They were abandoned and afraid.
When a cleaning crew arrived at a vacated Madison apartment in May, they found two cats hiding behind a refrigerator. Caring members of the crew carefully placed the cats into two carriers that had also been left behind and brought them to Dane County Humane Society (DCHS).
Like most animals who arrive at DCHS, they were first greeted by our admitting technicians for an initial exam. The fur on their backs was matted. Roti had dandruff and scabbing behind his left ear. Kuttu had healed hematomas in both ears, giving them a curled, cauliflower-like appearance. Despite the gentle touch and soothing words of our staff, both cats were tense, withdrawn, and frozen with fear.
Each year, thousands of stray, abandoned, and impounded animals come through our doors as a part of our contract with Public Health Madison & Dane County. But that funding only partially covers the initial holding period — and nothing beyond it. Without donors like you, animals like Roti and Kuttu would go without the medical treatment, behavioral care, and extra time they need to heal.
While they may have believed they only had each other, they had something more — you. As a private nonprofit, we rely on supporters like you to provide the true safety net that saves lives. Your support makes it possible for DCHS to respond at a moment’s notice, provide essential care, and give every animal the chance to thrive.
Now, you can help more animals like Roti and Kuttu — and DOUBLE your impact. Give by October 31 and your donation will be matched up to $10,000, thanks to a generous matching gift from Linn Roth and Jean Martinelli.
After attempts to contact their previous family were unsuccessful, DCHS was awarded custody. We could then focus on getting Roti and Kuttu ready for adoption. Roti needed dental work, and both cats began medication to ease their anxiety. We moved them into a larger space — a Kitty Kottage — with room to move, multiple hiding spots, and cat trees to explore.
But still, they hid. Days quickly turned into weeks, and no one inquired about this shy, bonded pair.
That’s when we enrolled them in Cat Pawsitive, a training and enrichment program created by cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy. Trained DCHS staff and volunteers use clicker training to engage cats with fun tricks like touch, spin, and high-five while also helping them build their confidence and trust with people.
Staff and volunteers learn what rewards each cat in the program prefers — treats, play, or pets — and use what each cat loves most to build trust through consistent, compassionate training.
At the end of June, Roti and Kuttu had their first Cat Pawsitive training and Roti was a star student. When Kelly, an Advanced Feline Friend volunteer, entered the Kitty Kottage, Roti was hiding inside one of the benches. Using treats and a target stick, Kelly coaxed him out. Before long, Roti had learned to spin in a circle and sit up to touch the stick.
“After training, he sat on my lap for a long time,” Kelly says. “He was also incredibly snuggly. He’s a wonderful cat!”
Meanwhile, Angie and her family were grieving the loss of their beloved 17-year-old cat. They decided to adopt again — and wanted to give a home to a member of the Lonely Hearts Club, animals who have been at the shelter longer than average. Angie, her husband, and their son came to DCHS in July to meet with a few cats, and they fell in love with Kuttu and Roti.
“When we brought them home, they hid all day for the first week, only coming out at night when we were in bed and all quiet to eat and use the litter box,” Angie says. But little by little, the family started experiencing sightings of the bonded pair during daylight hours. And with more time, everything changed. These two cats are feeling more comfortable and confident than ever.
“They both are loving attention and being around us. They have even started jumping onto our laps now,” Angie says. “Kuttu sleeps on the end of the bed; Roti loves the top of the cat tree.”
Their favorite place of all? The family’s screened-in porch, where they spend hours birdwatching after breakfast.
From abandoned and terrified to cherished and thriving, Roti and Kuttu’s transformation was made possible by our compassionate staff, dedicated volunteers, a loving family, and supporters like you.
Together, we make stories like Roti and Kuttu’s possible. Your gift today will help us be here for the next Roti and Kuttu. Thank you!
