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This Online Community Shares Before And After Adoption Pics, Shows How Love And Care Changes Cats (30 New Pics)
Too many animals end up neglected or in abusive hands of people who were supposed to love them. Deprived of human affection and care, they often lose hope for what the future holds. And while for some, there’s not much in there, a few lucky ones are given a second chance in their new forever home.
If you've ever adopted an animal who has seen and experienced things no living being should ever endure, you’d know how hard it is for them to regain their trust in humans. But love and time are the two most powerful things that heal all wounds, and this post is a tribute to that.
Below are some of the most inspirational and emotional photos of cats before and after adoption as shared on the tear-jerking r/BeforeNAfterAdoption subreddit. More happy endings of animals who were happily adopted can be found in our previous posts here, here and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Hazel Was A Stray Who Was Rescued After Being Caught In A Steel Trap For An Estimated 5 Days. She Lost Her Leg But Found Her Home With Me! This Is 8 Weeks After Coming Home
RELATED:
#2
10 Months Ago I Found This Little Guy Abandoned And Starving, Now He's A Pampered Little Prince
#3
This Guy Showed Up On Our Porch One Day
He was emaciated, dirty brown fur, covered with ants, cross eyed and barely alive. The humane society wouldn’t take him because he was in such bad shape. So we kept him and named him Knut. He turned into a fluffy white monster.
To find out what we all need to know before adopting a cat, Bored Panda reached out to Hannah Baker, a head of communications at FOUR PAWS in the UK. This charity organization was founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, and now has spread worldwide, advocating for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.
In the wake of COVID-19 and the repeated lockdowns, it is likely that both dog and cat rehoming centers will see an influx of animals being handed over and looking for new forever homes,” Hannah said when asked if cats or dogs end up in shelters more often.
#4
Parker, The Sickly Stray 5 Week Old Kitten I Found In A Parking Lot At Work Three Years Ago
#5
My Rescue’s Transformation
#6
This Poor 10 Y/O Little Man Took A Year To Go From Brutalized To Healthy And Active
When it comes to the adoption procedure, taking a cat back to its new forever home is much like the process with adopting a dog, Hannah said. “FOUR PAWS advocates adoption when looking for a new four-legged friend and as such would recommend researching the local rehoming centers near to you. They will then review your lifestyle and advise on the cats that would be suitable for you.”
#7
Found Him Dehydrated In The High Summer Heat. Didn't Plan On Keeping Him Initially But A Few Years Later And I Can Never Leave Him!
Philly Bob Squires 4 years ago
This is how you get a cat! ... no... this is how you get a friend for life!
#8
From Scrawny Stray, To Lovely House Kitty
#9
My Baby Boy, Tom. The Day I Found Him And Now, 18 Months Later. He's Grown Into A Very Handsome Boy!
FOUR PAWS has a handy checklist that can help people decide if they’re ready for a feline friend. Turns out, if you’re thinking of adopting a cat, you should imagine when you’re already a cat owner. The somewhat humorous check point list includes things that you will be willing to do as a new feline owner.
For example, Remove 'cat hair' from your clothes; Regularly clean out the 'cat food bowl'; Weekend? Get up early!; Train your cat to use a transport box; Read your rental agreement on pet keeping; Make your home cat-secure; Imagine claw marks on your couch; Groom your 'cat'; Take an allergy test; Imagine the dead birds and mice your cat might bring into the house, etc.
#10
The Day I Found Them Abandoned In A Cardboard Box, 1 Month, 2 Months And Likely Half Their Body Weight Of Worms Later
ƒιѕн 4 years ago
I would have to beat some ass if I found someone dumping helpless kitten like that.
Karen Roulet 4 years ago
Some people are extremely crual! VERY Hateful people. They should go to jail. I know some people do, if there caught. But I'm the type that would have them arrested if I knew. And YES, a good "Whoopin'" would be in store. Hateful.
KombatBunni 4 years ago
This is why some people should only be allowed pets if they could pass a pet parenting test, blood test, psych evaluation, AND a police check.
Load More Replies...
#11
Cicero Came To Us Dehydrated, Anemic, And Encrusted With Snot. Now He's A Glorious Fluffy Boy!
