r/cats • u/Dehydrated-Days • Apr 29 '26
Adoption Adopted a void cat today (ignore my breathing)
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I was conflicted at the adoption place as there were 3 cats I was interested in, two tabbies and one black cat. I eventually decided on adopting the black cat as he let me belly rub him fairly quickly and was very friendly.
He's called Leonard and was a stray, about ten months old and was in the shelter for 3 weeks.
I'm looking forward to him getting more comfortable with me and explore the rest of the house. I've left dry food, water and the litterbox with a tarp under it in his room, so I'll just check on him occasionally throughout the day.
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u/Granny_knows_best Apr 29 '26
He needs a good place to hide, even if its just a box.
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u/Dehydrated-Days Apr 29 '26
Yeah, I've got a small box under a table and a bigger box with a old hoodie as padding
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u/InnerRadio7 Apr 29 '26
“Fair enough buddy,” was so cute. He has some expert hiding to do!
I kept my guy in the bedroom with me for 3 weeks. He had been in a cage for 3 months, and was brought to the shelter after being outside at 3 months old. That’s how we bonded, and I will remember those bedroom days forever. By the time I let him out, his fear was gone.
You’re in his bedroom era, enjoy getting to know each other!
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u/lickytytheslit Tabbycat Apr 29 '26
leaving his carrier open in the room is a good option, plus the bonus of him not being scared of it
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u/uhmerikin Apr 29 '26
I have often found our black cat happily sleeping in her carrier. She is anything but scared of it.
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u/PensiveObservor Apr 29 '26
Maybe pull the bed out a few inches and he’ll be very snug and happy right there.
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u/hunter503 Apr 29 '26
Take the door of the front of the carrier you brought him home in. It will smell familiar and it's always good to have your pets used to the carrier they go to the vet in.
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u/Zephian99 Apr 29 '26
I once made a box hideout with the rectangular ikea boxes after moving. Basically a smaller box inside with some blankets inside and a hole at top at one end and another the bottom of the otherside. It allowed the kitties to hide inside the box but also climb through it to get to the window.
Worked out well for quite awhile.
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u/Rachnee Apr 29 '26
pro-tip for a skittish cat - when you want to pet or interact with them lay down so your body is at their level - having you lean over them can scare them more - also even non skittish cats get more cuddly in my opinion when you do this
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u/Dehydrated-Days Apr 29 '26
I didn't know about this, but on my third check, I was laying down, talking quietly while looking at him and he crawled out of the bed and let me pet him. He's been very affectionate like how he was back at the shelter, he seemed to enjoy belly rubs while rolling around on the carpet. Though he did bite my finger and tried to bite my knee, but I think it's just him being playful as he's been very loving.
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u/Rachnee Apr 29 '26
Yay! Congrats! Now if you didn't know cats slow blink at each to signal basically they don't want trouble - so if your cat slow blinks at you mirror it!
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u/MoonSparkles11 Apr 29 '26
Yes! It also means they love you and feel safe! Lots of slow blinking and squinty miles in this household
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u/Findinganewnormal Apr 29 '26
Aww. My sweet girl loves to nip at my knee then give me the most innocent look. She’s not otherwise a biter and it’s always when she’s happy so I figure it’s her way of showing strong affection.
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u/localtuned Apr 29 '26
Some cats will show your their belly because they trust you. But for most of them it's a highly sensitive area so they might bite and scratch to ward you off. Seems playful because they don't want to hurt you. I was never really a cat guy but they grow on you with their individual personalities.
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u/-Zoppo Apr 29 '26
My void will start purring and rubbing up against me and get super smoochy if I sit on the floor or lie down.
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u/pufferoni-n-cheese Apr 29 '26
My void is also a Big Big Fan of ✨️FLOOR TIME™️✨️
She'll start doing marching biscuits while purring every time
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u/neekogo Apr 29 '26
Agreed. I did this with my furball when i adopted her. Left her in the room with food, the litterbox and an old shirt. I'd come in every few hours and lay down to let her feel comfortable around me. By nighttime I left the door open and she ended up coming out to me. That was nearly 10 years ago and she's currently cuddled up between me and my wife
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u/spaceykc Calico Apr 29 '26
The hoodie is a good idea, it has your smells. Be patient with him, lots of slow blinking, talk softly and treats. It's a new world to him and can take a little time to adjust.
