There are many who advocate for adoption. It isn’t difficult to understand why. These animals are left on their own and have nowhere to go and nobody to care for them. They’re truly the forgotten ones.
The animals in shelters, hospitals, and foster homes need all of the help that they can get. The backstories of these cats are sure to pull at your heartstrings. After all, it’s nearly impossible not to have empathy for another living being.
Although the cats on this list have had it rough, they survived and are now in loving homes. Maybe, you too can make a difference! These before and after photos are sure to leave you in awe.
1) Kai Mana
After Kai Mana had his jaw stepped on, he was going to be put down. But this woman’s boyfriend committed to taking care of him. Kai Mana had surgery and was fed through a syringe. Today, he is healthy and loves to spend time with the man who nursed him back to health.
2) Albus
Albus was found on the streets of Cairo. The other strays wouldn’t let him eat. Now he’s healthy and full!
3) Justin, Fire Survivor
This adorable kitty was set on fire at 1-month-old. He survived this act of cruelty and is now an advocate for The Kitty Krusade, Inc. where injured kittens get the care they need. Keep up the great work, Justin, Fire Survivor!
4) Night and day
They say, “A little love goes a long way.” It sure does. This before and after photo looks like there are two different cats! Wow, how amazing.
5) Gomi
Gomi was found in the trash. In fact, ‘gomi’ translates to ‘trash’ in Japanese. The owners say he’s living a happy life and carries his name with pride.
6) Emmy gets a lift home
This user found this kitten on the wheel of his forklift at work. He took her home and named her Emmy. The first photo is Emmy at 6-weeks-old and the second is her at 10-weeks-old.
7) Mittens
Mittens was a stray with the flu and a “belly full of worms.” She was given medication, needles, and a microchip. Although the owner’s parents were adament that Mittens wouldn’t be staying with them, she’s still there!
8) Kamal
Kamal’s owner fought for his life for weeks! Luckily, he survived. The owner’s coworker named him.
9) Sam
Sam was found shivering in the cold. He was nothing but skin and bones. Now he’s healthy and big! He even has a little brother, Dean the Cat, with whom he likes to spend his time.
10) Brooklyn
The first photo is when Brooklyn was first brought home. Look at her now. She went from hiding under the fridge to hogging the couch!
11) Smiling Sela
Sela was underweight and flea-infested when she was found. Here is Sela celebrating one year of being adopted with her family! She looks so happy!
12) Samantha
10-year-old Samantha spent time being neglected by her previous owners. Even though she took awhile coming out of her shell, she’s a happy cat now. I hope she’s living her best life!
13) Ernie
This poor kitty was found crying under a wheel well in the middle of winter. He had worms, fleas, a broken nose, and an eye infection. Poor guy! So happy that he is doing so much better.
14) Kitters
Kitters was found in 107 degree heat with his head stuck in a jar. He was being tossed around by a dog. He was brought into Shy Wolf Sanctuary and nursed back to health. He happily remains there playing in his environment and making friends.
15) Poor cat
This cat was found near a highway with traumatic injuries including a broken back. The woman who found her accepted donations from coworkers who raised around $2,000 in just a few days. She began to foster the cat and posted flyers searching for her owners. At the time of the posting, nobody had come forward.
16) Walter
Walter has come a long way in a year! He’s really grown into himself. He looks much more healthy.
17) Kuka
Kuka was found on a barn with missing fur and an eye infection. They were told that she might be blind or lose an eye. Thankfully, she was nursed back to full health!
18) Cotton
Cotton came to a human for help. Luckily, the man fed him and reached out for help. Another man came to Cotton’s rescue and took him to a vet. Cotton was blind from mange. When it was treated, he regained his vision and opened his unique eyes!
19) Tommy
Workers at the shelter were surprised when this person wanted to adopt this cat. Simply because he was “so scared all the time.” When the owner reached in to pet him, he closed his eyes and purred. Deal sealed!
20) Zoe
Zoe chose her person. She approached her meowing. The owner-to-be knew that they were meant to be in each other’s lives!
21) Believe in BenBen
BenBen was set to be euthanized after being adopted and brought back a few days later due to his extensive medical needs. Initially, he had a crushed spine, deep lacerations on his right hip and leg, and cauliflower ear. He was rescued the day before his scheduled euthanasia by a vet and her boyfriend. They were told that he would never walk again. Today, he walks and runs!