#12
I Found This Kitten Last Summer In A Sealed Box Near The Road We Rode
I don't know why I decied to stop and check it. Now he is a big cat and lives in this new family with his new friend.
“It’s also important to remember that like any pet, a cat is a lifelong commitment and it’s necessary to consider if you’ll be keeping your cat indoors or if they’ll be allowed to go outside, do you have a preference over gender, what home comforts do they need, etc.,” Hannah said and concluded that “Cats can bring so much to our lives but it’s vital to ensure that you have thought long and hard about adding one to your home.”
#13
To Think That Luna Used To Fit In The Palm Of My Hand
#14
This Tiny Girl Was Found Abandoned (We Think Dumped), Injured, And Couldn't See
We didn't think she would make it through the first night. After three weeks, she can see and has more energy than I can sometimes handle
#15
I Trapped Sushi When He Was 17 Weeks Old With An Infected Neck Wound. 8 Months Later, Love And Patience Have Turned My Former Feral Into A Cuddle-Loving Cat
#16
How It Started vs. How It's Going
#17
Olly: 1 Month Update
#18
After My Cat Died I Decided To Pick Up This Small Guy Who Looked Healthy When We Got Him, But We Soon Learned He Had A Horrible Ringworm Infestation. I Spent The Next 4 Months Healing This Little Guy
#19
Titan, Adopted Through Our Rescue Good Karma. He’s Spoilt!
#20
Stray That Started Coming By Our Library Staff Parking Lot Got Taken To The Shelter, Now He's Properly Adopted And Enjoys Belly Rubs, Anyway Here's My New Son, Taako
#21
What Love And Tons Of Churu Can Do To A Street-Hardened Cat
#22
A Week After We Rescued This Little Girl. We Have Named Her Shamsie (Sounds Like Tummy)- Arabic For Sunshine
#23
Bean Dip. Found By My Girlfriend Under A Pile Of Trash In A Construction Site
We nursed her back to health and she now lives with a family member. First three photos are from July of this year, last photo is from two weeks ago. Best thing to happen to me in 2020.
#25
This Is Peanut! I Found Him Caught In A Rat Trap And Knew He Had To Have A Second Chance
I was working in a restaurant when a few of my coworkers were talking about a kitten stuck in one of the rat traps outside. Everyone, including me, thought he had been dead for quite some time. Out of curiosity, I nudged his little feet and he kicked his paws!
It took a few minutes to wiggle him free, and when he opened his mouth to meow at me, his tongue was absolutely covered in rat poison.
I rushed him to our local vet, and thankfully there was an easy solution to his poisoning! My roommate and I paid out of pocket to cover his bill and took him home to rest and recover. Even though he had been through a lot, he wasn’t shy. He crawled into my lap wanting to be petted and held. He meowed and ate without hesitation. I took that as a good sign that he would be just fine. He seemed like he would make the perfect pet for anyone who adores cats.
Sadly, we couldn’t keep him. We have three dogs and not enough room for another animal. But in only just a few days, we found Peanut a new home with a very loving couple and their cat!
Now he has blossomed into a gorgeous kitty who loves attention and his parents! Every now and then, we get updates on the little guy and last I’ve heard, he’s now a dad! I’m so thankful they were able to take him in. I know they’re giving him the best life possible:)
For everyone concerned about Peanut, his litter was unintentional but it was a happy accident to his parents. They kept one and the rest found sweet homes. All animals in the house are now fixed! Thank you for being concerned! And thank you all for getting your fur babies spayed/ neutered!
#26
My Dumpster Rescue Ophelia At 4 Weeks Old And 4 Months Old With Her New Best Friend
Cactus McCoy 4 years ago
The left picture makes me want to cry. Those sad eyes.... Good job giving her a home!
#27
Our Maine Coon Kitten Hemingway’s Shelter Picture Compared To One Week After Bringing Him Home
#28
Oreo Almost 2 Years Ago vs. Today (Adopted Nov 2019)
He was living on the streets with a severe eye infection. The lady that was fostering him said she didn't think he would survive winter had he not been rescued. He's the sweetest baby and I can't imagine my life without him anymore
#29
This Dirty But Charismatic Boy Started Hanging Around Outside Our House In The Spring Of 2017
We gave him food and shelter, and he found his place in our hearts and in our beds
Susan Green 4 years ago
This looks so much like my dear boy, who passed away at 20. I love him so much, still.
