About Enchilada (in Foster)

Enchilada
Someone explained that my name means a tortilla wrapped around meat or cheese and covered in a spicy sauce. Sounds delicious, but it's funny because I didn't have much of an appetite when I arrived as a stray cat at the HSHC on April 25. I am a 4-year-old male, already neutered, brown and black tabby fellow. The reason I hid behind my litterbox or looked terrified was due to shelter stress. If you talk to any cats in the cattery, they will all tell you that shelter stress is real. The interviewer lady (IL) visited me several times, and I felt braver and more willing to interact with her each time. I finally left my litterbox room to sniff her hand, lean into her shoulder, allow her to pet me, and scratch my chin. I even began purring despite myself. On May 29, I moved into a foster home! Whew, what a relief. By the end of June, I came out of hiding and ran up to my Foster Mom (FM) for pets, and I even sat on her lap! That surprised both of us! Here is what I have to say about my foster home. The shelter calls me Enchilada, but FM calls me Chili. I am much happier now that I have room to roam, windows to watch the birds, and petting on demand! I like to stay near FM, as my two favorite positions are at her feet and in her lap so she can rub my tummy.  I even let her friend rub my belly!  I am still shy, and it takes 10-30 minutes for me to come out of my special spot under the sofa once the noise calms down. I like to keep an eye out for FM moving around, so I can scoot out of the way, but I always come back, sometimes, even when she calls my name. I spend much of my time napping on the sofa or in the window, especially in spots of sun. I always use both my litter boxes, use the scratching post instead of the furniture, and I eat both wet and dry food, although I really love pate.  I have trained FM to pet me repeatedly in the morning, then play with my favorite stick toy. And although I can also play by myself throughout the day, I often ask her to do it all again. At night, I love to cuddle in her lap, so she can pet me all over. We both love that. Due to my impeccable manners, I was probably a house cat at one time. I love being indoors. Although I like people, I'm not sure how I feel about children. If they are gentle and want to pet me, I think I would love them too. I will need a lengthy settling-in period to ensure I'm comfortable with your cats and dogs. I don't hiss or scratch or swat, so maybe FM is right and I am a chill little kitty. I am a sweetheart with tons of potential to bring joy and love to a new home. Please visit me to see if we can go together, like chips and salsa! 8-20-25