When Jazmin Felder heard meowing from a tree in her yard last year, she didn’t think twice about adding another cat to her already-large family of four.

Felder told The Dodo, “I was raised to always take care of what life handed to me.” “And every time a cat came knocking on my door, I gave them their own home and all of my affection.”

Buddy, a scared stray cat, had been lurking beneath the limbs of the tree for an unknown amount of time, but Felder was clearly delighted to see her.

Buddy looked relieved to be protected and have a roof over his head, but he refused to sleep or play with Felder’s other cats. Buddy prefers to be alone rather than make pals.

Buddy will always be a loner, Felder thought, until a new member of the household altered everything.

A 5-week-old gray kitten called Hannah was found abandoned beneath a nearby home six months after Buddy arrived, and Felder once again found a place for the underweight cat to flourish.

Buddy looked relieved to be protected and have a roof over his head, but he refused to sleep or play with Felder’s other cats. Buddy prefers to be alone rather than make pals.

Buddy will always be a loner, Felder thought, until a new member of the household altered everything.

A 5-week-old gray kitten called Hannah was found abandoned beneath a nearby home six months after Buddy arrived, and Felder once again found a place for the underweight cat to flourish.

Buddy and Hannah were polar opposites in every aspect; whereas Buddy was serious and reserved, Hannah was warm and gregarious. Felder described her as “very playful” and “loves to cuddle up with you and sleep.” “She’ll play with our dogs like she’s one of them.”

In other conditions, the two cats could have fought, but Buddy seemed to want to get near to another cat for the first time.

“When we initially brought Hannah home, Buddy came to visit her right away,” Felder said. “He had always been reticent and shy, but his entire demeanor transformed the instant he met her.”

Buddy and Hannah are seldom separated months later, and it’s not uncommon to see them snuggling on the kitchen counter, Buddy’s paw protectively draped over his bestie.

“They embrace and soothe each other, not merely show affection while grooming each other,” Felder added. “When my friends and relatives come to visit, they often tease me about how they wish they could have a love like Buddy and Hannah.”

Felder said, “I believe they embrace and hold one other because they truly care for one another.”

Hannah has become the most precious thing in Buddy’s life — and the once-lonely cat constantly works to show her how much she means to him.

“Buddy will take food and give it to Hannah before he starts to eat himself,” Felder noted. “They enjoy batting cat toys back and forth, and seeing who can reach the top of the stairs first. We are sure Buddy lets Hannah win!”

Buddy has not only broken down all of his barriers, but he has also absorbed Hannah’s kindness. All six rescue cats are now part of one huge, loving family, with no animal being left out or sleeping alone. “The next thing you see when you come across one cuddling up and sleeping is all five of the others right there as well,” Felder added.

For Felder, watching Buddy and Hannah’s blossoming relationship has been a true delight: “Seeing the bond they have formed together and seeing how Hannah brings out his happiness melts my heart.”