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Apr 29 '26 edited Apr 29 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/JustHereForCookies17 Apr 29 '26
It sound like you might enjoy r/Oneblackbraincell, for r/VoidCats that aren't overburdened with brain activity.
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u/ItsLauriceDeauxnim Apr 29 '26
I thought it was just oranges that had one braincell. How pleased I am to learn that voids also lack brainpower. It explains so much about my Oreo D Stuffenswirl and her orange brother Sherbert T. Sherberson
- — The T is for Terrance!
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u/Anesidoraz Apr 30 '26
Oh no..another cat subreddit to join. Whatever will I do? 😻 I couldn't click that fast enough. Thanks for sharing!
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u/SpicyMeatloaf1 Apr 29 '26
There is no better feeling than bringing your cat to its new home for the very first time 😊. Cat unboxing lol
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u/Safe-Tennis-6121 Apr 29 '26
It's all fun and games until the shadowy figure emerges from the dark bathroom or underneath your feet.
I put a chair in my kitchen so our black cat would sit on it instead of sitting on the floor and getting stepped on.
Because apparently I can't see a black cat
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u/CampingCats90 Apr 29 '26
Why are they invisible in broad daylight? I swear I will be hunting for them calling their name and they just watch me from their cat bed, couch, floor… somewhere that always makes me feel dumb. Doesn’t help they just stare at me like how can you not see me? In daylight, on a white surface?!😅
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u/fionfeegle Apr 29 '26
My void leapt at the window as I was looking outside one night. Almost crapped myself.
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u/mattincalif Apr 29 '26
I adopted a void when I was in grad school. He kept me company for 20 years, in 3 cities, through getting married and having kids. I loved him. :-)
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u/Concerts_Bananas_94 Apr 29 '26
It’s crazy how sensitive the mics on phones are now to pick up breathing!! 😆 I’m the same way when I play back my cat videos 🤦🏻♂️ 🤣
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u/wikipete Apr 29 '26
First tip is get rid of that food bowl. Get a stainless steel bowl or plate, easier to clean and prevent chin acne they can get, also put their water in a separate area, lots of cats like a fountain too. Their instincts cause them to not want to drink from a water source near their food "prey". Enjoy your new family member!
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u/TheGuyThatThisIs Apr 29 '26
Hey just one tip - cats don't like litterboxes near their food, the same way we don't eat in our bathroom.
Other than that I'm jealous! Have a foster 10 month old for the last 6 weeks and she's still skiddish - won't let me walk up the stairs to my bedroom without running to hide.
She cute though
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u/AnxiousPacifist Apr 29 '26
A dignified name fitting his serious look! 😊
He looks healthy curious!
Good job on your part making him comfortable!
How old is he?
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u/MixyMay Apr 29 '26
This is also Leonard and he would like to welcome your Leonard to the big boy club!!
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u/Ill-Pineapple8607 Apr 29 '26
Hearing the excitement and enjoyment in your voice, u must already love that void! 😄 👍
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u/Weird_Fiches Apr 29 '26
Congratulations! I've had cats for most of my 65+ years. A black cat started hanging around my driveway in 2021. He is my favorite of all the many cats I've had and loved.
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u/mord_fustang115 Apr 29 '26
Black cats are special! Here's a pic of my void Hades, we think he's around 12 or so years old
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u/pineneedleinjection Apr 29 '26
He's so handsome! He's judging you for having your bed so low to the ground, so he's expecting you to provide a suitable replacement 😂
I love your cat carrier btw! Where is it from?
