Katherine, a volunteer of the rescue, heard that Hubby needed a foster home and knew she had to help.

"As soon as I brought him home, I settled him into my spare room downstairs. He had a full room to himself and a big queen-sized bed. Hubby had spent most of his time as a tomcat, so I knew it would be slow and steady," Katherine told Love Meow.

Soon Katherine discovered that Hubby preferred being petted on his own terms and that yummy cat treats were the way to his heart.

"He'd like for me to wait til he decided he wanted some attention before he'd come rub against my arm or my leg."

Hubby warmed up to his foster family and showed more trust and affection to their presence each day.

"He stopped running away from the door when I entered and started greeting me. He's learned that if he meows (or chirps) loud enough, someone will open the door and give him some attention."

Hubby's coat was scruffy after years braving the elements of the outdoors. Around two months into foster care, as Hubby was coming out of his shell, Katherine tried to brush him.

She hoped for the best and prepared for the worst. To her surprise, Hubby adored it so much that he melted into a rumbly mush. "He lay down, rolled over and soaked it all up. And what a brushing he received."