UPDATE: 18 months later, this tomcat stray is living his best lounging life: 'He's now a very much loved house cat'

Author image for Ayala Sorotsky
Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor
Aug 12, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

We love updates on adoption stories. Few things warm our hearts more than seeing how a rescue cat transforms once they've found their forever home. In fact, we recently went around the I Can Has Cheezburger office and asked our fellow cat parents for updates on their adopted kitties - and the responses made us melt. Here are a few favorites:

  1. "She still won't let me pick her up, but she purrs so loudly I'm sure the neighbors can hear"
  2. "He used to hide under the bed for hours - now he hides under the bed for fun"
  3. "We thought she was shy, turns out she's just judging us from the top of the fridge"
  4. "He destroyed three couches before realizing laps are better than scratching posts"
  5. "Her zoomies now last about 15 seconds. Retirement life suits her."
  6. "We rescued him… but really, he rescued us."

Every update is a reminder that adoption isn't just about saving an animal - it's about watching love, trust, and joy grow day by day.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

Advertisement
  • 01
    Adopted by a stray tomcat: 18 months later Adopted Human
    via yjmstom
  • 02
    The top photos in the first two pictures are from January 2024, bottom ones are now.
    via yjmstom
  • 03
    we OFFICE PhotoGrid
    via yjmstom
  • 04
    PhotoGrid
    via yjmstom
  • 05
    I've had this buddy for will soon to be two years, since he turned up at my old house sad, hungry
    via yjmstom
  • 06
    and desperate to be loved. Some trials and tribulations later, including going to the vet on
    via yjmstom
  • 07
    a bus to get him neutered, he's now a very much loved house cat. I was so
    via yjmstom
  • 08
    we OFFICE
    via yjmstom
  • 09
    worried he'd be desperate to be let outside again, as a former tomcat stray,
    via yjmstom
  • 10
    but he adapted to indoor life and seems to only be interested in watching through windows.
    via yjmstom
  • 11
    Cheezburger Image 10540716544
    via yjmstom
  • 12
    He used to bite and swipe in the old house (that was containing a
    via yjmstom
  • 13
    landlord that didn't like him and 3 other cats) but has never caused as much as a scratch since we moved.
    via yjmstom
  • 14
    It's taken him a long time (a year+) to start come up for cuddles and has still never sat on my lap - but I don't mind as much.
    via yjmstom
  • 15
    Cheezburger Image 10540717312
    via yjmstom
  • 16
    He's both the least clingy and the most sociable cat I've ever seen, he is always in the same room as me.
    via yjmstom
  • 17
    And he's so well behaved never on - counter tops or tables, and has not damaged anything
    via yjmstom
  • 18
    that he isn't allowed to damage. He was clearly house trained before whatever happened that meant he ended up a stray.
    via yjmstom
  • 19
    Cheezburger Image 10540717056
    via yjmstom
  • 20
    He's become so clean, soft and nice to touch too.
    via yjmstom
  • 21
    Love heals
    via yjmstom

  • We’re so happy for this handsome tomcat. From a hungry, swiping stray to a calm, content, much-loved house cat - his transformation is everything we hope for when a cat finds a home. He’s not just surviving, he’s thriving. Clean, safe, and surrounded by love, he’s proof that patience and kindness can heal old wounds. Love truly does heal.

  • 22
    Candidate Wolf ⚫ Look at those cheeks! 208 > Reply
    via CandidateWolf
  • 23
    hollyliz_tx⚫ He's a handsome boy! ✩ 81 ○ Reply
    via hollyliz_tx
  • 24
    jeanb23. Top 1% Commenter He is so handsome. Love heals! ↑ 54 ○ Reply
    via jeanb23
  • 25
    Pips-705 . Isn't it amazing how quickly an animal can turn around with good food, shelter and love. Simple things they all deserve. Good for you, he will love and trust you all his life. ↑ 50 ○ Reply
    via Pips-705

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

adopt wholesome cat wholesome cats adoption heartwarming cat adoption animal rescue reddit story felines adopted feline cat rescue happy ending story house cat Cats rescue
Scroll Down For The Next Article