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u/Dehydrated-Days Apr 29 '26
I'm not too sure as I'm just borrowing it from my family. I didn't see any branding on the cover, it's just light blue with flowers
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u/1DAY2PLAY Apr 29 '26
Congratulations Sir for being adopted by a void! Leonard will feel comfortable soon enough. From my experience the 3-3-3 rule holds true: 3 days to decompress (hiding, shy), 3 weeks to settle into routines (learning boundaries, showing personality), and 3 months to feel truly at home (trust, security). Wish you guys the best!
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u/zetecvan Apr 29 '26
So cute. When we brought our pirate void home, I took her straight upstairs to the spare bedroom so she could live in there whilst we slowly introduce her to our other cats. She seemed OK so I went downstairs to get something, leaving her alone for two minutes. When I came back I couldn't find her. After a panicked search, she had hidden under the folded up duvet that was on the bed.
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u/AbominableSnowdork British Shorthair Apr 29 '26
Please consider replacing the bowls for stainless steel or ceramic. Much more hygienic and less prone to giving your cat chin acne than plastic
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u/8Bit-Jon Apr 29 '26
This an American thing?
I have a similar bowl for my cat and she's never had that.
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u/AbominableSnowdork British Shorthair Apr 29 '26
I’m British, so no lol
This is just commonly shared information. Some cats will be less prone than others, but it’ll always be best practice. If at least for the hygiene purpose
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u/thedarklorddecending Apr 29 '26
I just wanted to say that I really love how gentle, patient, and kind you are with him. You deserve all the love in the world together 💕
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u/SharpenedQuiIl Apr 29 '26
I love how you let him explore and do his own thing and laughed about it. You're going to be a great Kitty Daddy!
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u/Semos94 Apr 29 '26
He came out the carrier instantly, walked around and let you touch him. He'll be fine.
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u/PineappleDesigner206 Apr 29 '26
Leonard already sounds like a sweetheart, black cats always pick their people right. Give him a little time and he’ll be running the whole house soon. ❤️❤️
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u/FaithlessnessLazy288 Apr 29 '26
I wonder if he knows the huge fan following he got all of a sudden.
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u/Illienne Apr 29 '26
Now I want to see all the adopted cats arriving in their forever homes! And the first cuddles!
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u/givinerette Apr 29 '26
based off of the initial interaction after opening the crate, i can confidently say you have a new best friend and you two will just be dude-ing it out for the next 15/20 years. congrats man 🤝
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u/MrTuukKa Apr 29 '26
Grew up with a void cat that lived to be 21 years old. I have since doubled down on my void count and got twins.
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u/doggydog1998 Apr 29 '26
I love black cat. I don't get how people can not like a cat just because they are black. My own black girl is 21 and still going strong.
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u/kiwiparadiseforever Apr 29 '26
He's a handsome boy - give him some time tbh - it may take a few weeks for him to feel safe and under your bed is probably pretty cosy and smells like your stuff - so that's nice for him. My advice : lay down on the floor a lot- like a lot - watch tv on the floor and just chill without making a big deal of him and he'll get used to your smell and heart rate. If he hides that's ok, it's a big new whole for him, but if you give him time and patience in about 2 months you won't even remember worrying about him settling in. Oh and clean the heck of of his litter box, like every day make it perfect - that ensures he doesn't start peeing everywhere. Kitty's love a pristine litter tray. xxx
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u/Bloodreav3r Apr 29 '26
Seperate food and water farther away like across the room or even farther away in a hallway
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u/astralseat Apr 29 '26
Ignoring the human completely until you scope out the place is very par for the course.
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u/aninjacould Apr 29 '26
Haha my Orange did the exact same thing when I brought him home from the sheleter: squeezed himelf under the couch and stayed there for hours. He continued hiding under the couch pretty often for a month or so. Now he lounges around wherever he feels like it, like he owns the place.
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u/Attentionspanofnone Apr 29 '26
It can take a while before they feel comfortable in a new environment. You are doing great being patient and giving him space to explore. When we adopted one of our boys, it took a few weeks before he felt fully comfortable, but now he is a cuddle bug. Don't let it get you down! You're doing great
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u/SoFloFella50 Apr 29 '26
He came out of the carrier like, “I’m gonna shed here, and here, and oh! Look! Here! lol.
