Saddle, a shy polydactyl cat at the ASPCA Adoption Center, did not always approach new people. Staff who knew him saw a more affectionate side—and Robin I. found it when she sat with him. After adopting him, she renamed him Hush and gave him time to settle into his new home.
How Saddle came to the ASPCA Adoption Center
In February 2023, an overburdened cat owner surrendered nine cats to the ASPCA. The ASPCA Community Engagement team in New York City helped transfer them to the Adoption Center for medical care and eventual adoption.
Saddle was a handsome four-year-old male with polydactyly, a condition in which a cat is born with extra toes. At first, he was shy around visitors. Olivia D’Amico, who was an Admissions & Placement Specialist at the time and later became an ASPCA Social Media Coordinator, recalled seeing him watch people from his condo: “You’d open his condo and see a void of black fur and two yellow eyes staring right back at you,”
The affectionate cat familiar people came to know
Saddle’s first impression did not tell the whole story. With time and gentle interaction, he began accepting pets, leaning into people, and purring. D’Amico remembered him as social and affiliative with people he knew, though he could retreat when several unfamiliar people were present. She said, “I was excited about how readily Saddle accepted love, despite his constant bouncing around,”
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Fixed position, angled side dee rings feature a two bar design and offer easy access-you can snap in with just one hand
- Leg straps help prevent slip-through and are made from heavy-duty coated webbing that is heat-sealed to prevent fraying and ensure a quality product
- Two additional dees located on the bottom of the waist Back for attachment of one of our ditty bag options or a first aid kit
- Seat strap floats on waist belt for Easy positioning and comfort and is lined with soft oil Tanned top grain steer hide leather
- Not to be used for fall arrest
The ASPCA story notes that some prospective adopters expected a cat to approach them immediately. Saddle’s reserved response to strangers could make his affectionate nature less obvious to someone meeting him for the first time.
His return and dental treatment
Saddle was adopted a few months after arriving at the Adoption Center. In April 2024, he returned to ASPCA care through no fault of his own, according to the ASPCA. A few weeks later, he received dental treatment at the ASPCA Animal Hospital, including 14 tooth extractions.
Rank #2
- Fixed position, angled side dee rings feature a two bar design and offer easy access-you can snap in with just one hand
- Two additional dees located on the bottom of the waist Back for attachment of one of our ditty bag options or a first aid kit
- Extra wide 6 inch waist Back is foam filled and lined with soft oil Tanned top grain steer hide leather
- Not to be used for fall arrest
- Tested to ASTM F887 standards and meets ANSI Z133. 12 requirements
How Robin met Saddle and chose to adopt him
In August, Robin I. visited the Adoption Center hoping to meet an older cat deserving of a second chance. An Admissions & Placement Specialist suggested Saddle. Robin sat with him, heard him purr, and asked for a 24-hour hold so she could consider the decision. She recalled, “When our eyes met, it was great warmth at first sight, which has become a deep love.”
Robin adopted him and gave him the name Hush, also calling him Hush Puppy. She described the fit this way: “I like to say he was a cat looking for a lap, and I had a lap looking for a cat to warm it.”
Rank #3
- Cushioning & shock absorption: High-quality padding provides extra comfort and reduces strain on the rider and horse by distributing impact forces.
- Breathable & moisture-wicking: Ventilated materials help keep the rider cool and dry, preventing chafing and discomfort from excessive sweating.
- Secure fit and easy attachment: Non-slip surfaces and adjustable straps ensure compatibility with your saddle while preventing unwanted movement.
- Durable & low-maintenance: Quality construction and materials withstand regular wear and tear, while easy cleaning options, such as machine washing, save time and effort.
- Lightweight design & aesthetics: Minimal added bulk ensures unhindered horse movement, while the 4 colors cater to rider preferences and complement existing riding gear.
Hush’s first days at home
Robin said Hush was shy at first in his new surroundings, so she let him emerge at his own pace. She recalls that by the third day he seemed to have decided he was in the right place: “By the third day he had decided he was in the right place,” Robin said.
She also said Hush helped make her house a home and supported her through grief after the loss of her previous cat. That is Robin’s personal account of their bond, not a promise about how any adoption will unfold. Each cat adjusts differently; Hush’s story is one example of a match that developed with patience.
Rank #4
- Wool Blend Saddle Pad: Carefully designed with a premium wool felt blend for dependable shock absorption, extra cushioning and moisture-wicking action to evenly cool your horse; our western horse saddle pad is ideal for comfortable and stable riding
- Crafted for Comfort: The 3/4" thick saddle horse pad provides a padded base and better movement for your equine companion while the reinforced pad spine and top grain wear leathers offer extra durability and protection
- Close Contact Fit: Built to shape to your horse's back, this contoured saddle pad reduces saddle roll, locking in place for a perfect fit while the precise cutouts under the wear leathers enhances communication between you and your horse
- Relaxed Experience: The soft, multi layered saddle pad effectively absorbs shocks, protects from rubbing and helps distribute weight evenly; this reduces strain on your horse's back while increasing comfort and confidence of the rider
- Ideal Equine Accessory: Designed for exceptional functionality and comfort, our reliable, cushioned western saddle pads for horses embody the trust and friendship between you and your horse; delivering unmatched style and durability
What Hush’s story shows about meeting a shy cat
- A reserved first meeting may not reveal how a cat behaves with familiar people; Saddle’s affectionate side emerged with time and gentle interaction.
- Robin took time to consider the match, then allowed Hush to adjust gradually after adoption.
- His story does not establish a universal adjustment timeline or guarantee that every shy shelter cat will respond in the same way.
Robin’s advice to prospective adopters was: “For anyone looking to adopt, go slow, think it through, but do it.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wool Blend Saddle Pad: Carefully designed with a premium wool felt blend for dependable shock absorption, extra cushioning and moisture-wicking action to evenly cool your horse; our western horse saddle pad is ideal for comfortable and stable riding
- Crafted for Comfort: The 1" thick saddle horse pad provides a padded base and better movement for your equine companion while the reinforced pad spine and top grain wear leathers offer extra durability and protection
- Close Contact Fit: Built to shape to your horse's back, this contoured saddle pad reduces saddle roll, locking in place for a perfect fit while the precise cutouts under the wear leathers enhances communication between you and your horse
- Relaxed Experience: The soft, multi layered saddle pad effectively absorbs shocks, protects from rubbing and helps distribute weight evenly; this reduces strain on your horse's back while increasing comfort and confidence of the rider
- Ideal Equine Accessory: Designed for exceptional functionality and comfort, our reliable, cushioned western saddle pads for horses embody the trust and friendship between you and your horse; delivering unmatched style and durability
Read the ASPCA’s account of Hush’s adoption.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
