Over 10 years ago, a woman came across a tiny kitten while visiting a local shelter. The kitten was the only baby there, and he had no family to spend the upcoming holidays with.
“My mother said he looked so tiny and sickly that she had to take him home,” reddit user erkah147 told LoveMeow.
The family worked hard to nurse the kitten back to health. When it was all said and done, they named their new cat Tiger.
When it was time for everyone to go on vacation, Tiger was left with the grandparents to be taken care of.
Tiger’s grandpa wasn’t a big fan of animals. Not to say he didn’t like them— he just didn’t seem very interested either way. When Tiger came to stay with them though, the man could somehow sense this cat was special. Tiger and Grandpa would spend hours cuddling and snuggling. The affectionate fluffy kitty was more than happy to lie across the old man’s lap and keep him company all day.
“Their bond is very tight,” erkah147 explained. “Wherever my grandpa is, Tiger is with him, either on his lap or sleeping right beside him.”
When the family came back from vacation to see the Grandpa and Tiger’s incredible bond, they knew they couldn’t take the cat away after finally finding his puuurrrfect home.
“I visit all the time and I figured he would get more attention there, and I was absolutely right,” erkah147 said. “He’s their baby”
Cats can actually be very beneficial to seniors. Studies cited by the American Humane Society show that pets, in general, can help older people “overcome loneliness and depression by providing affection, company, entertainment, and a sense of responsibility.” Dogs can also help seniors in these ways, but they often require more care, training and exercise— things seniors aren’t always capable of providing. This is why cats, as a general rule, often make the perfect pet.
Now, 10 years later, Tiger is still the elderly couple’s favorite companion. He is very smart and social and has even trained his new parents to turn on the bathroom faucet whenever he asks.
“Tiger is pretty much the only animal that I’ve seen my grandfather truly get along with and enjoy the company of,” erkah147 revealed.
“He really brings a lot of joy to their lives.”
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