The rescue and first encounters
LoveMeow reports on how a kitten named Bekam started his journey to trust after months of uncertainty and fear.
BekamChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
Nadia, a dedicated animal rescuer, discovered Bekam while working with community cats in her neighborhood. The tiny kitten was visibly lost and scared, which led Nadia to step in and offer her help.
Through a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program, Bekam was safely trapped and taken to a veterinary clinic. The experience was overwhelming for him, and he spent his first moments at the clinic huddled in a corner with his ears flattened and eyes wide with fear.
Nadia, determined to provide Bekam with a better future, decided to assist him along with other young cats rescued from the streets. Recognizing that Bekam likely had been abandoned for quite a while, she wasted no time in contacting Chatons Orphelins Montreal, a local animal rescue group known for their compassionate care.
ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
Once under the care of Chatons Orphelins Montreal, Bekam’s journey to a new life officially began. Estimated to be around five months old, he was still quite fearful and avoided human contact as much as possible. “He was very fearful and withdrawn. He didn’t know that he no longer had to fend for himself to survive,” shared Chatons Orphelins Montreal.
He was very shy, hiding under a pile of blanketsChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
Despite his initial withdrawal, Bekam’s story was full of potential and hope for a brighter future. With the support of Nadia and the dedicated team at Chatons Orphelins Montreal, Bekam began to take his first steps toward a life filled with care and compassion.
Adjustment in foster care
Bekam was placed in a foster home where he could start his journey of healing. His new foster mom prepared a quiet room just for him, filled with cozy blankets and soft beds. This safe space allowed Bekam to decompress and slowly adapt to his new environment.
At first, Bekam was still very timid. He spent most of his time hiding under blankets or tucked away in a cubby bed, only peeking out occasionally. His foster mom respected his boundaries and allowed him the time he needed to adjust.
Slowly but surely, he learned to trust | ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
The turning point came when his foster mom began feeding him using a spatula, allowing him to stay at a comfortable distance. Slowly and with loads of patience, she managed to gain his trust. Over the next few weeks, this routine of feeding and gentle petting sessions became a cornerstone for Bekam’s socialization.
Bekam’s curiosity began to overshadow his fear. He started to respond to the sound of toys and the smell of treats, inching out from his hiding spots to investigate. Each small step out of his comfort zone was met with encouragement and positivity from his foster mom.
Bekam came out of his shell and started to play after weeks of socialization | ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
Overcoming fear and building trust
Bekam’s progress was palpable. His foster mom continued to use positive reinforcement, rewarding him with treats and gentle strokes. This consistency helped Bekam understand that he was in a safe and loving environment. He moved from growling and hiding to cautiously exploring his surroundings.
Over time, Bekam’s foster mom introduced more interactive play sessions. These were crucial in helping Bekam develop confidence and feel more comfortable around humans. Toys like feather wands and laser pointers sparked his curiosity and provided an excellent outlet for his playful energy.
Despite the hurdles, the turning point came one afternoon when Bekam initiated a head bump—a classic cat gesture of affection. This small act marked a significant leap in his journey toward building trust. From then on, Bekam started to show more affection and openness.
“He would follow me around the house, always keeping a safe distance but watching everything I did. You could see him weighing his options, slowly realizing that he was safe,” his foster mom shared. “Each day, he became a little braver, a little more relaxed.”
| Week | Progress Milestone |
| Week 1 | Adjustment period; hiding and growling. |
| Week 4 | Started accepting treats from hand. |
| Week 8 | Engaging in interactive play sessions. |
| Week 12 | Initiated first head bump. |
He was very shy, hiding under a pile of blankets | ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
One intriguing aspect of Bekam’s journey is the question of what made him take that first step toward trust. Was it a specific gesture, a gentle touch, or merely the passage of time? Each cat’s journey from fear to trust is unique, and Bekam’s story leaves us pondering the subtle yet powerful forces that help build a bond between animals and humans. How do you think different animals decide to trust again? Explore this question with your own pets or local rescues, and you might uncover your own answers.
Socialization with other cats
An integral part of Bekam’s healing process was his interaction with other cats. Cats are social creatures, and a friendly feline companion can have a tremendous impact on an anxious or fearful cat. One of the foster cats, Momo, naturally became Bekam’s mentor and friend.
Momo, a confident and playful cat, took an immediate interest in Bekam. He approached Bekam slowly, respecting his space but clearly curious. At first, Bekam seemed uncertain, but Momo’s gentle persistence began to wear down his walls. Momo would lie nearby, demonstrating that the surroundings were safe, and Bekam eventually started mirroring his actions.
- Introduction to Toys: Momo showed Bekam how to bat at toys, chasing after balls and engaging with feather wands. This playful interaction was crucial in helping Bekam relax and have fun.
- Shared Spaces: They would sit together by the window, basking in the sun. These quiet moments seemed to reassure Bekam, helping him associate positive experiences with his new environment.
- Grooming and Affection: Momo would groom Bekam, a behavior that not only nurtured their bond but also soothed Bekam. These grooming sessions served as a tactile form of comfort, reinforcing the sense of safety and companionship.
One of the foster cats took him under his wing | ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
Observing this budding friendship, Bekam’s foster mom noticed significant changes. “It was amazing to see how Momo’s presence helped Bekam. He started to come out of his shell more, following Momo around and imitating his actions,” she said.
Gradually, Bekam’s trust extended beyond Momo to the humans in his life. He became more confident in approaching his foster mom, now intertwined in activities like lounging on the couch or participating in playtime. The breakthrough came one day when Bekam walked up to her and gently head-butted her hand, a sign he now felt safe and loved.
“He loves to follow his feline friends and do what they do. Being with a social cat really helps him to be more confident,” his foster mom observed. The companionship of another cat was instrumental in easing Bekam’s anxieties, showing that sometimes, the best therapy for a scared kitten is another cat’s friendship and love.
A heartwarming element in this journey is recognizing how animals can forge strong bonds, teaching and healing one another in profound ways. Bekam’s transformation is a testimony to the power of companionship, resilience, and the gentle guidance of friends—both feline and human.
Ready for a forever home
Now, at one year old, Bekam is ready to find his forever home. Despite lingering shyness around strangers, he has proven to be an affectionate cat once he feels secure. His gentle and playful nature shines through, and he’s always looking for ways to seek attention.
ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
“He loves when we take the time to play with him. He enjoys playing with other kitties whenever he has the opportunity,” his foster mom shared. “He tries to befriend every cat he meets, rubbing up against them and following them everywhere.”
After months in foster care, Bekam has grown to adore human companionship. His tail rises in delight when petted, and he now welcomes cuddles with enthusiasm. Bekam even enjoys being held and will stay close, giving nose kisses to show his affection.
“If we’re busy, he will try to get our attention by stepping in front of our computer or rubbing his face against it,” his foster mom noted. “He goes to bed with us if we put a small pillow next to ours.”
ChatonsOrphelinsMontreal
Bekam has come a long way. He coos when he talks and is no longer shy about asking for what he wants. Bekam likes to be brushed when watching TV and often falls asleep beside his foster mom. He enjoys being in the same room, watching everything around him, and has grown into a little foodie who insists on his daily treats.
For those interested in Bekam and his journey from street kitten to a loving companion, you can learn more about Bekam and Chatons Orphelins Montreal at LoveMeow.
