50 Before-And-After Photos Of Cats That Found Their Forever Homes

According to Shelter Animals Count, over 1,565,000 cats entered shelters and rescues in the United States during the first half of 2024. And millions of other kitties around the globe are patiently waiting to be adopted into their forever homes. While it sadly doesn’t happen for every kitty, it’s absolutely heartwarming when precious cats, like the ones featured on this list, finally are united with families.

To find out more about this topic, we got in touch with Bonne VeVea, Executive Director of MEOW Cat Rescue. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss the transformations that kitties can undergo after being adopted into loving homes.  

"Only the most confident of cats will not experience a period of transformation after being adopted," Bonne shared. "Many shelter cats and kittens have lived through uncertainty, possibly hunger and fear, even illness or injury. Change, even positive change, can be daunting."

"But soon they recognize kindness in their new humans, and the effects of that can be seen as their body language changes," the cat expert says. "They begin responding to a soft voice and a gentle touch. Their eyes may blink slowly, and their faces change. They are more comfortable with closeness. They're becoming family."

But it's important to know that there's no exact formula when it comes to how long a cat will take to adjust to their new home. "The time it takes for a cat to truly become comfortable depends on so many factors," Bonne says. "It would be unwise and unfair to have unrealistic expectations. It is up to the adopter to accept a new pet as they are and then gently help them to become their best selves over time."

We also asked Bonne if she could share some of the most important things that all prospective cat adopters should know. "This is a lifelong commitment. Take it slow. If there should be issues or questions, reach out for advice," the expert noted. "Approach this new relationship without expectations, but with love and kindness, acceptance and patience, an open heart. You are beginning a wonderful experience that will probably change lives - theirs and yours."

Finally, Bonne shared a beautiful story of a cat named Boyko, one of five so far who have come to MEOW from a pop-up shelter in Ukraine. 

"His whole saga has been storybook, from being trapped as a young feral on the front lines of the war between Ukraine and Russia, to his struggles learning to trust humans while at the shelter there and also in the U.S., to being adopted by a lovely young Seattle couple (she being from Ukraine, and he from Russia)," Bonne explained. "Boyko, now Shprot, has had quite a journey, and sharing his story in Bored Panda would be such an honor."

To learn even more about this topic, we also got in touch with Emily Verna, President of Furry Friends Rescue. She was also kind enough to answer a few questions for Bored Panda and discuss how long it usually takes for kitties to get comfortable in a new home.

"It aways take a few days to weeks for a kitten or cat to adjust to a new home and new people," Emily says. "Best to start the cat in their own room to relax and feel safe with food, water, scratching posts and bed."

"Depending on the cat's personality, some warm up sooner than others that might be shy until they feel safe and can trust his or her new people," the expert continued. "Kittens adjust sooner than adult cats. But usually, a social, friendly cat can adjust in a few days to 2 weeks."

And what do prospective cat owners need to know before adopting a new family member? "With healthy food and an indoor-only cat, they can live to 20 years or even older, " Emily says. "Feed moisture and more holistic/fresh foods. Research for best quality brands. Low quality food can harm the cat and shorten their lives."

"Avoid over vaccinating, and avoid pesticides if possible. All listed on our our holistic care and food pages on our website," she continued. "We only feed holistic food and treats with added supplements (i.e. probiotics), so our rescue dogs and cats get healthy and happy!"

Is this list giving you serious kitten fever, pandas? We hope you enjoy your journey through the rest of these heartwarming pics, and feel free to share the story of your own cat's transformation in the comments below. Keep upvoting the photos that make you say, "Awww!" And if you're interested in checking out even more adorable photos of cats, we've got another Bored Panda list that's going to be right up your alley right here!