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30 People Spilled The Beans On How They Became Cat Owners, And The Stories Are Just Too Wholesome
Pets are definitely something that makes this life worth living; many could attest to that. And there are so many to choose from that each person could probably find one they vibe with.
Yet, ever since way back, cats have been among the most popular pets, and in some places, they are the most popular. And there's a good reason for that: they're cute, fluffy, and whimsical, and they are bound to make anyone's life more fulfilling. So, today, let's read stories of people who acquired these pets and maybe get inspired to get one ourselves...
More info: Reddit
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#1
I pulled into my driveway after a trip to the vet to pick up the ashes of a grey and white piebald tabby who left us the week before. Only to find a severly malnourished grey and white piebald tabby on my doorstep, crying for help.
I unlocked the front door, put Spike's remains on the nearest table, scooped up this new guy and went right back to the vet.
You should have seen the look on the face of the receptionist who handed over Spike's ashes not 10 minutes earlier.
Omar Little is now 18.5 years old and my absolute soul cat. Thank you, Spike, for leading him home.
Daniel Atkins 1 day ago
I would be tempted to tell the receptionist "The ashes got wet and poof instant cat."
RELATED:
#2
My daughter wanted a cat, I didn't. We went to the cat rescue and came home with a bonded pair of kittens. I love them. I would fight wars for them.
#3
I planted some catmint alongside my driveway. One day I came home from work and there was a cat laying in the catmint. That’s how it’s done.
When a person decides they want to adopt a pet, it’s always advisable not to jump on this wish straight away, and to think it through first. Just because you want a pet does not mean you can raise one.
Basically, you have to think through if you are ready to commit to being responsible for a life for many years to come, as most pet lifespans range from at least a couple of years to decades, depending on the species.
#4
It was a snowstorm that affected all of Texas in 21 and I heard something scratching on my back door. Let him and that was that
#5
My neighbor found her living in his grill when she was but a bit of fluff and fury. He knocked on my door and handed her to me because he said he wasn’t a cat person. That is how she broke into my house.
LizzieBoredom 2 days ago (edited)
My cat slept in a bush (didn't trust me) until he broke his leg (decided to trust me). $1,000 later, he's my cat.
#6
My Minnie girl 💗 my mom use to work for the code enforcement for our city. She was close with the people that worked at animal control, they worked pretty hand and hand. Anyways, someone called the police on my cat saying “the cat was trying to k**l her” mostly due to my cat being overly friendly and trying to get into the ladies house. Animal control took the cat but since she was so sweet they didn’t want to take her to the shelter, they called my mom knowing we are animal lovers and asked if she wanted a cat and my mom took her. I’ve had her for 12 years now and she’s the love of my life 💗.
And it’s not only a commitment of opening your door to a living being— it’s also about being or not being able to properly take care of them. Do you have enough money for food, toys, and other necessities? Do you have enough space, and/or does your landlord, if you have one, allow pets? Do you have time in a day to play, train, and exercise with them?
These are just the most basic questions one must go through when thinking about pet ownership. If all the answers to them point towards pet parent identity, the other step is figuring out what kind of pet you want and where to get one.
#7
I walked outside one day and she came walking from the house next door.(nobody lives next door in the house) she has been my little buddy ever since.
#9
Molly Ringtail needed to be rehomed due to the owner's dog. It wasn't the owner's fault nor the dog's, to be honest. I responded to his FB post within minutes of going up, picked her up an hour later, and have had her since 2020. She really is me as a cat and, like the Queen that I am, I decided that her birthday is the same as mine. We bougie.
Looking at statistics, dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the United Kingdom, the United States, and likely many other countries. We’re not going to delve into why that is, as that's a topic for another day; let’s stay on the course of pet ownership itself.
Just as there are the most popular pets, there are the most popular ways to get them, which include pet adoption and purchase. Each of these has its pros and cons. With the latter, you get a small puppy or a kitten, and you get to raise them from their early days. But, depending on the breed, it might cost a lot. And not to mention, there are some shady practices that tend to be involved in such business.
#10
Full Orange was small when he came at the bar where i am working. Grey one was very dirty and sad, i took her in an instant, and she was pregnant. Had 3 babies, but the black was saved by a good soul and brought to me while mommy was breastfeeding the small ones. I did gave a baby to addoption, and i feel bad even to this day. They are all my kids now❤️🙏🐈💕.
LizzieBoredom 2 days ago (edited)
It's healthier for kitties to find them good homes than to take on more cats than you can care for.
