Former feral cat with a face full of scars keeps getting overlooked at the shelter, until one visitor returns for him 3 separate times and adopts him

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Jun 13, 2026 10:15 AM EDT

It's a tough life out there as a shelter cat. You have to wait for a hooman to see you and your heart, and sometimes, that can take years. For Dr. Vincent "Fancypants" DeNozo, it took longer than it should have. But now, he has a family of his own and a pawrent that loves him!

Not only do black cats have the lowest adoption rate out of any cat breed and color, but former feral ones even less. If you saw a beautiful, clean-looking cat next to one that is full of scars and partially shaved from its fur being matted together, which one would you pick? Well, we know that you would probably pick the scraggly one, but most people would pick the pretty one. 

That's how Dr. Vincent "Fancypants" DeNozo from Reddit's r/Cats subreddit felt. He was brought into the shelter after living a rough life in a feral colony outside. He looked ruff, and as a result, he was passed over many times by potential pawrents looking to adopt. Until, one purrson formed a connection with him, saw how beautiful he was underneath, and came back three times to finally adopt him.

Now, Dr. Vincent "Fancypants" DeNozo loves his head scratches. He relishes in cuddles. He gets along with his new cat siblings and drools when he's happy. Dr. Vincent "Fancypants" DeNozo is finally living the good life, healing, and beginning his joyous journey to the indoor life slowly but surely. 

It just takes one purrson to change a cat's life - be that purrson. Adopt the scraggly-looking cat, they often love the hardest.

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    Cheezburger Image 10638013184
    via FoxEatsButter
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    This is amazing. I went back to the shelter 3 times just to look at this devilishly handsome and disheveled boy. They claim he's 4 years old, but the scars on him indicate those 4 years have been difficult.
    via FoxEatsButter
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    Cheezburger Image 10638013440
    via FoxEatsButter

  • Former feral cats can be tricky. It can take them a lot of time to adjust to being indoors and to let go of all of those instincts that kept them alive while living outside. They usually don't get along with other cats and can be… temperamental (to say the least). But not all of them. Some of them were waiting to be picked up and pampered their whole lives - these ones adjust quickly, like Dr. Vincent "Fancypants" DeNozo. We're glad he's finally getting what he's wanted all along.

     


     

  • 04
    He was found with a feral cat colony, trapped, fixed, and released. He was too friendly and trapped again. Every time I've been to the shelter these past 2 weeks, he's been there. Healing and waiting for a life he's never known.
    via FoxEatsButter
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    Cheezburger Image 10638013952
    via FoxEatsButter
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    A life where he's safe and loved and cared for. His nose appears to have been cut through, probably from the claw of another cat. He has severe scarring behind both of his ears. His bottom half had to be shaved due to the matting. And his ear, tipped.
    via FoxEatsButter
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    Cheezburger Image 10638014208
    via FoxEatsButter
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    A broken tooth and a second grade heart murmur. He loves cuddling. He loves his head and behind his jowls scratched. He likes to play with laserpointers. He likes my other cats. He's very vocal and chirps and purrs a lot. He drools when he's happy. He kneads the air when I scratch his back.
    via FoxEatsButter
  • 09
    Please meet Dr. Vincent "Fancypants" DeNozo.
    via FoxEatsButter
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    Cheezburger Image 10638013696
    via FoxEatsButter

  • Cats have the best names. Dog owners always name their dogs something normal like “Spot” or “Rupert”. Dr. Vincent "Fancypants" DeNozo is far superior. 

     


     

  • 11
    Adept Amount_4327 This is such a beautiful post and he is a beautiful boi! Thank you so much for giving him the home he never had. Bonus that he is also loving your other cats! This could not be more perfect.
    via Adept_Amount_4327
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    Square_Imagination27 He looks settled in and happy. Thank you for giving him a good home.
    via Square_Imagination27
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    nauseatedcat
    via nauseatedcat
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    This remarkable, disheveled old man was Larry. We took him in his last few earthly years. He too showed up scarred, missing fur, broken teeth, and was fiv+. As old as the earth itself. But he was the absolute kindest, sweetest, most gentle cat I have ever known, and he thrived his short time that we had with him. Long live our disheveled boys!!!
    via nauseatedcat
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    Tight-Bear5888 The great thing is your other cats act like the new cat has always been there
    via Tight-Bear5888
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    Mamaof7Cats Your post made my dyt. Thank you for giving this boy a furever loving home. I can feel his appreciation and love for you through the photos.
    via Mamaof7Cats
  • 17
    No-Membership3214 Such a handsome dude, enjoy amazing new life!
    via No-Membership3214
  • 18
    Nostradama5 My black cat drooled too, so funny! You two are lucky you have found each other and I wish you many long years together.
    via Nostradama5
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    Capable_Culture_7344 Hello Dr! He looks like my girl
    via Capable_Culture_7344
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    Prince_Ginger2019 What a handsome fellow! Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I hope you share a fun filled life together.
    via Prince_Ginger2019

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unwanted black cat cat adoption feral cats animal shelter
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