Woman Captures Hard-To-Find 'Possum' Who Transforms Into An Indescribably Affectionate Lap Cat

“He’s cute, but he’s a hot mess and I love him all the more for it”

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• August 22, 2023

A TNR (trap, neuter, return) rescuer succeeded in catching a cat that strikingly resembled an opossum, ultimately earning the name Possum. Despite needing assistance for an injured leg, this adorable cat managed to avoid capture for nearly five months.

It's likely that poor Possum was an abandoned pet suffering from a condition known as strabismus, commonly referred to as being cross-eyed, which may have impaired his vision.

“The people around here think he was dumped, and we all thought he was blind — turns out he’s just cross eyed and cute as all hell!” said the TNR rescuer from New Jersey.

At that moment, rescuers believed that Possum might be suffering from a condition known as entropion, which causes irritation to the eyes. Initially, the disheveled tomcat was frightened and reacted with growls and lashes inside the TNR trap.

But with a great deal of patience, he showed his gentle side, leading the rescuer to believe that he could be socialized to live a comfortable life as a cherished House Possum. Aware of his impaired vision, she realized he was unlikely to survive outdoors for an extended period.

The rescuer patiently documented and shared his transformation, nurturing him with tender loving care. Read this cat’s story:

A TNR (trap, neuter, return) rescuer succeeded in catching a cat that strikingly resembled an opossum, ultimately earning the name Possum

Fortuitously for this cat, a skilled foster family specializing in caring for vision-impaired or "pirate kittens" chose to welcome Possum into their foster 'Playschool.' There, he was celebrated for his distinctive personality, "quirky appearance, and endearing vocalizations."

Initially, the kitten seemed overwhelmed, but with continued patience, his new foster family knew he would thrive. To acclimate him to petting, foster mom Jen wore gloves and wrapped him tenderly in a blanket, which he adored, while speaking to him in soothing tones.

He grew "more at ease with each passing hour" and reveled in the affection. Before long, Possum was purring contentedly and nuzzling against his foster mom.

Then, the grooming process began, including a much-needed bath. He even allowed her to hand-wash him and apply a lime sulfur dip to remove embedded dirt (and treat potential ringworm).

When it was time to dry, a newfound foster friend, Danica, astonishingly came to console him. From that point on, they became inseparable pals, spending their time playing together and enjoying Cat TV.

Possum got a friend - Danica

As Possum grew accustomed to the luxurious life of a lap cat, he gradually gained confidence. In time, he transformed into a "content and laid-back kitten," engaging in play and exploration. He exhibited impressive "loafing abilities" and reveled in being cradled like a baby or resting contentedly on his foster mom and dad's lap.

“In the month that Possum has been here, I’ve fallen in love with his sweet disposition, gentle manner, and cute little face. (He bleps all the time!).”

Jen and Ian dressed Possum in an irresistibly adorable onesie (a surgery recovery suit), to prevent him from scratching a lesion on his side caused by over-grooming. This solution was more comfortable than wearing a cone, and he didn't seem to mind being a charmingly cute fashion icon.

"Possum is outrageously sweet, endearingly goofy, and unspeakably lovable. He's going to be a hard one to let go. 😭"

"It has a hole around his tail to allow him to take care of business while also preventing him from licking his wound while it heals. It's also ridiculously adorable! He's such a good boy and is not bothered at all- by taking it on or off or wearing it. He is, without doubt, the bestest boy. I love him so much."

Jen and Ian dressed Possum in an irresistibly adorable onesie (a surgery recovery suit), to prevent him from scratching a lesion on his side caused by over-grooming.

House Possum Dreams Realized: The Goofy Lovebug Finds a Forever Home

In a short time, the endearing and whimsical cat found a permanent place to call home. Witnessing how far he had come brought immense joy to his foster family.

“Fostering can be filled with the lowest of lows, but also the highest of highs. An absolute high is seeing an extraordinarily special cat find his way to the perfect forever family. Possum is a tremendous success story and journeys like his are what keep me going when I’m feeling down…

Possum absolutely adores his new family. He snuggles with them at night, follows them around the house, and is an absolutely perfect Little Baby Possum 🤗.”

He seems to be quickly adjusting to the good life with all the amenities!

“Local cat running dangerously low on toy supplies. Dire conditions. More at 11.”

You can follow his new life on Instagram.

Possum's journey from a scruffy and wounded stray to a pampered and loved house cat is a heartwarming tale of transformation. With the patience and love of his foster family, he overcame his fears and challenges, blossoming into a confident and contented pet.

His transition into a forever home stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the remarkable potential within even the most unlikely and challenging rescues. Possum's story is an inspiring reminder that with the right care and understanding, even the most seemingly unapproachable creatures can become affectionate companions.

Damjan