#11
We adopted him from a family because he was peeing on the newborn baby and it's things.
#12
Mom started taking care of her (Luna) and her first litter. I moved into the apartment under my mom's with my now wife, and when Luna had her second litter we got them all TNR'd (save for one fiesty jerk that just wouldn't allow himself to get caught).
One day out of nowhere, she came up to me and let me pet her for the first time. Shortly after that we took her in.
She's now living her best life with me and my wife in Brazil.
That’s why some people look into pet adoption instead. With this, the age of the pet is not set in stone; you can get a small youngling, but also a senior. This way you’re saving them from abandonment, which just adds karma points to your life. And, as a plus, it can be a tad bit cheaper.
While these are the most common ways people acquire a pet, it doesn’t mean they’re the only ones. Just take a look at today’s list, where people shared how they got their cats.
#13
I was getting groceries out of the car when he started screaming and running and jumped in the car. How could I say no?
#14
Adopted from the shelter!
#15
couldnt sleep and was looking at SPCA cats for adoption at 2AM. sent the link to my gf and she insisted we go visit her. instantly fell in love with how shy and sweet she was and brought her home the same day.
Have you ever heard of the cat distribution system? It’s an online trend of describing someone acquiring the cat in the most random way, and saying that basically life just “distributed” it to them. We think today’s list is the perfect example of this phenomenon in action.
So, add your story to the list by sharing it in the comments! It’s always wholesome to read about someone becoming a cat parent.
#16
Awww love it. My tiny girl crosses her paws too! My male cat I foster failed. My first cat had passed away 2 months prior. I didn’t expect to keep him. Everyone saw that coming a mile away. My girl I saw a fellow volunteer share her and I inquired. I never had 2 cats before. They met and she instantly loved my male (she needed a cat to follow and he loves everyone lol). He has eyelid ageneis (born without eyelids) and she is missing an eye so now my family & friends say I have a type/color palette. My first cat was none of these things lol
#17
I visited my sister who has a farm with tons of animals, including tons of cats. Last summer, we sat for hours on her front porch, talking. Cooper climbed into my lap, and she told me how my nephew had found him, clinging to life in the middle of the road. He had either been hit by a car, or had been in someone’s engine bay and fell out. In any case, they brought him home, nursed him back to health. He was maybe 10 weeks old when I got him. He stayed in my lap that whole day and I realized the cat distribution worked lol. I took him home and he’s been the best boy ever since.
Bec 1 day ago
My sister had moved to LA and came home to our family farm for a visit. She fell in love with a super chill pure white kitten and paid a good sum of money for us to fix her, get her shots, and ship her via air to LA. Turns out she was probably super chill because she had worms and didn't feel great, she was really just your run of the mill farm cat
#18
Annie was hiding out on my friends porch trying to keep away from the hawks and a tomcat. She was just a few months old. I came and got her as soon as I found out. Now she lives a life of leisure 💕.
#19
I opened my front door and someone had dropped her there and left I guess she was very very very small with huge ears and clearly very hungry . Now she's my babygirl.
#20
Zack (old man) at back was given to us as a kitten, Tabby pretty much the same & the fat orange one, I found him in a remote gas station. It’s always bothered me how he got there and what his story is.
#21
I was actively looking for a cat at adoption cafes when my friend's roommate's sister-in-law found a stray in Vegas. I said yes without even seeing her
Bored Birgit 1 day ago
"My friend's roommate's sister-in-law" - cat distribution system has unusual ways of adoption.
#22
She was born at my dad's house like 3 days after I moved out
#23
I adopted her and her sister out of an existing rescue situation that had gotten too difficult. Both Suzy Q and Eloise are now contentedly enjoying having the run of my home, after years in cages, only let out for exercise a couple hours a day.
#24
She picked me. No shopping needed! Appeared on the back porch ready for a loving home. By the way, your cat is, well, the cat's meow!
#25
I just had to post this pic of my mom's cat (both mom and cat have since passed to the great beyond) because he was matching your kitty's energy!
My current cat I got from a rescue, and I am so grateful every day for her; I cannot imagine not having her sweet, spicy craziness around.
#26
A trash can, my trash can 😂
#27
Previous owner was moving to a no pets apartment in Brooklyn.
#28
Found him just after winter, used to feed him omw to school, one day he followed me back home and my parents couldnt say no. Proceeded to go on a 'seed spreading crusade' to all the strays in the neighborhood till w got him spayed
#29
Flea market mount dora Florida Best free gift ever
#30
How about you tell me how YOU got MY cat? :P
Bored Birgit 1 day ago
The grey ones are very special. I had two of them, one was the love of my life. Miss you, Nins.
