Pepper Domestic Short Hair Woodbridge, VA

**Meet Pepper: A Gentle Soul in Search of a Loving Home**

Hello! My name is Pepper, and I’m on a journey to find a very special person who can help me blossom. I’ve had a tough start in life, having spent five long months in a cage with little interaction. As a result, I’m quite shy and still learning to trust.

Thankfully, my wonderful foster mom is helping me discover the joys of life with people. She’s been patient, taking things slowly, and I’m beginning to feel comfortable enough to come out of my hiding spots when she’s around. I’ve even developed a love for treats! My foster mom uses these as positive reinforcement when I accept gentle pets. She tells me my fur is incredibly soft, especially when she strokes my head or gives my ears a gentle scratch.

I’m still a bit skittish, especially with sudden movements and loud noises, which can send me scurrying for cover. But I find comfort in the soft sound of my foster mom's voice when she reads to me, and I’m learning that gentle touches can be nice, especially when she uses a baby toothbrush to help me feel safe.

I’m looking for a caring, quiet home where I can continue my journey and come out of my shell. Despite my past, I have excellent litter box habits, and while I have access to toys and scratching pads, I haven’t yet discovered the joy of playing.

I am FIV+ but don’t let that discourage you! With regular vet care and a loving environment, I’m expected to lead a long and happy life. For now, it might be best for me to be the only cat in my new home, as it’s unclear how I’ll interact with other felines.

If you’re patient, kind, and ready to help a shy cat learn to trust, I would love to meet you. Together, we can create a beautiful bond and share a life filled with love and comfort.