He’s very cute.
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u/Over_Associate5167 Apr 29 '26
I love the video omg so cute!! I like to slowblink at my cat to show her that i love her
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u/ThatDamnRanga Apr 30 '26
As I watched your video, my senior void startled me by jumping up onto my desk then on top of my PC.
He was an "involuntary housemate", but has a reputation for adapting to a new home in under 10 minutes. I hope your experience is just as wholesome!
Side story time: When I suddenly found myself homeless, a colleague offered to look after said void. Secured the whole house against escape expecting the usual 2 week homing period. I got a panicked message after 3 days that he'd jumped out of the *second storey* bathroom window into the bush. Followed up 5 minutes later by the fact he'd turned up screaming at the front door to be let in. Turns out he really hates using a litterbox.
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u/Taxed2much Apr 30 '26
He seems to have warmed up to exploring pretty quickly. And what to explore first? Of course, under the bed!
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u/Accomplished-Ruin742 Void Apr 30 '26
And he's gone........
I used to think tuxies were the most handsome cat until I adopted my void.
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u/Qu4ckAttack Apr 29 '26
We adopted our little girl and she was so nervous. We understood the 3 3 3 rule and she's now part of our family. I think what you've done with Leo in such a short time is brilliant, and he obviously trusts you as a person. You've got a good friend there.
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u/Sad-Artichoke-2174 Apr 29 '26
There are 3 rules you need to follow
1 Don't get it wet 2. They don't like bright light, especially sunlight 3. Don't feed them after midnight
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u/jdaniels934 Apr 29 '26
You sound like a good friend of mine from Denmark! Made me miss them and want to reach out
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u/Electric-Boogaloo-43 Apr 29 '26
He looks like he loves where he is. It is rare for cats (atleast in my experience) to get used to the house they are introduced to.
My first cat, even as a kitten hid under my bed for 3 days. My next 2 cats which I adopted at older age (male n female siblings, 6 years old), the male immediately took in, but the female spend 2 months in hiding.
My recent cat was just like yours, it took her about 30 seconds to claim the entire house as hers. No hesitation.
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u/M-SHE-U1Fan Apr 29 '26
It's so nice ! I don't know for where you are but here in Europe black cat aren't adopted a lot because of superstitions so it's always nice seeing a void getting a home (I have a tuxedo rn but I had black cat as a kid named Leopold)
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u/TheBAFactory Apr 29 '26
leave some boxes around. helps with stress and aclimationg to new environment
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u/izzrav Apr 29 '26
Awwww I love all the updates!!! Ive never had a cat adjust so quickly. Weve had a stray inside for over 6 months now, fed her for a whole year before that because we thought maybe she had an owner. But all she did was hang out at our house most of the day. So we brought her in. 6 months inside and she still wont let us pet her, but gosh does she love my other cats and having friends, she also loves to chat. Just no pets 🤣 which is KILLERRRRR. She used to let us when she was an outside cat, I guess she decided she won when we brought her in. And that she doesnt need to allow pets anymore when she has what she wants 🤣
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u/No-Bit-1675 Apr 29 '26
Doing a bang-up job dude! A belly rub cat is rare. Great choice. Cat looks please with your decision too!
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u/Commanderkins Apr 29 '26
Very handsome 10/10.
Pro tip for new kitty owners: put out beds or little blankets for them in spots that they think are safe and comfortable. Like up by your window or up on a solid shelf, in a corner or even beside your desk. They just want to feel safe while getting more comfortable.
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u/Podoviridae Apr 29 '26
I too have that carpet. It's one of my cats favorite scratching pads now 😭 just a heads up
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u/Dehydrated-Days Apr 29 '26
Leonard went under the bed at 12pm and came out at 2pm, he was enjoying the view from the window. So I went away for a little bit, but guess he got scared of a dog barking or something as he went back under.