Deb Clay has spent years caring for animals in need, working in vet clinics and rescues. Her compassion is well known — and it seems the animals know it, too.
One by one, five stray cats showed up at her doorstep over the years, and though she and her husband initially tried to rehome them, it quickly became clear: they were already home.
“I’m sure there’s an invisible sign wherever we live that says, ‘Lost, starving, hurt — come here,’” Clay joked to The Dodo.
Their feline family — Mojo, Faith, Ossie, Holley, and Timmy — are deeply bonded with their parents. They show their love in quiet, everyday ways.
But a few weeks ago, after Clay underwent knee replacement surgery, their affection turned into something extraordinary.
Confined mostly to bed during her recovery, Clay began noticing a change. Usually, not all five cats cuddle with her at once. Some have turf wars, or just prefer their own space.
But this time, they seemed to know something was different.
Sensing she was hurting, the cats took action — in their own sweet way. One by one, they curled up beside her until all five were nestled close, creating a protective, purring blanket of comfort.
“I was resting with all of them with me,” Clay said. “It was unusual, since there’s usually some cat politics, but I felt super chilled with them around me.”
Surgery recovery is never easy, but having her five quiet guardians by her side has made all the difference. They’ve instinctively offered what humans often struggle to — simply being there.
