'21 years ago I rescued an abandoned kitten. Today she turned 21': Heartfelt woman reflects on her favorite memories with her best friend, a reminder not to take our furry friends for granted

Author image for Briana Viser
Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Jul 8, 2026 1:30 PM EDT

Let's all take a moment to acknowledge this special and adorable little lady, and celebrate her 21 years! 

All we can ask for with our pets is that they're happy and healthy, and that they're afforded the most years on earth possible. It's the flipside of some of the most beautiful relationships we can have. When it comes to our pets, they're like these perfect beings that just love us, but their lives don't last as long. In Reddit's r/SeniorCats, a woman reflects on 21 years with her best friend. It's not everyday that a cat lives that long, so when one does it's definitely a celebration. This heartfelt woman describes their first moments together, and all the life changes they've been through. She's always been her rock and shadow. It was 21 years ago and the woman was leaving a friend's house, she came across a litter of four kittens that were abandoned in the driveway. She decided to take one home that night, and it ended up being the best decision she ever made in her life. 

Looking back, she wonders how things would have panned out without her cat, and knows how special their connection is. The little kitty is 21 years and counting! She's still spry and chipper, her personality is fully intact, and her health issues are slim. Here at I Can Has Cheezburger we're wishing Puss Puss a very happy birthday, and a healthy future, and years to come! An uplifting story of a cat's long life is exactly what we all need. Enjoy the photos below. Happy birthday! 

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    Hello Reddit! For my first post here, I'd like to introduce my very special girl, Puss Puss, who celebrated her 21st birthday today (6/20/26)!
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    I can't adequately express how much this little cat has meant to me over the past 21 years.
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    21
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    Through some of the happiest moments of my life, as well as some of the most difficult and
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    traumatic, she's always been there. She's been my day one, my rock, my shadow, and my best little companion.
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    Twenty-one years ago, while leaving a friend's house, I came across a litter of four kittens that had been abandoned in the
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    driveway. I decided to take one home that night, and that decision ended up changing my
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    life. Looking back, I can't imagine what my life would have been like without her.
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    At 21 years old, she has a few age-related health issues, including kidney disease, but all things considered, she's doing
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    remarkably well. Her personality, attitude, and sass are still fully intact. She still lets everyone know she's in charge.
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    I know how incredibly fortunate | am to have had 21 years with such an amazing companion.
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    Every day with her feels like a gift, and I try not to take a single one for granted. Thank you, Puss Puss, for
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    choosing me all those years ago and for giving me a lifetime of unconditional love, comfort, laughter, and memories. I hope I've given you even a fraction of the happiness you've given me.
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    Here are some of my favorite photos from the past year, including a few from her special birthday celebration today. Thanks for letting me share my little old lady with the world.
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  • I can't get over the photos of her in her birthday outfit. She looks like one of the happiest and healthiest cats I've ever seen. It's obvious how much she's been loved in her life, and 21 years with her human must be meowgical for her to experience. There's no saying what will happen in life for anyone, and the unexpected always feels present. But what we have here is just pure wholesome and heartfelt vibes. Nothing to say except that they're lucky to have each other, and the owner is doing the right thing by sharing her with the world. 

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    N
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wholesome story love senior cats positivity
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