#30
Just Two Weeks Ago, I Adopted This Tiny 5-Week Old Who Was Rescued From A Busy Wet Market In Manila. She's Now The Cuddliest In The Family
#31
4 Years Ago I Found Him Crying On A Rainy Night & He's My Best Buddy Ever Since. Meet Mavish!
#32
We Found Casey As A Stray (Marked With The Cut In His Ear) At A Busy Intersection. While Picking Him Up To Bring Him To Safety, I Noticed He Was Severely Underweight
We decided to take care of him and give him a warm home!
#33
From A Tiny Rat Tale Baby Who Didn't Know How To Cat, To A Majestic Floof, Meet Yoda
#34
I Fostered Socks And His 4 Siblings Over The Summer - Couldn’t Let Socks Go! He’s Changed So Much Over The Last Several Months!
#35
Someone Left A Cat In The Street When It Was Negative 30 Celsius. I Took Him Home And Found A New Family For Him. And Soon After They Sent Me This Picture (On The Right)
#36
When I Got Her She Had Eye Infections, Constant Stomach Issues, And Was Lethargic. 2 Months Later She’s Healthy And Energetic Enough To Terrorize Me Every Day
#37
When I Adopted Her 3 Years Ago Amma Was So Sick With Cat-Flu The Vet Offered To Put Her Down. But Now She's Grown Into A Lovely Lady
#38
From A Little Baby With A Respiratory Infection And Full Of Worms To The Biggest Sweetheart. Tobin Only Has Good Things In His Future From Here On Out
#39
When We Adopted Her She Had An Eye Infection And Had Just Recovered From Having Worms Literally Crawling Out Both Ends
She hid behind the washing machine for days. Now she’s my sweet cuddlebug
#40
Happy First Birthday You Feral Little Man. Please Stop Growing Now. It’s Getting Weird
#41
This Is Riley. She Was One Of A Litter Of Fosters And I Really Thought I Might Lose Her
She wasn’t even the runt, but she was so weak. Here she is as a wee kitten, and today. 8 months later. No regrets (only the 2nd keep out of 33 fosters, so Not bad!)
#42
My Cat, Ringo, Before And 1 Year Later After Adoption
#44
From Tiny Terrified Rescue To Spoiled Red Spectre
Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
My Luna has the same fish! Inherited from the big sister she never met, Ebony.
#45
Sad Cat Showed Up At Our Barn Door Three Months Ago, Vision Impaired And With Kidney Disease- 20% Weight Gain So Far With Just A Little Tlc!
#46
One Month Of Penny, My Foster Who Became My New Lifelong Friend
#47
These 2 Just Turned 3 Years Old. They’ve Been Inseparable Since The Day I Found Them
#48
Helen Was Found At 5 Weeks Old, Underweight, Flea-Ridden And Full Of Parasites. She's Now 4 Months Old, And Ready For Adoption!
#49
Just A Couple Of Foster Fails. So Glad We Kept Them Together!
#50
5 Years Ago Today, We Adopted The Worst "Feral" Barn Cat. Scruffles Is, However, The Most Affectionate, Talkative, And Spoiled Housecat
#51
It's Bonya's Adoption Anniversary! From 6 Weeks To Over A Year Old
#52
October 2017 (She Was Pregnant) vs. Now
#53
This Is Mystee
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Devil's Advocate 4 years ago
I don't understand how people can abandon or mistreat animals like this, often the same people who won't get their animals neutered / spayed because it's"cruel".
Kiss Army 4 years ago (edited)
I know! While I loved seeing the after adoption pics on these cuties, there are a lot of the before pics really pissed me off and made me want to go on a violent crusade against animal abusers!!
Load More Replies... Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
These posts are one of my favourites (in spite of reading how some of them were found, like WTH is wrong with some people!?) All the kitties underwent such a glow-up that I almost envy them! Now to cuddle my own adopted little menace! IMG-2ea2fd...6585ad.jpg 
Carol Emory 4 years ago
It's amazing how beautiful a cat is when it's being taken care of properly.
