Stray black kitten follows a woman and her dog for the first half of a 5-hour hike, then falls asleep in the dog's bowl for the rest of it, woman says: 'I didn't want to leave him alone.'

Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor

Sep 18, 2026 4:45 PM EDT

Some cat adoptions come from such unlikely places.

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for black cats. It's not just their special history because of the ties to the fear of witches, and it's not the fact that they're most likely the last ones to stay at a shelter because of said history. It's because I have a black cat myself. She's absolutely gorgeous - her fur is short but so soft, she has three white spots on her belly, and she has striking green eyes. She's 7 years old now, and I've had her since she was a month old. She's literally my first child. I love my Cassie to bits.

That's why when I hear a story about a black kitten being adopted, my heart melts instantly. Like, even faster than when I hear about any cat being adopted. Moreover, when a black cat is found in a surprising, unlikely place, it always reminds me of my cat. She was found by my classmate (when I was a student) near her student dorms. She was part of a stray litter, and her cat mama rejected her. I was looking to adopt a cat at the time, but never imagined I'd find my soul cat hidden in my classmate's apartment, since there was a strict no-pet policy in the dorms.

So when I heard about Bowkie and his story, I immediately developed an urge to share it with someone. And then I remembered I work for I Can Has Cheezburgrer, the great cat platform on the internet, so I can literally share it with the world. So scroll with me and warm your heart with a black kitten found in the most unlikely of places.

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01
Seeing this before a hike is too much for the heart

via @bytarzana
02
Such a cutie black hole staring at her

via @bytarzana
03
Walking towards the woman and her dog

via @bytarzana
04
Kitten is really not shy

via @bytarzana
05
Hesitating to go near the dog

via @bytarzana
06
Making the kitten and dog greet each other

via @bytarzana
07
Sniff sniff, hello new friend!

via @bytarzana
08
Going on the adventure together

via @bytarzana
09
What a tiny and brave hiker

via @bytarzana
10
Reaching the destination, appreciating the view

via @bytarzana
11
Such a creative way to help the kitten

via @bytarzana
12
He's sound asleep

via @bytarzana
13
All this beautiful nature around, but the prettiest sight is in the dog bowl

via @bytarzana
14
He likes his makeshift bed

via @bytarzana
15
Tired and happy

via @bytarzana
16
A welcoming hike, it seems

via @bytarzana
17
The dog is pawsitively fascinated

via @bytarzana
18
Playing together at home

via @bytarzana
19
What a cute duo the both are

via @bytarzana
20
The naming process of a new pet if always interesting

via @bytarzana
21
What an adorable name fit for an adorable kitten

via @bytarzana
22
Such a cuddle bug

via @bytarzana
23
Strays need a flea bath, there's no way around it

via @bytarzana
24
Such a floofy boy!

via @bytarzana
25
He's so smol he can swim in his new harness

via @bytarzana