Beautiful blind black cat who has been waiting for 9 years in the shelter to be adopted finally gets taken in by the purrfect family, now he can't stop purring and wanting love

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Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Jun 10, 2026 5:30 PM EDT

Did you know that 1-year-old cats are considered "old" in shelters? Their odds of being adopted are lower. Now, imagine what happens to an old cat in a shelter. 

Cats who are in shelters for a long time usually have very sad stories. They never deserve to be there for that long. They are never "bad" cats. They are cats who've been dealt some rough cards in their lives. Oftentimes, they are cats who have been abandoned by their previous owners, cats who have lost their owners to old age, or cats who have managed to get old as strays or ferals and have simply allowed themselves to get caught, wanting to finally get off the streets and into a warm home.

All of these cats deserve a chance at a forever home. But usually, people don't look at older cats in shelters, and "old" in shelters starts as young as when a cat is 1-year-old. The real problem happens in the shelter. The longer the cat is there, the worst the cat's reputation becomes, the more difficult it is for the cat to find a home. 

We don't know why exactly the cat whose story was shared on r/blackcats was in the shelter for as long as he was. All we know is that he was in there for 9 years. But he's not there anymore. Finally, he's found the home he deserves. 

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  • 01

    "3 days ago I adopted this small 10 years old blind void"

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  • 02
    Opal one JULIA NAVARRO
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  • 03
    Cheezburger Image 10636921344
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  • 04
    Hello everyone! first post here since its my first void that owns me!
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  • 05
    His name is Aceituno ("male" olive in spanish) and had been 9 years in the shelter waiting to be adopted. He is the sweetest boy, always purring and wanting love. He was sleeping during the day under the bed, and at night came out to explore but today HE SLEPT IN HIS BED DURING THE DAY!!
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  • 06
    My other cat, Mango (15 yrs old) does not react towards him unless Aceituno bumps into him due to his blindness, then Mango gives him a punch, but its only that
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  • 07
    Do you have any tips, recommendations? if not, just appreciate this cute little 3.5 kg void and also my orange Mango
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  • Just the thought of this poor thing sitting in a shelter for nine years, in a little cage, seeing all of his friends go away one by one, breaks our whole entire hearts. We cannot thank the person who rescued this cat enough. We would never be able to put into words just how grateful we are. We wish, with our entire souls, that you and this kitty will have many, many happy years together. She deserves just as much time living with joy in her heart as she spent in that shelter. 

  • 08
    snozberry_shortcake He was in the shelter for 9 years???
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  • 09
    Informal_Instance_19 OP yeah! such a poor sweet boy
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  • 10
    hankenator1 You remind me of my good friend “punk rock Ryan” who has several times after having a cat pass away goes to the shelter and says "who's been here the longest" and gives them a home. Doesn't adopt kittens, doesn't look for “cute” always adopts based on who needs it the most. Both of you are awesome.
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    Informal_Instance_19 OP and these oldies are such a great companions and souls
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  • People truly underestimate just how great of a companion a senior cat makes. Senior cats have been around. They know the world, they know the struggles that cats have to face out there. And they know how to appreciate it when they have something good. This cat, after everything that he has been through, is going to be one of the most affectionate, sweetest cats imaginable. This is true for every shelter cat who's been there for a long time. They're just waiting to give their love to someone who deserves it. 

  • 12
    MexsikanaBanana Can I send you three some goodies? Or I can send an Amazon gift card for you to get them goodies! I would love to celebrate this adoption with you! Thank you for giving this little guy a home
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  • 13
    Informal_Instance_19 OP oh you are so sweet! but there is no need, we have everything and more than we need! please if you can donate it to your local shelter
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  • 14
    mikraas Omg 9 years in the shelter??? You are my hero for giving this amazing gentleman a new lease on life. I have no tips or tricks, but please give him some pets from me.
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    Informal_Instance_19 OP will do
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  • 16
    Fragrant-Poo42 This is such a beautiful post omg I have a blind kitty, developed blindness about 2ish years ago. She gets around very well because she already knew the lay of the land and, because of this, I don't rearrange ANYTHING. Furniture stays where it is and if any cat towers/beds need replacing, they get replaced with the same item or something with near identical dimensions so she doesn't need to re-learn anything or get scared.
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    I also talk a lot. I speak out loud so she can always hear me coming and gauge where I am, I don't soften my steps too much on the hardwood floors because I don't want to startle her. It's really just about familiarity! I try to let her smell my hand before I go in for pets so she's ready for physical touch. Your cats are adorable and they're lucky to have you
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  • 18
    Informal_Instance_19 OP thanks for the advice!!!
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  • 19
    bizzeeb1 Bless you for adopting him and giving him a loving home. Keeps his initial space limited until he is comfortable & familiar with his environment. Nice to see he has Mango. Hopefully they will bond over the next month.
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    Informal_Instance_19 OP thank you for the advice!
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