Anna McHugh 4 years ago
I am so so glad that these kitties get helped. As another poster said - I'd have to beat some ass if I caught people doing the things they've clearly done, but it's great to see other people extending a loving hand.
Caroline Nagel 4 years ago
Thank you ever so much from me and my cat Friday to all people who adopt a pet.
Christie Schmitz 4 years ago
My Sunny was a neighborhood stray that started hanging around my house. I began feeding her and she came to trust me. One morning she showed up looking all dirty and pitiful, her eyes and nose were all crusty. She had a bad respiratory infection and was sneezing blood. I picked her up and rushed her to the animal hospital and saved her life. Now she is a beautifully plump house cat who gives us so much love and joy!
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Sunny knew who could help her, animals know which ones are good people ❤ I'm glad she and you have found each other
Load More Replies...
Steve Wilson 4 years ago
35 years ago I spent three days in jail, got fired from my job, paid a healthy fine & my company got sued because I beat the s**t out of a co-worker who deliberately ran over a turtle. I regret nothing.
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Maybe in hell there's a really big car, a turtle costume and a reset & repeat button waiting for that co-worker
Load More Replies... KombatBunni 4 years ago
My daughter and her boyfriend adopted a kitty from a shelter who was only days away from being put down. He’d been abandoned because of abuse and he has feline aids. She spoils him rotten and he gives her kitty hugs and head butts in return. I’d love to get my hands on the a-hole who abused poor Onni (Finnish for luck), broke his tail and left him with anxiety issues. He has good and bad days but the love he gets is helping him heal.
A sorta blue grey 4 years ago
I love this post because of the compassion and love for the little babies but am at the same time furious at the cruelty of humans. You have a choice, choose kindness. Stepping off my soap box..
Aisling Raye 4 years ago
I absolutely love seeing these "glow ups" I can't stand that there are evil people in the world that throw away or harm animals.
ScarlettofHydraIsland 4 years ago
Samwise was a lovely stray cat who belonged to my neighbors, but they didn’t take care of him. One day, he showed up at my house with a horribly swollen nose (something had scratched his nose very badly: we think he was predated) in the middle of winter asking for help. We brought him into the basement meaning only to foster him and bring him back to health. I’m writing this with Sam going ‘maa’ at my feet.
Brian Bennett 4 years ago
What pisses me off is if these abusers are caught what happens? In our area the judges don't have the guts to make the punishment fit the crime. They are fined a few bucks and are told they cant have an animal for what ever amount of years that pops into the judges head.. And are they ever checked up on no. What happens if you inform on them nothing- Mind your own business. We recently had an animal abuse case reported but no one will tell what it was. So rumors are rampant. Even our local paper won't investigate! Sorry for running off at the mouth but animal abusers next step is usually human type animals. Nip it in the bud!
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I hope all these wonderful rescuers have made provisions in their wills or just made arrangements for care for their cats if something happens to them. Our pets are in our wills!
James Jones 4 years ago
I have first-hand experience with this. Our golden boy Chataro turned up in our driveway about 5 years back, on the brink of death. Lots of love and attention and vet bills and food and repeat as needed, and look at him now. I can't begin to say how loved this little man is. Chataro-be...55b036.jpg 
Ruth Martin 4 years ago
I'm doing a survey for a YouTube video and was wondering this, What do you think is the scariest animal?
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
If you go to the "hey pandas/ask pandas", you can create a list like this one. You will probably get better answers that way :) I'm scared of maggots I know that's not an animal but omg 😱 I mean some bugs scare me but I can override it, except maggots.
Load More Replies... Devil's Advocate 4 years ago
I don't understand how people can abandon or mistreat animals like this, often the same people who won't get their animals neutered / spayed because it's"cruel".
Kiss Army 4 years ago (edited)
I know! While I loved seeing the after adoption pics on these cuties, there are a lot of the before pics really pissed me off and made me want to go on a violent crusade against animal abusers!!
