Amelia

Meet Amelia and you'll get the full shy-kitten greeting: flattened ears, a careful stare, and a quick retreat if you rush. Give her a gentle hand and a few unhurried minutes, though, and the act falls apart — the purr starts, she rolls onto her side, and this four-month-old grey-and-white girl briefly forgets to be shy. She has strong opinions about the good treats, and she watches toys with an intensity that says a pouncing career is coming. Best of all, she's begun making brave little solo trips to the front of her cage when visitors give her space, each one lasting a bit longer than the last.

Amelia is still under-socialized, so she's looking for experienced adopters and a calm household — sudden commotion rattles her — plus plenty of gentle practice trusting people. She would do best in a home without young children or dogs. She's also working through a kitty cold, and her family should keep up the vet care until it's fully behind her. She's learning, one small step at a time, that the world is kinder than she feared — stick with her, and she'll find her wings.