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LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 days ago (edited)
My dog Fenring was raised with my older cats, so he loves cats. One night last May, I let him out into the backyard around 2am for a final pee before sleep. He was in his exercise pen, but he immediately looked towards a small table in the backyard and started wagging his tail, whining happily, and doing that excited-dog full-body dance-wiggle. That's what he does whenever he sees one of the cats. I thought "oh shít, Kohl [my oldest cat] got out somehow!" I pop him back inside and go to grab what I thought was my door-dashing void girl. Nope! It's two tiny hissing furballs, about 5-6 weeks old, wedged under the table XD I haven't seen stray or even outdoor pet cats in my neighborhood since the late 90s (tons of urban coyotes.) I have NO idea where they came from. I grabbed them both and they were skinny and covered in fleas. Got bit and scratched for my troubles XD And that's how I got my two youngest cats, Joseph and Spicy - CDS sent them and Fenring accepted the delivery XD (They're both absolute snuggly sweethearts now, the hissing lasted all of 3 days, lol.) Later on I checked my outdoor cameras from that night, and saw the two of them were walking along the sidewalk in front of my house when they decided to walk up to my front door. They paused there for a moment before they walked through my front yard to the side gate, which has a gap underneath it. They got into my backyard from there. I don't know how they figured "this is the house where a cat-loving sucker lives, we've got it made here", but they were right!
Bored Birgit 1 day ago
I LOVE this story. Thank you for telling and thank you for taking them in and adding them to your family.
Load More Replies...
Biana Weatherford 2 days ago
My daughter and I went to the shelter, looking for a cat. Didn't see one we liked, but Angus interrupted. He reached out and hugged me. My heart melted. 9 years later, he's a cozy old man who still gives hugs.
KatSaidThat 2 days ago (edited)
My cat ran into a game reserve the day we moved out of the city (again) - I had already cycled across town and have a couple of scars from that fetch and rescue. Sadly this time there was no way I would be able to find him. I sometimes open these hoping against all hope I will see his sweet face again. The odds on this are ridiculous because this was at the end of 1985 - in South Africa. So now I just open these and have a little cry for him.
Leigh Currie 1 day ago
My beloved Bob, Bobcat, Bobbit, Bob meister void had just died. I said to my husband I couldn't see myself with another cat, at least for a while, he was a special boy. 2 weeks later my step-daughter said a friend of a friend had some kittens, including a calico which I'd always wanted. We went over, just to look of course. The house was a state, as were the cats. We agreed to take the calico but ...... in the end we couldn't leave her sister tabby. So we took both. Who'd guess that was gonna happen?!. The CDS was at near maximum efficiency that day!!
Bored Birgit 1 day ago
Oh yes, and I bet you never regretted taking them both. Kittens shouldn't be raised alone.
Load More Replies...
Alex Martin 1 day ago
2008, I was backing my car out of the driveway I saw a pile of fur on the ground. I was terrified I had run over a cat. Turns out it was five little kittens that had been left there by their wild mother. We brought them in and fed them with syringes until they were big enough for regular food. We kept three, adopted out two. The last of them passed at Thanksgiving in 2023. The next year, the kid across the street told me there were kittens under my car. Three little ones had climbed up into the suspension assembly of my car. We dug them out and added two more to our household and adopted one more out. The last of that litter is a needy old lady cat who demands constant love and attention. We could never catch and fix the momma cat, but we did catch and fix the alleged fathers. Momma kept her next litter far away from us and they were too feral. Wish we had rescued them, they didn't do well in the desert. The most we've had at one time are 14 cats, mostly rescues and fosters.
Rick Murray 1 day ago
Mom and I were driving home. We were supposed to go someplace but her tummy was acting up so we abandoned, headed home. Most of the way there, she slammed on the brakes and we skidded a ways along the road. Before I could say anything, she said "kitten tragedy". Indeed it was, three tiny kittens had been run over. One little fluffball was cowering in the grass by the side of the road. [continued]
Rick Murray 1 day ago
"Hey you!" I said, then "Allo toi!" because it was a French cat, duh. It bounded to me climbed into my arms, and basically screamed MEEEEWWWWW! repeatedly. Mom took me home, used the toilet, then went into town to get some kitten food. She ate the lot, then threw up. Uh-huh. So we tried again, with lots of moderation. That worked. I called her Konnichiwa (as in the hello part of "Hello Kitty"), and mom said that name was too long for such a tiny thing, so she became Wawa, and the cat distribution system had blessed us with a cat.