Load More Replies... Jayne Kyra 4 years ago
These posts are one of my favourites (in spite of reading how some of them were found, like WTH is wrong with some people!?) All the kitties underwent such a glow-up that I almost envy them! Now to cuddle my own adopted little menace! IMG-2ea2fd...6585ad.jpg
Carol Emory 4 years ago
It's amazing how beautiful a cat is when it's being taken care of properly.
Anna McHugh 4 years ago
I am so so glad that these kitties get helped. As another poster said - I'd have to beat some ass if I caught people doing the things they've clearly done, but it's great to see other people extending a loving hand.
Caroline Nagel 4 years ago
Thank you ever so much from me and my cat Friday to all people who adopt a pet.
Christie Schmitz 4 years ago
My Sunny was a neighborhood stray that started hanging around my house. I began feeding her and she came to trust me. One morning she showed up looking all dirty and pitiful, her eyes and nose were all crusty. She had a bad respiratory infection and was sneezing blood. I picked her up and rushed her to the animal hospital and saved her life. Now she is a beautifully plump house cat who gives us so much love and joy!
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Sunny knew who could help her, animals know which ones are good people ❤ I'm glad she and you have found each other
Load More Replies... Steve Wilson 4 years ago
35 years ago I spent three days in jail, got fired from my job, paid a healthy fine & my company got sued because I beat the s**t out of a co-worker who deliberately ran over a turtle. I regret nothing.
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Maybe in hell there's a really big car, a turtle costume and a reset & repeat button waiting for that co-worker
Load More Replies... KombatBunni 4 years ago
My daughter and her boyfriend adopted a kitty from a shelter who was only days away from being put down. He’d been abandoned because of abuse and he has feline aids. She spoils him rotten and he gives her kitty hugs and head butts in return. I’d love to get my hands on the a-hole who abused poor Onni (Finnish for luck), broke his tail and left him with anxiety issues. He has good and bad days but the love he gets is helping him heal.
A sorta blue grey 4 years ago
I love this post because of the compassion and love for the little babies but am at the same time furious at the cruelty of humans. You have a choice, choose kindness. Stepping off my soap box..
Aisling Raye 4 years ago
I absolutely love seeing these "glow ups" I can't stand that there are evil people in the world that throw away or harm animals.
ScarlettofHydraIsland 4 years ago
Samwise was a lovely stray cat who belonged to my neighbors, but they didn’t take care of him. One day, he showed up at my house with a horribly swollen nose (something had scratched his nose very badly: we think he was predated) in the middle of winter asking for help. We brought him into the basement meaning only to foster him and bring him back to health. I’m writing this with Sam going ‘maa’ at my feet.
Brian Bennett 4 years ago
What pisses me off is if these abusers are caught what happens? In our area the judges don't have the guts to make the punishment fit the crime. They are fined a few bucks and are told they cant have an animal for what ever amount of years that pops into the judges head.. And are they ever checked up on no. What happens if you inform on them nothing- Mind your own business. We recently had an animal abuse case reported but no one will tell what it was. So rumors are rampant. Even our local paper won't investigate! Sorry for running off at the mouth but animal abusers next step is usually human type animals. Nip it in the bud!
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I hope all these wonderful rescuers have made provisions in their wills or just made arrangements for care for their cats if something happens to them. Our pets are in our wills!
James Jones 4 years ago
I have first-hand experience with this. Our golden boy Chataro turned up in our driveway about 5 years back, on the brink of death. Lots of love and attention and vet bills and food and repeat as needed, and look at him now. I can't begin to say how loved this little man is. Chataro-be...55b036.jpg
Ruth Martin 4 years ago
I'm doing a survey for a YouTube video and was wondering this, What do you think is the scariest animal?
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
If you go to the "hey pandas/ask pandas", you can create a list like this one. You will probably get better answers that way :) I'm scared of maggots I know that's not an animal but omg 😱 I mean some bugs scare me but I can override it, except maggots.
Load More Replies... You May Like 40 Cats Who Treated Convenience Stores Like Their Natural Habitat 50 “No Context Cats” Photos That Are Pure Chaos And Perfection "Ready To Foster Fail": 46 Adorable Foster Animals That Are Impossible To Resist
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