22) Stuart
This is Stuart Little. Maybe even the real deal! He was the smallest of his litter. That just means better adventures, of course!
23) Simon
Simon was rescued from kids who cut his whiskers and his fur. His whiskers grew back and he’s in great hands! All thanks to some good samaritans!
24) Cousteau
Cousteau was found in New Orleans. But when it was time to move to Paris with his new family, he was given a passport and made the big leap. What a journey!
25) Hunter and Zissou
These two were living under the porch. They were caught at about 5-6-weeks-old. They remain joined at the hip!
26) Louie
Louie was found in the gutter at just 2-weeks-old! After weeks of bottle feeding, he’s a healthy cat. Just look at how spoiled he is!
27) Yuzu
A friend of a vet student found this cat and brought him in. He had the worst case of scabies that they had ever seen, in addition to ear mites, fungal infections, stud tail, and recurrent ear and eye infections. A year later, Yuzu is healthy and loved!
28) Kamara
Kamara was in a foster home where the other cats weren’t very nice to her. Now, she’s in a loving home with someone who cares for her. It’s never too late to find love.
29) Bros
These two cat brothers are inseparable! They were found living in the streets together. Fortunately, they were adopted together as well.
30) Midnight
Midnight has had such a transformation! Her fur has grown back really well. Thanks to this loving family!
31) Food is the way to the heart
These owners say that he was already an attractive cat. They just fattened him up. At least he has a home now!
32) Barley
Barley was found on the side of the road. She was thin and covered in fleas. Look at her now!
33) Adoption changes lives
Adoption really does make a difference! This cat looked miserable before. He looks quite happy now!
34) Harry’s story
Harry was a feral cat with a terrible head wound. At first, he was very skeptical of humans and wouldn’t let his new owners around him. But 8 months later, he went from hissing to hugging. He never leaves their side.
35) Kia
Kia was found in the wheel well of a car. Can you guess the make? Here’s a hint, it’s in the name! She was taken in by the person who found her and cared for immediately.
36) Ben-Purr
First and foremost, you’ve gotta love his name! Secondly, what a transformation. He looks so much more healthy now.
37) Cupido
This cat was named Cupido because he was repeatedly shot with arrows before he was found. He also had a respiratory infection and was FelV positive. But thanks to some kind hearts, he’s now “fat and happy.”
38) Daka
This is one of those scenarios where the pet chose their owner. Daka was malnourished and his fur was discolored. He slept all day on the first day at his new home.
39) Sonny
Sonny was rescued from a Petsmart. He was 13-years-old and nobody wanted him. He was also covered in flea dirt, underweight, and had a mouth full of rotten teeth. This owner brought him home the very same day.
40) Brimley
Yep! This is the same cat! Their mom asked for a before and after picture of him. I’m sure she is pleased!
41) Snowy
Snowy was found at a neighbor’s front door trying to escape 120 degree heat. She was pregnant and trying to get what little cool air that came from under the door that she could. Within two hours, she gave birth to five kittens! The family kept two, including Snowy, and gave the other three away to friends!
42) Spooky was worth the effort
Spooky came from a neglected litter of kittens. This vet foster parent did their best to care for him but unfortunately, he didn’t make it. He was able to be in a comfortable home, if even for a while.
43) Foster child
Their mom said that they were just going to foster this cat. That was in 2015… It’s safe to say that this kitty has found a forever home.
44) Give it time
Jack was surrendered to a kill shelter after his previous owners welcomed a new baby. He was frightened and would bite and claw anybody who came near him. He’s not quite there yet but is doing much better.
45) Fig and the plastic container
Fig was found cuddled up in a plastic container. Today, he’s in a loving home. He’s described as happy, sweet, and curious.
46) Lucy
This little kitten has come a long way! Her fur looks so thick and soft! Not to mention those eyes!
47) Roadrunner
The first photo is what Roadrunner looked like at the shelter. The second is the day he was taken to his new home. What a transformation!
48) Marley
Marley was found in the dumpster but has made a steallar comeback. Dumpster kittens are always in need of extra love and attention. It looks this owner is doing a great job!
