lost her father and thought she was going to lose her brother, who she said is like one of her children.

Finally, about two weeks ago, Cotto said she got what she called the best Christmas gift: Angelica laid on her and snuggled up.

Things have only gotten better since.

"Now, as soon as she hears my recliner, she comes running and she’s up on my lap," Cotto said. "I love it. I love that she trusts me and has such love for me."

A concerned Angelica will now even paw at Cotto's face if she remains in bed after turning her alarm off.

"She’s the cutest thing. I can’t help but get up and give her hugs. She’s so funny and such a character."

Wild said the bonds between Cotto and Angelica have deepened at a time of year when many count their blessings and give back to those who need it. She hopes people will remember animal charities and consider providing potential pets the biggest gift: giving the so-called un-adoptable animals a chance. It worked out for Cotto and Angelica, after all.

"Who rescued who, I often ask?" Wild said.