The lovely tabby cat Petunia had a difficult beginning in life. She had obvious face injuries when Emily Blythe first met her at the Lake County Animal Shelter in Florida. At first, the shelter personnel thought these were caused by a congenital defect, but the reality was much more devastating. Petunia’s owners had shot her when she was a kitten because they thought she was a rat. Although she lived, she suffered long-term health problems after losing a portion of her left lip and nostril.
A Caring Foster Home
Petunia was a strong cat in spite of her past. Longtime shelter volunteer Emily fell in love with her right away and made the decision to foster her. Their relationship became so close over time that Emily found it impossible to envision her life without Petunia. She was eventually adopted by Emily, who provided Petunia with the devoted, long-term home she so richly deserved. In her new home, surrounded by love, Petunia flourished despite her respiratory problems and face sensitivities.
A Loving Cat
Despite her special demands, Petunia was essentially the same as other cats. She enjoyed cuddling and lovingly pressing her forehead into her relatives. She exuded warmth and affection despite her appearance. She could always be seen dozing on her son’s bean bag chair, which was her favorite spot to unwind. Petunia had a unique connection to young foster kittens, as though she saw their need for care, similar to her own.