Dear Nicole, welcome to the Cats section of Pet Talk! This is a wonderful group of people from all over whose lives are ruled by cats. I have five cats, and all of them are rescues too. I work at a cat shelter and pet-sit sometimes.

Your story of Psycho is amazing. I had a cat like that, Mitsie, and like you I gave him a home so he wouldn't be euthanized. I was absolutely fascinated to read the process by which you socialized Psycho. I wish I had known of it. I didn't have any ideas on how to retrain Mitsie. I just gave him the space to be however he felt like being and plenty of food and warmth and love. He never did become resocialized, but he did calm down somewhat over the years. I had him for about 8 years, and he got quite old. He finally passed away last year from kidney disease complications. Toward the end I was able to hold him and pet him. I told him often how much I loved him.

All the best! Looking forward to learning more about you and your family,

Pat, and Peony, Sydney, Priscilla, Poppy, and Elmer