Person finds a dirty cat lying on a pile of compost, takes him for a quick TNR but finds out he's too sick to live outside, falls in love with him and adopts him instead: 'I know when the vet said he was [fading] he must have somehow chosen us.'

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Jul 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

Unfortunately, we know that we cannot adopt every cat that we see. We want to, but there is a limit. That doesn't mean that we can't help as many cats as possible. TNR - trap–neuter–return - oftentimes, this is the best solution. If you see a stray cat that is struggling, and you want to help, one of the best things that you can do for them is take them to a vet and help them get better. And although we know that not everyone can do this either, we certainly encourage as many people as possible to do it if they can. 

That is what this person thought they were going to do - they just wanted to give this cat a quick TNR, and that is it. But the cat was too sick to be left outside again. It would not have survived on its own out there. So, this rescuer took it as a sign… that this cat was meant to be theirs. 

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  • 01

    "The sick cat I found now lives at my house and is back to health."

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    We found this cat on an allotment gardens parking lot. He was sleeping on a pile of compost, and did not want to eat even when offered quality cat food. He walked towards me a few times and allowed me to pet him, so I returned for two more days trying to give him food again.
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    Initially thinking it was a girl cat, we took him to the vet thinking we'll pay for the checkup, spay, and return him to the gardens.
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    What we did not know was that he had bugs, dandruff, a massive inflammation in his mouth and his intestine was close to rupturing. The vet said is we did not bring him in on this day, he would live maybe 2-3 days more and di in horrible pain. His intestine was full of dirt and gravel!
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    People living nearby are feeding strays by throwing dry kibble on the ground, and he might have been so hungry he swallowed it along with the dirt. I know when the vet said he was close to d ng he must have somehow chosen us.
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    He went to the vet 8 times within 10 days, and the visits included teeth removal (he has no canine teeth at all now), an enema, and multiple medical tests. He hated every minute there, but he survived the ordeal.
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    He's been with us for a month now. His fur is not gray anymore, and he does not smell like a pile of compost either, fortunately.
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    He's about 5. He will remains an indoor cat. He doesn't really jump and he is a little bow-legged, and he easilt gets scared of loud sounds, dog's barking, quick movements and some toys. He eats with his front paws inside the bowl. His name is Tolek and I am so glad he found us on that day!
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    Sorry if this is too long. I just wanted to share the story and show you his progress. A real glow-up here!
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  • Thank you. We have to start by saying that. This was not an easy situation at all, and we are one hundred percent sure that most people would have given up on this beautiful cat because of all the complications that arose. But you didn't. And now, the kitty is better, and she is going to reward you with so much joy, you are not even ready for it. 

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    OneMorePenguin Oh my gosh you are a life saver! Tolek is so fortunate that you found him. He looks pretty content to be an indoor cat and I expect that over time he will acclimate to being indoors and around people. He is really a cute kitty and I'm glad he realized he needed help.
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    szydelkowe OP We've heard from the people in the allotment gardens that someone has abandoned him on the parking lot about a year ago, so he was a house cat before! He quickly learned that the bed is the best and what the kitchen is for, haha!
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    melchett_general 3rd Picture makes it all worth it though. You're good people.
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    szydelkowe OP It was his second night at our place. He was so tired after the vet he fell asleep on the bed I put him on.
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  • This story is pretty much the best example that we can give of the way that we wish people treated the animals in need around them. This person did so much for this cat. Truly. We hope this story inspires many, many more people to do the same. 

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    Poneke365 Thank you for saving this stray cat, paying for his vet bills to nurse him back to good health and giving him a forever home - you have a beautiful soul
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    szydelkowe OP He did cost us more than our two other cats ever did. But his teeth were in a horrible state - he didn't have three of his canine teeth and a part of his gums was almost black due to the tooth rot. Brrr.
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    LongstandingPain The cat distribution network at work again. Lovely story but probably expensive!
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    szydelkowe OP Yeah, all the vet visits and tests along with the meds he had to take were quite expensive. He got the luxury treatment I guess. We do not mind. :)
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aww wholesome cat adorable adoption heartwarming cute adopted story Cats rescue
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