They welcomed a very shy young cat into their home. It turned out to be the best decision as they watched her shine.HettieBatterseaA couple took a chance on a timid kitten at the adoption center, and it turned out they were the perfect match.Hettie, a beautiful calico, arrived at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, hoping for a chance at a better life. "She came to us as a stray kitten having been found abandoned in a Hettie the Hoover box (a vacuum cleaner box)," Tyler Eyre of Battersea shared with Love Meow."She was an extremely worried little girl when she first arrived."BatterseaOverwhelmed by the new surroundings, Hettie was understandably scared, seeking refuge in quiet corners. It took her a while to adjust because she was sensitive to noise. "Any loud or sudden sounds would spook her.""But with some time and patience, Hettie began making lovely bonds with her human carers."BatterseaAs she realized the staff meant well, she emerged from hiding. She began meowing softly for attention and even mustered the courage to climb into warm laps for head scritches.As she grew more comfortable, her playful side started to come out. "She was particularly fond of string toys and would carry them around in her mouth or 'rabbit kick' them."BatterseaThough Hettie was still wary of changes, the reassurance from her caregivers prepared her for her next chapter. "We knew that she'd go from strength to strength in the right loving home. She just needed an understanding family and some time."Meanwhile, Katie and her partner were looking for a feline companion to join them in their new home.Battersea"We recently bought our first house, and we knew something was missing from making it our home," Katie shared.They were smitten with Hettie and patiently waited to bring her home while she recovered from spay surgery. "It was love at first sight. The amazing staff at Battersea warned us that Hettie was extremely timid and scared and made us aware of the fact that due to her past, she may never come out of her shell fully."BatterseaUndeterred, they were committed to giving Hettie a loving home. They were prepared to tackle any challenges that came their way and ensure Hettie had the safe, happy life she deserved.Since that day, Hettie has turned into the dream cat they always hoped for.BatterseaIn a loving home with doting humans, Hettie's true personality blossomed. "She has become so confident and affectionate in her new surroundings. She loves cuddles and her toys, and, of course, her treats."She enjoys perching on her dad's shoulder, watching him work on his laptop like the perfect little supervisor.BatterseaShe struts around the house with her tail held high. Gone are the days of hiding and staying out of sight; she now happily curls up in her humans' laps, soaking up all the love. "She has made us so happy, and we feel so lucky to have found her and that she chose us to love.""She has the cutest heart shape on the pad of her paw, which I think is so special because she has left a print on our hearts."BatterseaThanks to the dedicated staff at Battersea, the once timid stray has transformed into a joyful, playful love bug, thriving with her adoring humans in a place she can call her own.BatterseaShare this story with your friends. More on Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on Instagram@battersea and Facebook.Related story: Three Blind Cats Come to a Home Seeking Help, Family Brings Them in and Realizes One of Them is Pregnant