Lee (Brown Tabby) and Bret (Black Tabby) Shy Duo of Love in Foster

Bret was born in a foster home back in 2020 after his mom Cassiopeia was live trapped and brought to the shelter. He was brought to the shelter after his neuter, however was extremely shy. He made some progress over the years, however was very shy around people and very elusive when visitors were around. He did not bond with any specific cat and was getting bullied by some. Despite that Bret, however, enjoyed playtime with some of the others. He absolutely loves the laser light and peacock feather time. In the shelter setting he did not like to be handled or petted. Over time his eyes were impacted by the Herpes virus and because of the constant stress he is in, he was having consistent flare ups. It was decided by volunteers that a foster setting that would provide him with a setting where his stress would be reduced, so that he could build positive friendships with other cats and learn to interact with people by helping to build his confidence. Bret went into foster in March of 2024. His eyes have made tremendous improvements and the flare ups have dissipated. But then something magical happened. Lee came to the shelter back in January after being live trapped. After being neutered he was transitioned to our Shy Cat Room where volunteers observed that he was having a difficult time. Lee accepted pets from trusted volunteers but was always in fear mode around the other cats. It was evident he was getting bullied and was not feeling safe in the setting. Due to this he was moved back to a kennel so that his eating could be observed and then volunteers decided he needed a foster setting as well. What we have learned about Lee is that he is incredibly sensitive and tender. We do not know what he experienced when he was living outdoors, however his behavior at the shelter showed us he was in fear mode all the time. Lee transitioned to the foster home where Bret was in May of 2024. Lee was given time to adjust and then slow introductions were implemented between him and Bret. This is when the magic happened. Bret and Lee are kindred spirits. They are both so tender and sensitive and their bond was instant. They began just by laying near each other on different beds, to laying next to each other on one bed, to being intertwined as often as possible. Their bond is so beautiful, uniquely special and we are so grateful we made the decision to foster them together. Lee is the braver of the two and loves gentle interactions with his caregiver. In fact there is endless petting and rolling over on his side with deep relaxation. Bret is coming around slowly and will even greet his caregiver at the door of their room. He is still cautious, however he will observe the interactions that Lee has and is soaking it all in. Their caregiver will continue to work with them to build their confidence as the trust has been earned. The type of home we would love for these two is a very quiet one without any other animals or children. A home that truly understands that these two are profoundly sensitive and will not only need patience, but lots of understanding as they adjust to their potential new home. Relationship building is the first step and ensuring these two stay together is of the utmost of importance. They are both so sweet and seeing their transformations has been exceptionally special. We look forward to their continued progress as they wait for their purrever home. Bret and Lee have shown incredible resilience and that they can flourish in a setting that is calm, gentle, encouraging and enriching. If you are interested in meeting this darling pair please complete our adoption application first. All cats in foster homes require applications to be approved first. Shelter Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 7pm-9pm: Visitation Only Wednesday: 7pm-8:30pm: Visitation Only Weekend Hours by Appointment Only. Please text 907-230-6394 to make these arrangements. Appointment times are: 3:15, 4:00, 4:45 Our adoption policies and procedures are rigorous and thoughtful as our goal is to match you with a cat who will become a loving addition to your home for the rest of his/her wonderful life.   Seeing photos and videos are great first steps, however, meeting the cat in person and seeing if you connect is critically important. You may even want to visit the cat a few times to ensure you have made that connection.  If you are interested in adopting one of our cats, you will need to complete our adoption application and have that approved prior to placement. Submitting an adoption application does not guarantee placement.     We do not do same day adoptions. Please ensure you have permission to have a cat where you live before considering adoption! We will need to see a copy of your lease agreement along with a contact number for your landlord to ensure the adoption is allowed. All parties interested must meet the cat before adoption to ensure that everyone is in agreement with the adoption. If you do not live in Anchorage, you must come in to meet him/her before the adoption and make arrangements to transport him/her to your home. AHS will provide behavioral support for the transition and throughout the adoption to ensure that everyone feels secure with the adoption.  Our adoption agreement prohibits declawing an adopted cat, and stipulates that the cat will be returned to us if the adoption does not work out. We also ask that cats be returned to us regardless of when the cat was adopted if the adoptive home is no longer able to keep the cat or is unable to provide him/her with the necessary healthcare to maintain a healthy and happy life.  AHS has an indoor cat policy. We strongly support the utilization of cat harnesses and catios as these are positive ways of giving your cat the chance to explore, get some fresh air and provide him/her with the benefits of the natural world while keeping them and wildlife safe and sound. These steps have been implemented to ensure the placement is the best one possible to meet the needs of the cat and the new home.  Our Adoption Application is available to complete online or download. If you download the application please email the completed one to [email protected] Once You've Made That Purrfect Connection, Here are Some Factors to Consider Do you rent? If you do, do you have Landlord approval and documentation to verify that you are allowed to have a cat? Is there a clause about declawing in the lease? We do not allow declawing. Is your home ready for a new arrival? Do you need support with getting that together? Does everyone in the home agree to the adoption and has everyone met the cat? (This is one of our policies) Are you aware of the municipal code, Title 17, that requires a multi-animal license when you own 4 or more of the same species in the Municipality of Anchorage? Do you have a carrier to transport your cat? Once your application is approved, then you have two options: 1. Set up an adoption appointment on the weekend by texting at 907-230-6394 or emailing [email protected]. 2. Reserve the cat and put down a deposit ($25 minimum towards the $130 adoption fee) and set up a time with a volunteer to schedule pickup. Suggested Supplies * Food/Water dishes (Our cats eat IAMS Proactive Health Chicken Kibble and Friskies Canned Food). * Uncovered Litter Box/Litter (we recommend non-clay clumping litters) Scratching Posts/Cat Trees * Feliway (cat pheromone that assists with stress and behaviors) * Cat Beds/Hidey Spot/Cube/Kennel  * Cat Trees/Perches * Music (Through a Cat’s Ear is highly recommended: www.icalmpet.com) * Enrichment Toys (you’ll receive an enrichment brochure with some suggestions) * Cat DVDs * Collar/harness/ID tag * Carrier (we recommend a larger sized hard sided carrier when picking up your cat from the shelter). Soft sided carriers are great for when your cat is more comfortable in your home.