'She had been waiting [her] whole life': After a missed adoption and weeks of patience, a seven-year-old finally brings home a kitten named Frankie and gains a new best friend

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Jan 13, 2026 7:00 PM EST

What started as a simple promise turned into a big, emotional win for a very patient seven-year-old. After a brave visit at the doctor and a rough stretch of disappointment, a tiny kitten from the local humane society finally made his way home. His shelter name is Frankie, though his forever name is still under serious consideration, which feels appropriate given how important this moment is.

The road to this adoption wasn't exactly smooth. Just before the holidays, the daughter had picked out another kitten, only to lose out when someone else's application went through first. For a kid who already lives between two homes filled with cats, the loss still hit hard. In her words, she had "been waiting her whole life," which at seven years old is both heartbreaking and a little impressive. Thankfully, this time worked out exactly as hoped.

Frankie has settled in with the confidence of a kitten who knows he's landed somewhere good. He's sweet, curious, and clearly ready to be someone's whole world. The resident cats are less enthusiastic, at least for now. The two older females have seen this routine before and will tolerate it. The younger male, however, is not thrilled and will need some time to process this major change to his kingdom.

For now, though, the important part is that the promise was kept, the heartbreak healed, and a little boy-cat found his place. Frankie may still be nameless, but he's already family, and that's what counts.

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  • 01
    My ex-wife promised our daughter a new kitten as a reward for shots at the doctor several months ago. Yesterday they self-awarded this adorable
    via IRingTwyce
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    little guy from the local humane society. His shelter name is Frankie, and my daughter hasn't decided what his permanent name will be.
    via IRingTwyce
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    Cheezburger Image 10595799552
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  • 04
    My daughter had a traumatic couple of weeks before settling on this cutie pie. She had picked out a little female r/StandardIssueCat right before Christmas, but someone else
    via IRingTwyce
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    turned in an application before ours and she lost that kitten. She was heartbroken. According to my sobbing daughter she had "been waiting my whole life"
    via IRingTwyce
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    WATERING SPY CH. BARB REAL
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    (she's 7 and both her mother and I each have 3 cats, only 2 of which are older than our daughter).
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  • 08
    So this adoption was successful and further overly dramatic declarations have been avoided (for the time being).
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    Cheezburger Image 10595799040
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    Frankie is settling in. The other three cats are not amused at this point, but they'll adjust. The two old females are more used to new cats joining the family. The 1⁄2 year old male, not so much. He'll be the one forced to make the biggest attitude adjustment.
    via IRingTwyce
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    Necessary-Bar-16... Frankie( for the time being) is absolutely adorable. Your daughter has her bff forever and ever!!! He'll take care of her forever G♥♥ #DA
    via Necessary-Bar-1644

  • These two are absolutely going to be besties for life. You can already tell this kitten found his person, and that kind of bond only gets stronger with time. From playtime to cuddles to growing up together, they’re going to share so many moments. It’s one of those friendships that starts early and sticks forever.

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    Aliceinus An adorable new baby for your girl!
    via Aliceinus
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    Wallace-N-Gromit Kitty is spoiled already
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    FuturamaGirl That is a very lucky kitten.
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    InstructionHead... Hehehehe very cute. Hope y'all have many happy years. together
    via InstructionHead8595
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    Mysterious_Che... Congratulations to all for a successful ending of this emotional and heart wrenching saga.
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  • The kid got her kitten, and the kitten got a new home. That’s a win all around. She gets a new best friend to grow up with, and he gets love, care, and a place where he’s truly wanted. Moments like this are what make adoptions so special. Everyone walked away happier, and that’s the best outcome there is.

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    Less_Professor_... Awesome!! Congratulations
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    Sea-Hope-3141 Awww two BFF's for life
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    July_snow-shov... The look of contentment in the third photo.
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    TheCortisolCorvid As someone who begged for a kitten from the age of approx 3 until I got mine at 10, there's something really special about growing up with them after it feels like you have wanted them your whole life. Please take lots and lots of pictures of both Frankie and your daughter (especially them together!) They'll be appreciated as an adult.
    via TheCortisolCorvid

  • There’s really nothing better than growing up with a pet. They’re there for the everyday moments, the hard days, and all the little milestones in between. A childhood pet becomes a best friend, a comfort, and a constant source of love. The bond that forms when you grow up together is something special, and it stays with you long after the kitten stage is over.

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    Otney Happy kitty in a good new life!
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    AgentBobbyRoe She lost out on nothing with this guy. He's absolutely adorable.
    via AgentBobbyRoe

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adorable adoption pets kitten cute feline pawrents Cats
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