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If you spend enough time online, especially in circles where animal content is popular, it's likely you have probably heard about a phenomenon called the "cat distribution system." It's when cats come into people's lives in unexpected ways.

So, as you can probably already guess - this trend brings a lot of wholesome stories to light. At the same time, its origins hold a pretty heartbreaking reason. So, read up and you'll get a chance to both learn this reason and simply enjoy the heartwarming stories we brought up too.

More info: Reddit

#1

Found In Our Backyard, Returned To Owners, Showed Back Up A Month Later Half Dead… And Is Now Spoiled Rotten

Two cats comfortably resting in different settings showcasing a perfect cat distribution system in action.

goatswastaken Report

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    #2

    She Screamed Outside My Window Until I Let Her In😭♥️

    Two tortoiseshell kittens resting on colorful blankets, showcasing the cat distribution system working perfectly.

    JoyBoy100x Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Adorable. Also, her name is Toast!

    #3

    A Week After My 16yo Kitty Passed, We Found This Dude Frozen To Our Driveway. Spoon Is 2 Now, But I’m Convinced His Brain Is Still Thawing Out

    Two black and white cats lying comfortably on soft blankets, showcasing cat distribution system success.

    illiciad1111 Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spoon is fricken' cute! I love his legs! He's got ankle warmers!

    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Found a kitten, couldn't have been more than a few weeks old, sitting in a puddle that was crusting over with ice. I didn't have much hope for it, but I figured a trip to the vet was the first step. That little bugger lived a little over 20yrs. Not the brightest cat I've ever lived with, but definitely one of the sweetest.

    Barbara Wilcock
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, a cat with better legs than me 😁😍

    Paulina
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "His brain is still thawing out" must be the funniest thing I read today 😂😂

    It’s no secret that cats are one of the most beloved pets in the world. In fact, when looking at popularity, only dogs beat them in the ratings. 

    The reasons why people love felines so much can be various. Some are drawn to them because of their unpredictable personalities. Or the fact that their cuteness reminds our brains of human babies, thus making us want to act gently with them. Either way, the fact that cats are loved by loads of people stands.

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    #4

    I Took In A Pregnant Stray And Named Her Honey. She Had 3 Beautiful Babies In May And I Decided To Keep The Whole Family

    A group of adorable kittens and cats sitting together, showcasing the cat distribution system working out perfectly.

    mac_is_crack Report

    Fullo Shit
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    😍Best thing you could do. Bravo.

    Ginette Rochon
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From this beautiful family, thank you!!♥️🐾

    #5

    Found Dying On The Sidewalk

    Tabby cat comfortably sleeping in a person’s arms and posing with tongue out, showcasing a perfect cat distribution system moment

    FFFRabbit Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are a saint. This looks like my littlest one.

    Philly Bob
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Blep!

    April Pickett
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

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    #6

    We Didn't Intend On Keeping Her, But Here We Are

    Two images showing cats at different stages, highlighting the cat distribution system working out perfectly.

    The_Cat_Widow Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beauty!

    Bec
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My profile picture is of Bubba. I named him and his siblings all generic names with the intention of not keeping any (we already had 2 inside, plus cared for the community cats like his mom). Everyone else got adopted but no one chose Bubs, their loss, he is the handsomest, sweetest little prince ever. I was also finally able to TNR momma cat and she is still around outside.

    Lupita Nyong'heaux
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my kitty, smoke, who i had for 18.5 years, had ear hair like that. :-)

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    Ginette Rochon
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whiskers in her ears!!!! So cute!

    Cooking Panda
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ears! 😍 what breed is she?

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So happy she was a keeper. Very pretty girl.

    Well, to become so beloved, they have to find a way to people’s homes, a way to become pets. Of course, some people simply buy or adopt them with a plan in mind, but that’s not always the case. That’s where this interesting online trend comes in. It has been dubbed the “cat distribution system.” Basically, it’s a phenomenon of cats coming into people’s lives in unexpected ways and times.

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    The trend is so popular that it even has its own subreddit, where people can share the stories of them becoming chosen by “the system.” Well, as you can guess - that’s where today’s list items are coming from. After seeing so many heartwarming stories, we couldn’t help but share them with you. So, enjoy and upvote the list, while we’re going to delve a tad deeper into this trend.

    #7

    Found This Kitten In The Street A Day Before Christmas. I’m Not A Cat Person And I Have Two Dogs. But I Couldn’t Leave Her In The Cold With Her Eyes Like This And Now She’s Thriving. Her Is Her Healing Journey

    Before and after images showing the cat distribution system working perfectly with a cat rescued and resting comfortably.

