Kind rescuer fails to catch stray ginger tomcat for 4 years, one day finds an adorable note attached to their fence saying: 'Folded ear cat has been rescued, $2000 vet bill, is safe and sound, and is living the good life'

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Dec 2, 2025 11:00 AM EST

Catching stray cats for TNRs is not nearly as easy as it may sound. We speak from experience. You, as the rescuer, know that your intentions are the absolute best. You know that if you catch the sick stray kitty that lives around your apartment complex, TNR it, take care of it, possibly get it adopted or adopt it yourself, then the cat will live a life better than it has ever known. You know it… the cat doesn't. And so the cat runs, and the cat gets older, and the cat possibly gets sicker, and you can only hope that one day, you will be able to catch it and give it the life it deserves. 

We hope that every story like that ends like this one. With the happiest ending. This rescuer had been after this tomcat for four whole years, and they have not been able to catch the elusive ginger. But someone else did. Someone rescued this senior ginger cat, who has been living on the streets for ten years, and gave him the life he deserved. And also left a note for the rescuer. An amazing note. 

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  • 01

    "Finally, a happy ending"

    Cheezburger Image 10581470976
    via withoutadrought
  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10581468672
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  • 03
    Grateful THANKFUL blessed
    via withoutadrought
  • 04
    Hemorex 88
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  • 05
    I've TNRd at a colony for almost four years now. I've seen many faces come and go. I've had sick ones, picked a few off the street after being hit by a car. Had this one Tom I could never catch for neuter. Eventually he became sick and looked absolutely miserable.
    via withoutadrought
  • 06
    Still couldn't catch him. One day he just disappeared. I figured he went off and died somewhere. Long story short, I find a note on the fence where I feed on my way to work. It says folded ear cat has been rescued, $2000 vet bill, is safe and sound, and is living the good life. I'm in contact with the rescuer and she sent me some photos. First photo taken by me
    via withoutadrought
  • 07
    PS. To my bird lover friends, Trap Neuter Release is better for birds in the long run because it reduces the number of feral cat populations, which then reduces the number of birds that are killed.
    via withoutadrought

  • These are the kind of stories that make us so, so happy. There is so much kindness in this story, it's actually surprising. From the person who spent 4 years trying to catch and TNR this tomcat, to the person who actually did, to the fact that the person who did made the effort to contact the first person and update them, knowing that this kitty mattered to them too. Amazing. More of this please. 

  • 08
    Professional-Ad-2988 Oh I'm so happy for him! The picture where he's knocked out, belly up... That's a happy kitty
    via Professional-Ad-2988
  • 09
    withoutadrought OP Most definitely! He's estimated to be around 10, so he may have spent his whole life on the streets. To see him like that, all sprawled out on his blanket, it's amazing.
    via withoutadrought
  • 10
    slaughterfodder This is probably the first time he's gotten some sleep in all those 10 years!!! Look at his chewed up little nose
    via slaughterfodder
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    withoutadrought OP Now he can heal, and enjoy his soft blanket and safe, warm home
    via withoutadrought

  • Yes, he finally can. Living for so long as a stray cat… we can only say that at this point, he truly deserves some rest. We can only imagine all the adventures he has been on. Time to retire and be spoiled for the rest of his life. 

  • 12
    micio9 It looks like he waited a long time for the good life. His ears could have been damaged by frostbite unless it's just a genetic fold on his ears. These stories always make me so happy.
    via micio9
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    withoutadrought OP I'm in the mountains, so it can get pretty cold here. That would add even more to his already hard life. It's all over now, he can enjoy his senior years living the good life.
    via withoutadrought
  • 14
    pettyaioli Amazing. Old boy looks right at home.
    via pettyaioli
  • 15
    withoutadrought OP He definitely does. I wish we could tell them that's what happens when they trust us.
    via withoutadrought
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    UltraGlitterCat Hooray for folded ear cat! I'm so glad he was rescued and can live out his senior years in a comfy home. You are also very kind to care for so many cats. TNR is wonderful, saves cat lives AND bird lives.
    via UltraGlitterCat
  • 17
    withoutadrought OP I wish it weren't such a solitary practice. With more support from local governments we could really solve the feral cat crisis. Also, making it more affordable for people to fix their pets.
    via withoutadrought
  • 18
    Puzzleheaded_Box1684 He's adorable
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  • 19
    withoutadrought OP Just goes to show that all cats are inside cats haha. He was the junkyard dog, the boss. Now look at him
    via withoutadrought

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