When we read this adoption story on Instagram, we knew we had to share it! Zoe David Bowie, formerly Carrie Brownstein, was adopted recently by Ellen and her husband. They answered a few questions for us about Zoe's new, wonderful life!

Why did you decide to adopt Zoe?

I'm a long-time lover of Java Cats Café and cats in general. When I heard they were closing, I was absolutely gutted. I'd been considering adding a third cat to our household for quite some time (since one of our cats crossed the rainbow bridge a couple years ago) but the time never felt right. On Java Cats' very last day, I happened to click on an Instagram Live broadcast (I never watch live feeds!) and heard Zoe's story. She was the last cat who needed a forever home. PAWS Atlanta brought in new cats in the closing days of Java Cats, but Zoe had been there for weeks, passed by for other cats. I knew it was meant to be. The reason she hadn't found her home yet was because she was waiting for OUR home!

I commented on the Instagram Live that I was interested in Zoe but needed to check with my husband. Everyone at Java Cats got really excited. (There's a very sweet clip of the Instagram Live on Java Cats' page, @javacatscafe, that includes their staff finding out that Zoe was going to be adopted.) I told my husband, "I think I need to go get this cat." Without hesitation he said, "Well go get her!" Within fifteen minutes from my initial comment, I was on my way to Grant Park to pick up our new furry daughter!

How is Zoe doing in her new home?

She is SHINING! She's settled in faster than any cat I've ever adopted! Her first day, she was quite shy and skittish. But the next day, she meowed very loudly at me to open the door to the room where she was adjusting. She was ready to explore her new home! She started off exploring but returning to her room after a bit. Then, she'd explore and plop herself down at the bottom of the stairs, close enough to see us but far enough away that we couldn't reach her. These days, she sits on the floor next to us while we're in the room. She loves getting pets, cheek rubs, and ear scratches. She doesn't love being held yet, but I have a feeling it won't take long before she's a cuddle monster.

Do you have any other pets? How is Zoe’s relationship with them so far?

We have two other cats, also rescues: Nugget (14) and Stella Roo (8). Nugget waited outside the bedroom door until Zoe was ready to come out. As soon as I opened the door, Nugget sauntered in to meet her. Zoe walked right up to her, they sniffed each other, and were immediately best friends. Stella Roo needed more convincing, but it's been just over a week now and Stella Roo has stopped hissing. She even shared some treats with Zoe this morning! So, they're making progress.

What kind of activities does Zoe enjoy?

Zoe is only about a year old, and she loves to play! We have plenty of cat toys, but, of course her favorite is a random yellow pipe cleaner from my toddler's room (pictured with Zoe on the right). She will throw it down the stairs, chase it, and then bring it back up and start over. Zoe and her sisters love to get the "zoomies" and run though the house in playful moods. She's fond of the scratching post, and has mostly been good about not scratching the furniture! (PSA - Please don't declaw your cats)

How does Zoe show that she’s getting comfortable?

She's gotten bolder with each passing day about exploring, expanding her territory, as well as asking for more attention, love, and food! She has a healthy appetite and already knows where the "treaties" are kept in the pantry. Sometimes she sits in front of the pantry door and meows for treats!

What do you love most about Zoe?

The thing I love most is knowing that this special, loving, sweet, adorable, silly, soft, precious little girl, who started life as a feral cat, never has to spend a night on the streets again. She never has to go back to another shelter or cage. From now on, that little girl who was one of the last to get adopted is showered with love, affection, and plenty of treaties! I also love that I was able to make Java Cats owner and manager - Hadyn and Zoe - so happy by giving her a loving home. Java Cats gave so much to so many, and it was time for me to give it back.

And yes, in case you noticed, Zoe is, in fact, named after the Java Cats manager! Thank you again to Java Cats and PAWS Atlanta for all you do for our community and our fur babies. It's an honor and pleasure to have Zoe "home."

If you want to meet the animal who is waiting just for you, check out our adoption process and send an email to our shelter team at info@pawsatlanta.org.