After Being Rescued, Tulip’s Personality Blooms

When browsing the internet one day, Chris N. discovered the online profiles of adoptable cats at the ASPCA’s Los Angeles Feline Program.

One friendly feline, Tulip, caught his eye. ASPCA staff described Tulip as sweet, talkative and playful, but apprehensive and shy when she meets new people.

“I wanted to adopt a chatty, affectionate cat, and Tulip’s profile revealed she was just that,” said Chris. “The description sold me and made her personality shine through. She seemed like she’d be a good fit.”

The ASPCA team arranged a virtual meet and greet, and Chris adopted Tulip in July 2024.

As her profile suggested, Tulip was timid at first and didn’t warm up to Chris immediately.

“I wasn’t disappointed. I knew it would take some time; her bio was very straightforward,” he said. “She wedged between my washer and dryer, but I gave her space and was patient.”

Eventually, his patience paid off. Tulip trusted Chris enough to approach and meow at him.

“Now she wants all my attention!” he said.

A Bumpy Road

Tulip was part of an animal hoarding case in Los Angeles County in October 2022. More than 200 animals were seized from a nonprofit animal rescue organization and impounded at the LA County Department of Downey Animal Care and Control Center (DACC). Tulip was housed at DACC's Downey Care Center. The ASPCA has partnered with DACC for the past decade and currently offers spay/neuter support and grant funding and is on-site with kitten diversion programs at two DACC Care Centers to provide positive outcomes for vulnerable kittens and reduce the number of animals in the shelter.

“The majority of the cats in this case were under-socialized,” said Ariel Collins, director of operations for ASPCA Los Angeles Feline Programs. “Tulip had been exposed to ringworm and Giardia — intestinal parasites — and was treated preventatively for both at the Downey Animal Care Center.”

Tulip’s behavior began to decline, hiding in her kennel and showing signs of fear. ASPCA staff provided toys, treats and other enrichment to lift her spirits. Once the DACC was legally cleared to release Tulip to rescue partners, the ASPCA placed her in foster care where she could recover in a home environment.

Making A Difference

Lisa A., Tulip’s foster caregiver, kept her for 9 months.

“She was kind of afraid at first; very sweet but not ready to come out of her shell,” Lisa said. “I knew it would take a special person to understand her.”

Lisa, who has fostered hundreds of kittens and cats for the ASPCA since 2017, is good at socializing fearful animals like Tulip. She introduces her foster felines to her resident cats, seniors Carmelo and Mia, who are good with other cats. A marketing professional, Lisa works occasionally from home, making it easier for her to socialize her foster cats, syringe feed and help kittens transition to wet food, and administer medication to sick cats.

“My fosters are always a good distraction from work,” she said, “and I like being able to make a difference in a cat’s life, to see them flourish and heal.”

At first, Lisa kept Tulip in her large bathroom, which has a window.

Left: Tulip in foster care with Carmela, and right, discovering a new box.

“Once I saw she was OK with me coming in and out, I let her explore the house one room at a time. She got along with my cats and eventually slept under the bedcovers with my mom, lying across her legs until they were numb.”

Getting Comfortable with New People

Like Lisa, Chris works from home occasionally, and Tulip often climbs onto his desk to help.

Recently, Chris welcomed roommates, and his pre-teenaged sons visit every other weekend.

“My roommates like Tulip, and my kids are very respectful of her boundaries,” Chris said. “Tulip no longer hides when they’re around.

Tulip at home with Chris.

“Cats and dogs need patience during transitions,” he added. “Be considerate of their needs. Let things happen organically. After that, your pet will flourish.”

“Every animal deserves a chance at a loving home, and Tulip’s journey is a testament to that belief,” said Christopher Valles, public information officer for the Downey Animal Care Center.

“Tulip faced significant socialization challenges, but thanks to our dedicated team and the ASPCA’s support, she found her forever home. Her story reminds us that with compassion and commitment, we can transform lives and give every animal the love they deserve.”

Lisa acknowledged that letting Tulip go was hard.

“I cry almost every single time,” she said.

But allowing Tulip to move on was important. Tulip’s adoption enabled Lisa to welcome home another animal in need of foster care, and when that animal moved into Lisa’s foster home, it helped the shelter give another one a chance. Helping one helps many.

“It makes sense to adopt,” said Chris. “And I got just what I was looking for.”

Animal shelters are full, and cats and dogs of all sizes, ages and wonderful personalities need loving homes. When you adopt your next companion, you’re freeing up space and resources for the shelter to give more animals a chance. It’s a ripple: When we help one, we help many — that’s The Rescue Effect. Join The Rescue Effect and adopt today.