    Eleven11DJ Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor sweet thing!

    Paulina
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Click at the link under the picture! There's more photos, including how she met the dogs and how she's looking now 😍

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her relationship with the dog is so sweet!

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    J C
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    poor thing,! that kitty is going to love that person so much. When they are rescued like that, the know it.

    #8

    Rescued Him From A Bush Outside My Flat

    A comparison of a dirty stray cat on the street and the same cat clean and healthy at home, showing cat distribution system success.

    _Jensoon Report

    pelemele
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On the left he looks miserable as a stone...

    Niels AirMax
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On the right he looks like he owns the place. He probably does... 😆

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    #9

    My Dog Died Last Night, Today I Found Something Noisy In My Dog's Stroller That I Left Outside

    Orange kitten being gently held and then standing on a red cushion, illustrating cat distribution system success.

    PompousForkHammer Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's fate.

    Jenny
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The poster isn't keeping the kitten according to the Reddit post.

    Jorie
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most certainly a higher power at work.

    Brendon Nash
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Higher power there

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    So, why are there so many stories of cats wandering into people’s lives so easily, but unexpectedly? Well, it all comes down to a pretty grim fact – there are more cats being born and looking for homes than there are available homes. That leads to plenty of cats being in the shelters, but also on the streets, where they are free to attach themselves to random folks.

    Yet, what people should be wary of when encountering a seemingly homeless cat in the wild is that it doesn’t inherently mean that the cat doesn’t already have owners. They simply might have run away from their home, got lost, and now seem homeless, while their “parents” are looking for them.

    #10

    Found Her On The Side Of The Interstate At Midnight

    Black kitten eating from a bowl and sitting inside a glove box showcasing the cat distribution system working perfectly.

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    Chris Uhl
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I presume her name is "Midnight". If not, you missed an opportunity.

    #11

    Found This One Half-Dead And Tore Up By Coyotes At A Truck Stop A Few Years Ago. She Barely Survived

    Two cats positioned in vehicles showcasing the cat distribution system working out perfectly in unique settings.

    37socks Report

    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks to OP for getting her the medical help and love she needed

    Jenny
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They called her Miss Píss 😂

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    #12

    Pancakes Appeared Behind My Garbage Cans. Had To Save Him

    Cat distribution system showing a cat outside and the same cat comfortably inside a cozy cat bed.

    Vampinthedark Report

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pancake has a very sweet face.

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    When seeing any cat, it’s always best to find a way to check if it’s chipped, because if it is, it can lead to its owners. The chip can be checked in local vet offices, or simply with a scanner that can be bought by anyone (just like the one Millie Bobby Brown has, which has helped her to save over 230 dogs). 

    If they aren’t chipped, then it’s important to help them find a proper home, whether it’s yours, someone else’s, or a shelter – just somewhere where they would be taken care of. 

    #13

    I Dug These Two Out Of A Car Engine. I Wasn’t Sure If I’d Keep Them. Its Been Three Months Now. They Have A Litter Robot, A Cat Tree In Every Room, And Sleep With Me And My Dog In Bed Every Night. Are They Staying?

    Two kittens sitting together inside a box and later by a door, showing the cat distribution system working perfectly.

    InterestingPiglet533 Report

    Judy Reynolds
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm going out on a limb here, but I think they are staying!

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aw! That's how we got one of our kitties. Heard a cat crying in a parking lot, finally found it in a car engine. Went inside to get a note to leave on car owners car but caught them just in time as they were getting in to start the car! It was a little black kitten, probably 4-5 weeks old was my guess, too young to be away from mama but no mama could be found so we kept him. Named him Hitch-hiker, or just Hitch as we called him.

    Ginette Rochon
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So easy to fall in love with kittens!!!!

    #14

    Always Wanted A Cat, Look What My GF Found On A Rainy Day…

    White kitten sitting attentively and adult white cat stretched out comfortably on soft textured surfaces, cat distribution system.

    Mexifire97 Report

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    #15

    This Orange Boy Invited Himself Inside And Didn’t Leave

    Orange cat perfectly positioned on windowsill and resting on a blue mat, showcasing the cat distribution system working perfectly.

    bearspiderfish Report

    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's how we got one of our oranges. Followed the two cats we already had in through the cat door, stayed for over a dozen years.

