Meet Bernie, The Gentle Love Bug. Hampstead, NC with RescueConnectNC.com
RescueConnect kitties available to meet Sunday, Dec 7th, Noon-3pm in Wilmington NC at Mayfaire's PetSmart and Saturday, Dec 13th noon-4pm at PetSmart in Shallotte NC!
Bernie is a sweet, thoughtful 6-month-old neutered male with sleek black fur and graceful mannerisms. Rescued from a hoarding situation and into the Pender County Animal Shelter on July 11, 2025, Bernie has shown incredible courage and growth ever since.
At first, he is shy and cautious, but with patient love, gentle hands, and the encouragement of playful foster kittens, Bernie has learned human laps are delightful. He enjoys soft naps, gentle pets, and a little curiosity peek here and there.
Why You'll Love Bernie:
Once he trusts, he is pure love!
Enjoys cardboard scratchers, soft beds, and sunny windows
Thrives with a friendly kitten companion to guide him
Has been exposed to well-behaved dogs; he’ll appreciate tall safe spots early on
Loves “cat TV,” bird-feeder livestreams, and observing from window perches
Bernie will do best in a calm, patient home that understands shy cats take time—but the affection he offers is deeply rewarding.
Adoption Details:
6 months old | Neutered | Vaccinated | Microchipped
Indoor-only home required
Resident pets must be current on vaccinations
Fostered in Hampstead, NC
Apply online: rescueconnectnc.com
Email: spayneuter99@gmail.com
Bernie is a gentle soul with a quiet heart, waiting for a patient, loving family to give him the confidence to shine. Could you be his safe haven?
Strategies to Build Confidence in an Anxious Cat
So, you’ve identified the signs of stress in your cat, and you understand the benefits of helping him feel more confident. The next obvious question is how to help a scared cat feel more confident.
First, focus on safety. If your cat feels unsafe, he’ll always be stuck in fight-or-flight mode and won’t have the space to develop confidence. To help your cat feel safe, establish predictable routines for your household as much as possible. Find a food and a litter he likes, and stick to them. Create a safe space where he can retreat if it all becomes too much or if an acute fear–like a thunderstorm–crops up that you can’t control.
Second, be a calm and secure presence. Despite misinformation all over the internet, it is actually okay to comfort a scared cat. In fact, we encourage it. Be your cat’s support person. And never, ever play a social media-inspired prank (cucumbers, anyone?) on your cat. The likes and shares are never worth the hit your relationship will take.
Finally, work on a training plan that includes a balance of counterconditioning to his fears along with skill-building exercises that develop confidence. Plus, training can be filled with fun games that you and your cat play together, strengthening your bond and his faith in you.
If your cat has experienced an acute trauma and doesn’t seem to be returning to his normal self after implementing these steps, or if none of these action items are helping to alleviate your cat’s general stress, check with your vet to see if a prescription anxiety medication is right for your situation.
Watching your cat experience stress and anxiety can also be stress-inducing for you. Be sure you’re monitoring yourself for signs of increased anxiety as you work through your cat’s struggles. Remember, you are his safety net, so make sure your stress is well-managed so that you can best help her. As you work to build confidence in your anxious cat, observe your cat’s signs of stress and take note of any obvious stressors. Work on a plan to mitigate them together, while building your bond. Helping your cat move through anxiety and into confidence will help him live a longer, healthier, happier life–the ultimate reward!
Source: AAHA's How to Build Confidence in Your Anxious Cat
Some cats bounce back quickly after stress, while others live in a near-constant state of anxiety. From hiding and excessive grooming to changes in eating and litter box habits, feline anxiety can show up in surprising ways, and take a real toll on health and happiness. Learn how to spot the signs, reduce stress, and build your cat’s confidence with vet-backed strategies that deepen your bond.
Published Aug 26, 2025
By Maggie Marton
Meet Bernie, The Gentle Love Bug. Hampstead, NC with RescueConnectNC.com
RescueConnect kitties available to meet Sunday, Dec 7th, Noon-3pm in Wilmington NC at Mayfaire's PetSmart and Saturday, Dec 13th noon-4pm at PetSmart in Shallotte NC!
Bernie is a sweet, thoughtful 6-month-old neutered male with sleek black fur and graceful mannerisms. Rescued from a hoarding situation and into the Pender County Animal Shelter on July 11, 2025, Bernie has shown incredible courage and growth ever since.
At first, he is shy and cautious, but with patient love, gentle hands, and the encouragement of playful foster kittens, Bernie has learned human laps are delightful. He enjoys soft naps, gentle pets, and a little curiosity peek here and there.
