'To the person who loved my cat before': Person writes a heartfelt letter to their cat's previous owner who loved the cat but had to let him go to a new home

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Oct 22, 2026 12:45 PM EDT

Rehoming a cat, sometimes, is the kindest choice. 

Generally, of course, we are against cats being rehomed. There are so many solutions to so many issues that can be found. Letting your cat go should always be the last choice. Because as smart as cats are, they are still just cats, and they don't understand rehoming. They just think that they were abandoned by their owners. But sometimes, when the problem is insurmountable, surrendering your cat is not only the right choice, it's also the kindest one. 

We always say that people should adopt a cat when they are ready, when they have enough stability in their lives. If that stability is gone, and if it can't be brought back, then you should not have a cat. It's simple to understand, but it's not easy to do. Of course, people do it all the time. We could write stories about abandoned cats every day, and we wouldn't run out. The only thing that we ask is that if you have to do it, do it right. Don't throw your indoor cat onto the street to fend for themselves. Find them another home if you can, and if you can't, take them to a shelter. So that they have an actual chance to be found by a new person who will love them just as much as you did. Like the person in today's story loves this cat. 

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  • 01

    "To the person who loved my cat before"

    PAP
    via u/positivelycat
  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10671739904
    via u/positivelycat
  • 03
    To start I do not want anyone to judge his previous owner as I do not know the full story.
    via u/positivelycat
  • 04
    I adopted a 7 year old cat a few months ago. Tonight I am thinking about his life before my home.
    via u/positivelycat
  • 05
    To the person who I believe made hard choice due to changing circumstances. He found a new forever home. He got the home you wanted for him.
    via u/positivelycat
  • 06
    Me and my husband have no kids and are crazy cat people. He is loved and adored and gets all the attention he wants.
    via u/positivelycat
  • 07
    Okay you know that is wrong he wants to be held all the time and you know I have to work and eat. But I do work hybrid! But he is well loved and taken care of.
    via u/positivelycat
  • 08
    He has settled in nicely, though sometimes he does not know what to think of our other older cat. He is happy, he is loved and he is safe.
    via u/positivelycat
  • 09
    SA ip ipt C 3
    via Unsplash / Laura Matthews - lkmatt

    Orange cat sitting menacingly inside of a very large box. 

    Stock photo unrelated.

  • 10
    kittybigs Aww, I bet he was held before and he loved it. This is such a lovely tribute to the one who made that tough decision. Whatever the circumstance I'm so glad he's found you guys.
    via kittybigs
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    Cheezburger Image 10671740416
    via Unsplash / Laura Matthews - lkmatt

    Pretty orange cat loafing on a cat bed. 

    Recreated scenario included to enhance reader understanding.  

  • 12
    positivelycat OP You know someone loved him, unloved cats do not learn how to ask to be picked up. He ask for uppies like a little kid.
    via positivelycat

  • This is true. All cats are capable of this in my opinion, even stray ones who have never been loved by humans before, but rarely will they ask for it. They certainly don't know how. The fact that he knows that this is something that he can have and that he is not afraid to ask for it are both such huge things. He was very obviously loved, and we're sure that it wasn't an easy choice for his previous owner. We hope that they come across this letter and these pictures, so they know he's loved just as much as he was before now. 

  • 13
    Cheezburger Image 10671741184
    via Unsplash / Laura Matthews - lkmatt

    Purrfect orange cat sitting on top of a fluffy blanket. 

    Image for illustrative purposes.

  • 14
    Academic_Union_1754 I wish there was a way you can forward this note to the shelter or rescue which facilitated this adoption. People are really struggling out there and many people do not just give up their pets for no reason. I think it's wonderful you want to thank the previous caregiver. Clearly this orange was loved and socialized.
    via Academic_Union_1754
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    Cheezburger Image 10671740672
    via Unsplash / Laura Matthews - lkmatt

    Close-up of a sleeping fluffy orange cat. 

    Scene shown is a visual representation.

  • 16
    positivelycat OP Hello, I have actually sent them update my local shelter promote people sending them stories on how their alumi are doing. It does not sound like they will actively reach out but he is getting a blurp in their next alumi update post
    via positivelycat

  • This is also such a wonderful thing. They may never say anything to you if they get your message. There might even be a part of them that will be hurt by seeing him so happy with someone else, knowing that they couldn't keep him for themselves. But we're sure that they will be glad. And thankful. What matters the most at the end is that the kitty is happy and safe rather than sitting in a shelter, longing for love all day every day. 

  • 17
    Cheezburger Image 10671740928
    via Unsplash / Laura Matthews - lkmatt

    Adorable ginger cat looking at the camera. 

    Stock photography for depiction only.

  • 18
    DanceTheCosmicNoir People need to realize that it's ok to re- home a pet if you're unable to take care of them. Unfortunately, I see people being shamed for doing so too much.
    via DanceTheCosmicNoir
  • 19
    positivelycat OP I agree, there is no doubt in my mind that this cat was very well loved before me. You don't get to be thus sweet without love. I know it broke someone hearts to part with him and that they believed they were doing the right thing for him.
    via positivelycat

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aww wholesome cat adorable adoption heartwarming cute adopted story Cats rescue
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