49) Much progress
This cat was picked up from the street. He stayed with a foster family until finding a home of his own. That bed looks very comfortable.
50) Kira
Kira was found on a farm with cows. She was nearing death from starvation. Luckily, it only took her a week to recover.
51) Cinderella… is that you?
Like many, this cat was picked up off the street. He was filthy and by the looks of it, exhausted. Look at him now! Judging by that pumpkin, maybe the Fairy Godmother is real…
52) Amira
Would you believe that this cat used to be skittish? They say she’s a diva now. I can believe it!
53) Paulie
Paulie loves to play! Who wouldn’t want to play with this cutie anyway? He even has his own pose! What an amazing two-year transformation.
54) Melvin finds a home
Melvin was found in a trash heap in 2012. That night, she brought him in and he slept on her chest. Six years later, it’s still his favorite resting place!
55) Kaylee
This precious baby was found inside the wheelwell of a neighbor’s car. The ironic part? She initially wanted to stay on the wheel. That is until she got a taste of a better life.
56) Tardis
Tardis found a home and a friend! The owner says that the dog remains terrified of him. Tardis doesn’t realize this and cuddles with him all of the time.
57) Ella Girl
Ella Girl is 5-years-old in this picture. It took her two years before she was comfortable enough to fully relax at home. Clearly, it was worth it.
58) Jazz
After this young lady volunteered at a animal shelter in junior high school, she decided to adopt this kitten. The woman running the shelter didn’t like cats and was very cruel to them, including this one and his family. Jazz is quite lucky.
59) Home at last
After fighting with his wife to adopt this kitty from a shelter, he has found a loving home. Just look at those eyes! So full of wonder!
60) Be sure of yourself
This cat went from hiding to having a home. He no longer looks uncertain and scared. What a great transformation!
61) Oscar’s home!
Oscar has found a loving home with this family. He’s one spoiled cat! But he deserves all the hugs in the world!
62) Flareon
Flareon was brought in from the outdoors. He was having a rough time. Now, he practically lives in luxury. At least, that’s what it looks like!
63) Time flies
This foster kitty went from being just 3lbs to over 7lbs in just over a month! He had infections and wouldn’t eat much. He even lost his smell. Fortunately, he’s regained his appetite and sense of smell. He was adopted immediately!
64) Spork
This owner got more than what he bargained for when Spork came into their life! The owner wanted an older cat who would lounge around the house while they were in class. But Spork won their heart and has found a forever home.
65) From the ashes
Phoenix was rescued with hot tar attached to him. Rescuers believe that he had come across a road that was setting. Now, he’s healthy and looking for a home!
66) Jack
Jack had respiratory issues when he was first brought home in 2012. Now he loves to lounge around the house and make his owners laugh. He even plays fetch!
67) James Bean
James Bean was adopted from a shelter. Although he was uneasy about his new surroundings at first, he fell in love with the hamper. Later, he developed a life-threatening bladder blockage. He overcame it and went back to being his happy and healthy self!
68) Jake made an amazing comeback
Jake was found under a car and half frozen. He was only 4-weeks-old. Look at him now!
69) Phineas
Adoption truly works wonders. This cat wasn’t having an easy time at the shelter. Luckily, he found love and a nice home.
70) Eleanor
Eleanor was found tied inside a garbage bag in a dumpster. She was semi-conscious. It was evident that she had been struck with something. She wasn’t expected to make it through the night. One of the worker’s at the animal shelter fostered her and eventually adopted her.
71) River
Once upon a time, River had coccidia and conjunctivitis. He even had to have his fur shaved because it was so matted. Four months later, he’s happy and as affectionate as ever in his new home!
72) Monroe
It looked like Monroe was very hesitant to be around others. But in time, that would change. See for yourself in the photo!
73) Pip
This kitty was blind due to an eye infection. Pip was the only survivor found in a litter of kittens. When she was healthy, she was adopted right away!
74) Isa for ice
Isa was rescued off of the street. This before and after photo was taken one month apart. She looks healthy and well-fed to me!
75) Healthy Roger
Roger was a 20lb senior cat up for adoption! Since, he’s been adopted and lost over 5lbs! He may be big but now he’s happy and active!
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