Why You'll Love Bernie:
Once he trusts, he is pure love!
Enjoys cardboard scratchers, soft beds, and sunny windows
Thrives with a friendly kitten companion to guide him
Has been exposed to well-behaved dogs; he’ll appreciate tall safe spots early on
Loves “cat TV,” bird-feeder livestreams, and observing from window perches
Bernie will do best in a calm, patient home that understands shy cats take time—but the affection he offers is deeply rewarding.
Adoption Details:
6 months old | Neutered | Vaccinated | Microchipped
Indoor-only home required
Resident pets must be current on vaccinations
Fostered in Hampstead, NC
Apply online: rescueconnectnc.com
Email: spayneuter99@gmail.com
Bernie is a gentle soul with a quiet heart, waiting for a patient, loving family to give him the confidence to shine. Could you be his safe haven?
Strategies to Build Confidence in an Anxious Cat
So, you’ve identified the signs of stress in your cat, and you understand the benefits of helping him feel more confident. The next obvious question is how to help a scared cat feel more confident.
First, focus on safety. If your cat feels unsafe, he’ll always be stuck in fight-or-flight mode and won’t have the space to develop confidence. To help your cat feel safe, establish predictable routines for your household as much as possible. Find a food and a litter he likes, and stick to them. Create a safe space where he can retreat if it all becomes too much or if an acute fear–like a thunderstorm–crops up that you can’t control.
Second, be a calm and secure presence. Despite misinformation all over the internet, it is actually okay to comfort a scared cat. In fact, we encourage it. Be your cat’s support person. And never, ever play a social media-inspired prank (cucumbers, anyone?) on your cat. The likes and shares are never worth the hit your relationship will take.
Finally, work on a training plan that includes a balance of counterconditioning to his fears along with skill-building exercises that develop confidence. Plus, training can be filled with fun games that you and your cat play together, strengthening your bond and his faith in you.
If your cat has experienced an acute trauma and doesn’t seem to be returning to his normal self after implementing these steps, or if none of these action items are helping to alleviate your cat’s general stress, check with your vet to see if a prescription anxiety medication is right for your situation.
Watching your cat experience stress and anxiety can also be stress-inducing for you. Be sure you’re monitoring yourself for signs of increased anxiety as you work through your cat’s struggles. Remember, you are his safety net, so make sure your stress is well-managed so that you can best help her. As you work to build confidence in your anxious cat, observe your cat’s signs of stress and take note of any obvious stressors. Work on a plan to mitigate them together, while building your bond. Helping your cat move through anxiety and into confidence will help him live a longer, healthier, happier life–the ultimate reward!
Source: AAHA's How to Build Confidence in Your Anxious Cat
Some cats bounce back quickly after stress, while others live in a near-constant state of anxiety. From hiding and excessive grooming to changes in eating and litter box habits, feline anxiety can show up in surprising ways, and take a real toll on health and happiness. Learn how to spot the signs, reduce stress, and build your cat’s confidence with vet-backed strategies that deepen your bond.
Once the adoption application is received, a home visit will be set up. If that goes well and is approved, then a vet check is completed (if the applicant has recently owned an animal, if not, two professional references will be required). Once both of those are approved, then the adoption fee will need to be paid.
Once the adoption application is received, a home visit will be set up. If that goes well and is approved, then a vet check is completed (if the applicant has recently owned an animal, if not, two professional references will be required). Once both of those are approved, then the adoption fee will need to be paid.
Most pets are in foster homes in Wilmington NC and can be met by appointment. Most of our adoptable cats are in homes in Hampstead NC and can be met by appointment.
Most pets are in foster homes in Wilmington NC and can be met by appointment. Most of our adoptable cats are in homes in Hampstead NC and can be met by appointment.
More about this rescue
We are dedicated to improving the lives of abused, abandoned, and homeless animals by aiding in their journey to a better life. RescueConnect also encourages and educates individuals to keep their animals up to date on vaccinations, on heartworm preventative (for canines) and encourages spaying/neutering. For more exotic pets, we will complete the research necessary to provide literature and guidance on proper care or connect guardians with experts.
We are dedicated to improving the lives of abused, abandoned, and homeless animals by aiding in their journey to a better life. RescueConnect also encourages and educates individuals to keep their animals up to date on vaccinations, on heartworm preventative (for canines) and encourages spaying/neutering. For more exotic pets, we will complete the research necessary to provide literature and guidance on proper care or connect guardians with experts.
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We'll also keep you updated on BOLT's adoption status with email updates.
