Ivanova and I just had a breakthrough.

She is a spicy girl.

I have sat with her for hours on my chest and the most I ever got from her was the faintest hint of a purr.

A few days ago we removed all her roommates. I am now her only link to other lifeforms. I pulled her out of her kennel and did my usual attempts to pet her.

And then Charlie walked up purring very loudly. I decided to let them touch noses. The moment I did that Ivanova started purring loudly. And it wasn't in that self soothing passive aggressive way that some cats do. She was experiencing joy.

I don't know if she will ever be adoptable but this was a big step in the right direction. She needs a house where she can be a ghost and someone is going to be okay with that until she eventually decides that a person is better than nothing and both can experience the joy I just had.