'I knew I was going to get this cat one way or another': A stray kitten who kept coming back finds warmth in the garage and becomes a beloved family cat

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Feb 27, 2026 6:00 PM EST

He kept coming back until someone finally let him in.

Back in November 2020, a young cat started showing up on the deck outside the window. He was still just a baby, probably around six months old, and even though he wasn't allowed inside at first, he kept coming back. Food was set out for him in secret, along with a carrier, in the hope that he'd stick around.

One night, there was meowing coming from the garage, and when the door opened, he came running straight in. He was given plenty of wet food, and in return he purred nonstop. Since he still wasn't allowed in the house just yet, six hours were spent sitting with him in the garage in the cold while he snuggled into a lap and fell asleep. It was clear he felt safe there.

Eventually, he was allowed inside on one condition, that he be named by dad, who happens to be a big Raiders fan. That's how he ended up with the name Madden, which somehow suits him perfectly.

Now he's settled in and very much part of the family, offering constant companionship and affection. It's hard to imagine things any other way when a cat like this shows up and decides where he belongs.

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  • 01
    His name is Madden. In November 2020, I saw him from my window on the deck. I knew he was still a baby, probably around 6 months. My dad wouldn't let him in at first but he kept coming back. I set out food and a carrier for him in secret.
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    Cheezburger Image 10609885184
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    One night, I heard meowing from my garage and when I opened the door he came RUNNING inside. I gave him so much wet food and he purred and purred. My dad still wouldn't accept him
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  • 05
    in yet so I sat in the garage with him for 6 hours in the bitter cold while I waited for it to warm up. (Third image) He snuggled into my lap the entire time and slept. He was safe and happy. I knew I was going to get this cat one way or another.
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    My dad finally let him in but only if he could name him. He's a huge raiders fan so Madden it was! Quite a funny name but it fits him.
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  • 09
    He has severe EGC and I honestly don't think he would be alive if I didn't take him in. I'm so grateful for this cat. He has provided so much unconditional love in times of hardship.
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    Thank you for being in my life, Madden.
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  • 13
    Andisaurus rex I love seeing the transformation from somewhat scruffy outdoor cat to a total floof!
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  • It’s always nice to see what a little love can do. With some care and a safe place to be, they really start to change. Before long, they’re looking healthier, happier, and somehow even more floofy than before. It’s amazing how much difference a warm home and some attention can make.

  • 14
    CatButler59 He's gorgeous. Good job.
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    JustHere4ThaCm... What a handsome boy! Good job, OP, Madden looks like a sweet boy!
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    Bogeysmom1972 What a difference a safe, loving home can make
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    MissingUAwesome Thank you for rescuing this beautiful boy!
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  • 18
    solasdisapproves He is so beautiful. You two are lucky to have found one another.
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  • 19
    Shoddy_Positiv... Sounds like a good deal to me. Well deserved I would add!
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  • Getting a cat in exchange for naming rights seems like a pretty fair trade. If that’s all it takes to bring them inside, it’s honestly a win for everyone involved. The cat gets a warm home and a full bowl, and dad gets to pick the name. Sounds like a solid deal all around, especially when it ends with a new family member settling in so comfortably.

  • 20
    meltedpete He's a beautiful boy. I'm very glad that he brings you so much joy. That's his one and only goal.
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  • 21
    Ivdmycat Thanks dad for letting her keep him!!
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  • 22
    leafmotif Wow, he got a lot floofier once he moved in with you! sweet photos, thank you for sharing
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  • 23
    DDiamondgem Awwwww! Love your story. He's a gorgeous baby. So happy you found each other!
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  • What a cutie pie. That little face would be hard for anyone to say no to. It’s no surprise he kept coming back when he found someone willing to sit with him and make sure he was safe. You can tell he’s settled in nicely and knows he belongs there now.

  • 24
    EcstaticJuggerna... I'm so happy y'all have each other. He's a beautiful boy.
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    world renownedba... very nice he is quite handsome.
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  • 26
    USBlues2020 Beautiful Of course he is Congratulations Thank ♥ you for giving him a forever home
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