Since 1996, this kind man has been adopting the cats who needed homes the most from a shelter, and today, at 70 years old, he adopted the sweetest cat who's been there for 450 days

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Jun 12, 2026 12:45 PM EDT

We've always said that our goal, when we'll be old, will be to adopt as many old cats as we can to give them pawsome retirements. This man is living our dreams. 

Senior cats make amazing pets. We have said it before, and we will say it again. We know that people always rush to adopt kittens, and we understand why, we really do. But older cats deserve a chance too. They have so much love to give. The should not be spending their golden years stuck in a little cage in a shelter, waiting for someone to finally choose them. Senior cats are affectionate, often even more than younger cats. Senior cats know how to appreciate the things that you give them because they know what it is like to live without. 

Our goal in life, truly, is to end up like the man in this story shared on r/aww. He has spent so much of his life coming back to the same shelter, looking to adopt cats who truly need to be adopted. And this time, in his 70s, he's come back for his newest companion, and he did the most wonderful thing. He chose the cat who has been in the shelter the longest - 450 days. Finally, she's going home. 

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  • 01

    "Good news from our shelter. Cocotte was adopted after almost 450 days with us!!! She’s going to be the only « child » of a very nice older gentleman."

    "Cocotte was adopted after almost 450 days with us!!!"
    via Unsplash / Jelena Senicic

    A cute gray cat meowdel lying on its back and showing its belly. 

  • 02
    Substantial-Disk-709 She looks like a sweety.
    via Substantial-Disk-709
  • 03
    sonia72quebec OP She was so tired of living in our shelter that she was becoming grumpy, like our Bobby. It was more than time for her to find a peaceful home. We are all so happy for her. She left with all her toys and her favourite box.
    via sonia72quebec
  • 04
    Cheezburger Image 10637123328
    via sonia72quebec

  • There are two facets to this story that make it so, so wholesome. First of all, the fact that this kitty has been in the shelter, waiting with bated breath to finally be taken out of there, for 450 days… is heartbreaking. To think of the joy that she must have felt when it finally happened, when she was finally brought home. We could not thank this man enough. She's finally going to get what she needs. 

     

  • 05
    Convicted Ogilthorpe How old is she and how old is the elderly new owner? Just curious if you require them to have a family member named to "inherit" the kitty or is he a lot younger than I'm thinking and you think he's old but he's probably like my age ha ha
    via ConvictedOgilthorpe
  • 06
    sonia72quebec OP He's in his early 70's. Like the other Redditor said, we have a clause in our contract that our cats can always come back to our shelter if needed. I say "our" cats because they are always in our heart.
    via sonia72quebec

  • Second of all, this man… is who we want to be in the future. Even in this older age, he's helping animals. Even now, he's choosing the animals who need his help the most, rather than simply the cutest kitty who caught his eye. And the shelter deserves some credit too. We wish this man a long and happy life with his new kitty, but just in case, the fact that they are there, and we know that the kitty will be safe no matter what… just- thank you. 

  • 07
    Humble_Reality2677 Beautiful girl, that guy scored big.
    via Humble_Reality2677
  • 08
    sonia72quebec OP It's his third cat with us. (We have been doing this since 1996).
    via sonia72quebec
  • 09
    Cheezburger Image 10637124352
    via Unsplash / Jelena Senicic

    A cute cat sleeping with its paw next to its face, as represented by a meowdel.

  • 10
    calm-storm234 450 days and she walked out with her tail up like she was knew it would happen. That older gentleman is so lucky ❤
    via calm-storm234
  • 11
    sonia72quebec OP She didn't even complained when we put her in his carrier.
    via sonia72quebec
  • 12
    HiMyNamelsNerd Awwww, such a happy ending! Love seeing posts from your shelter
    via HiMyNamelsNerd
  • 13
    sonia72quebec OP Thank you!
    via sonia72quebec
  • 14
    Cheezburger Image 10637124608
    via Unsplash / Pacto Visual - pactovisual

    Beautiful close-up of a cat model with bright blue eyes.

  • 15
    TwelveGaugeSage It must have been bittersweet for you watching her go.
    via TwelveGaugeSage
  • 16
    sonia72quebec OP No it was a very happy moment. Cocotte didn't like living at the shelter. (Especially having to share the reception area with grumpy Bobby). Now she has a whole apartment to herself! He's a sweet older man, that's exactly what she needs. Peace and quiet.
    via sonia72quebec
  • 17
    And Bobby now has the whole area to himself... until we find another cat to share the place with. Sadly for him It won't be long...
    via sonia72quebec
  • 18
    micdropbungee Ah Cocotte!! I'm excited you'll be living a pampered princess life with your dad!!
    via micdropbungee
  • 19
    KreyKat I am pretty sure that it does hurt a tiny bit to let Cocotte go - but to a new home! Finally! To be loved and pampered and adored as she deserves. That's the Golden Ticket, isn't it?
    via KreyKat
  • 20
    AfricanTurtles Lol that face is definitely a little grumpy Glad to hear she found a loving home
    via AfricanTurtles

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aww wholesome cat adorable adoption heartwarming cute adopted story Cats rescue
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