Older couple keeps two stray cats as outdoor companions for years, too heartbroken over their late dog to invite them in; but another unexpected loss convinces them to make the cats part of their family

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Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor
Jul 23, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

There's a good reason to keep your cats indoors.

Look, I don't want to stress any fellow cat pawrents reading this, but there are very simple, measurable, and studied parameters about keeping your cat indoors vs. keeping your cat outdoors (full time or part time). Let me just show you the raw details first: While indoor cats often live to 12-18 years, free-roaming outdoor cats have an average lifespan of just 2-5 years. They face severe hazards, including car accidents, predators, infectious diseases, and poisons (many plants are poisonous to cats, for example).

And since most people don't want their cats encountering life-threatening situations often, it makes sense that cat pawrents will keep their cats indoors. Maybe add a nice catio with a great view, but generally - indoor. And that's the harsh truth u/godallid's parents learned. They raised two yard cats, real sweethearts. But the mom refused to let them inside - she was still hurt from losing the family dog a few years back. Now, I never judge the decisions of a grieving pet pawrent - I've never experienced pet loss, and I dread the day I'll have to face it. But this specific decision to keep the emotional distance from the cats, by keeping them physically distant from the house, had very sad consequences.

Just as I've mentioned above, cars are one of the most dangerous things for roaming cats. And unfortunately, one of the cats was hit by one, and passed over the rainbow bridge. It's such a sad, sudden, and horrific way to lose a cat. But that was the horrific shake-up and wake-up call the mom needed - she decided differently, that no more. She's not losing any more pets. The cat has been officially promoted to an indoor prince - just as any cat deserves.

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    1952
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    UPDATE - My Dad is now a cat guy!
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  • It's such a classic cat and dad situation. You know it for sure - there's always a dad who wasn't sure he wanted a cat, but then, after giving them some time, the cat becomes the dad's BFF. Such a classic situation.

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    A little over a week ago, I shared how my Dad befriended two kitties who wandered up one day, and never left. Their names are
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    Smoky and Snowball. My Mom was adamant about the kitties not being indoors, despite our multiple attempts. We've
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    been lobbying to let my Dad bring the kitties indoors for almost 2 years
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    now. The loss of their previous dogs, left an imprint on her - and took it as that she didn't want to emotionally commit.
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    Well, there's great news and sad news.
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    elcome
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  • Just by this picture, these two cats look like complete sweethearts. You can just know this family really wanted to take care of them to the best of their ability.

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    The great news is that as you can see - Smoky is indoors and has found his favorite chill spot next to my Dad during TV time.
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    The sad news is that we lost Snowball. My Dad found him on the side of the road near their home one morning. He said that
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    Snowball was still warm, and looked like he was hit by a car. He brought him home so that Smoky could see him, and then
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    buried Snowball in their rose garden.
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    Cheezburger Image 10649139968
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    Rest in peace, Snowball.
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    After talking with my Dad that morning, I tried to appeal to my Mom. She listened, understood - and
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    welcomed Smoky in with open arms. She knew how much my Dad loves the cats and truthfully she - loves 'em too.
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    Smoky is such a great addition to their lives. He's really confident at their home, and regularly
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    invites himself onto both of their laps for some biscuit making. He follows my Dad around like a dog,
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    and always stays with my Mom on the sofa when she watches TV into the late night.
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    Sweaty Mushroom5830 Awesome, another cat family
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    godallid OP Yeah I'm really enjoying watching my parents experience the joys of an indoor kitty
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    Entire-Ambition 1410 I'm sorry for your loss. May you give Smokey some wonderful golden years!
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    godallid OP Thank you! He's living it up in his new space
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    FireproofCottage What I noticed first is Smoky and your dad have the same chill guy contented expressions. Wish them many happy days.
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    godallid OP Yes both are very chill dudes - perfect match!
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    AL_Starr Aw, I'm so sorry about Snowball
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    godallid OP Thank you. He was the cat that was not truly domesticated when we met him, but after a while - started to get comfortable with pets and gave us ploops from afar. He and smoky had the bonded pair walk, where they strolled side by side bumping each other. We're gonna miss him a lot
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wholesome cat heartwarming cat adoption adopted loss old people family Cats stray
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