    So, while the “cat distribution system” meme is pretty fun and wholesome, we also should keep in mind that there’s a whole homeless cat issue that led to its origin. You know, you’re not forbidden to enjoy an online trend, but staying aware of its underlying themes is always important.

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    Have you ever partaken in the cat distribution system yourself? Don't be shy, share your story with us!

    #16

    Chosen, And Then She Had A Baby In Or Closet

    Two cats, one gray and one black, resting comfortably together showing the cat distribution system working perfectly.

    RootedRetro Report

    #17

    Momma And Kitten Found In Parking Lot

    Two gray cats cuddling and resting perfectly fitting the cat distribution system in cozy home settings.

    IcyYogurtcloset9284 Report

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    #18

    Went To Walmart For Underwear And Eggs

    A cat finding a cozy spot on a shelf and later sitting comfortably on a person’s lap, showing perfect cat distribution system.

    Suda_Nim Report

    #19

    The Cat Distribution System Has Finally Chosen Me!!

    Small tabby cat perfectly positioned on a duct pipe and a person holding a relaxed kitten, illustrating cat distribution system success.

    ijustliketoeat Report

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    #20

    I Work At A Vet Clinic And Someone Brought In This Little Girl. I Now Have A Smol Baby

    Two adorable kittens being weighed and resting comfortably in a cozy bed, showcasing cat distribution system success.

    SashimiCake Report

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    #21

    A Kitten Wandered Into My Dads Garage 2 Weeks Ago…

    A cozy kitten cuddled in a person's arms and a curious cat resting near household items in a cat distribution system moment.

    BottomPieceOfBread Report

    April Pickett
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every garage needs a garage kitty. Everyone will be happier, and you won't have a rodent problem.

    #22

    Found This Guy At Work In The Snow

    Two tabby cats relaxing on a soft blanket, showcasing a perfect cat distribution system in a cozy home setting.

    theprincessmeg Report

    sarah duffill-jeffs
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Male cats stray when they're not neutered. There big cheeks protect there face when fighting over territory/food or females.

    Fire Singer
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do some strays (seems to be mostly male cats from what I've seen but could be wrong) get these puffy cheeks like that? Anyone know?

    Saint_Zipcodus
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For what I know it's an effect of the male cats' hormones. After the neuter the cheeks usually deflate.

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    #23

    Last Summer, I Stopped At An I-90 Rest Stop For A Bottle Of Pop. I Got A Kitten Instead

    Orange tabby cat sitting in a car and later resting by a window, showcasing perfect cat distribution system placement.

    eggelska Report

    Philly Bob
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The amber eyes just like my Shadow! (Black persian)

    Jonathan Labelle
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    look like your cola came with a prize

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    #24

    I Let In An Assumed Lost/Stray Cat And Ended Up With His Kitten

    White kitten and grown cat side by side, showing the cat distribution system working out perfectly over time

    IUvipss21 Report

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    #25

    One Year Ago Today, On A Below-Freezing Night, I Found This Guy Howling On The Concrete Like He Couldn’t Take It Anymore

    Two tabby cats sitting in different settings, showcasing the cat distribution system working out perfectly.

    Frodoslegacy Report

    #26

    Husband Said Out Loud "I Need A Cat." Cds Heard Him

    A cat patiently sitting outside a window next to a cozy cat lying indoors, showing perfect cat distribution system.

    anonymous Report

    Cailyn B
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I have been summoned.”

    #27

    Cds Found Me While I Was Throwing Out The Garbage

    Two tabby cats with striped and spotted fur patterns, showcasing a perfect cat distribution system in natural light.

    Srh-Sdk Report

    Razill
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful markings

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    #28

    Husband Went To Pet Store For Dog Food, Adopted Cat

    Gray cat resting on a couch with colorful feather toys nearby, showcasing the cat distribution system working perfectly.

    khrayzeelady Report

    Fullo Shit
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well done. But did he get the dog food😳?

    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What do you think a pet store is for?

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    #29

    Neighbourhood Cat Left Outside In -11

    Two tabby cats comfortably resting in pet beds, illustrating a perfect moment of the cat distribution system at work.

    sideshowsito Report

    Lori T Wisconsin
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful coat, looks like a Bengal!

    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least the winter temperature wouldn't have been as bad on cat as hooman, given the fur. But now the fur is for better use

    #30

    This Broke My Heart

    Cat distribution system showing a cat perfectly fitting and resting on a tarp-covered truck bed and lying on concrete.

    stormnox12 Report