Load More Replies...
Tara Noe 1 day ago (edited)
I was in Daegu, South Korea and stumbled upon the live animal section of the meat market. It was horrifying. Cats everywhere. I couldn't take them all home, but a filthy, sick little kitten made her intentions known. Walked right up to the front of the cage and started howling at me. Paid $5, scooped her into a box and took her right to the vet. 19 years and 3 continents later, she lived out her last days happy and warm on the radiator, wanting for absolutely nothing.
R1MV4Superleggera 1 day ago
Back then g/f (now wife) brought our Supreme Ruler and she was a little bit nervous telling me about it, I found the little sack of hair sleeping peacefully on top of my pillow and....immediately I fell in love with him! I didn't realise I was a cat person, well! I love to pet those cats I saw while I was taking my bodyguard for a walk but never realised I wanted one. The thing I got away with m****r was, I baptise his Highness, his name is "Mr Bigotes" and my Wife was laughing about it when I say to her the meaning of that (since she didn't spoke a word in Spanish back then). Oh! And, um, did I mention that I am his favourite peasant hooman? 😊
Liz Rutherford 12 hours ago (edited)
Booker. He showed up one day as a 7-ish week old kitten. He had ringworm and we kept him away from the other cats using a Pack 'n Play, a baby gate and me on guard duty. We fostered kittens at the time, but they were in another room. Booker wolfed down some wet food while I took pictures. I texted the foster coordinator of the shelter we fostered through. Not 2 minutes later, she texted back that we needed to bring him in. A month later, my husband and I are talking before bed (ladies, get a cat guy!) and I mention, kind of in passing, that I wanted to adopt him. He says "ok." I let the coordinator know the next day. This was mid-August. In early October, she let me know that Booker was done with treatment and if we still wanted to adopt him. 35 minutes later, Booker was home. He'll be seven in April, he's goofy, a little derpy and his meow sounds like an owl, but he's ours.
Littlemiss 1 day ago (edited)
I drove to a friend's house and went to leave and a kitten climbed into my car refusing to leave. I did get it out and after arriving home I told my husband and he told me to go back and get the kitten so I did (this was a well known dumping spot). I went to my little sisters house to feed her cats and discovered a tiny kitten that she'd rescued. It climbed into my baby's capsule and refused to leave no matter how many times we tried to. Neighbor turned up on my doorstep with an orphan kitten who's mum was hit and died. I ended up with 2 kittens and fostered a 3rd. Another adult cat appeared weeks after the kittens did, started sleeping on our patio. Appeared he had been dumped. I found my toddler trying to brush the mammoths teeth with his little toothbrush and well, we just had to keep him (the cat is absolutely huge, weighs 20 pounds and looks like an ordinary orange cat). Found a kitten in a busy driveway by a laundromat, picked her up and bought her home. This is over 7 years, cat distribution system finds us regularly.
Robyn Hill 1 day ago
I have too many to choose from. Finnegan was found in the middle of the road at 5 weeks by a very nice woman who couldn’t keep him; she posted on Facebook for help, and I had to take him. Pixie found me when she was abandoned by her mum. Schuyler, Mulligan, Maximus, and Tiny were all hand raised after being abandoned when they were born. I found Piper at a garage sale. Sassy was dropped off by aliens, I think. And Hammie got caught in a barbed wire fence; I heard him crying and had to cut the wire, then rush him to the vet for emergency surgery to remove it!
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 days ago (edited)
My dog Fenring was raised with my older cats, so he loves cats. One night last May, I let him out into the backyard around 2am for a final pee before sleep. He was in his exercise pen, but he immediately looked towards a small table in the backyard and started wagging his tail, whining happily, and doing that excited-dog full-body dance-wiggle. That's what he does whenever he sees one of the cats. I thought "oh shít, Kohl [my oldest cat] got out somehow!" I pop him back inside and go to grab what I thought was my door-dashing void girl. Nope! It's two tiny hissing furballs, about 5-6 weeks old, wedged under the table XD I haven't seen stray or even outdoor pet cats in my neighborhood since the late 90s (tons of urban coyotes.) I have NO idea where they came from. I grabbed them both and they were skinny and covered in fleas. Got bit and scratched for my troubles XD And that's how I got my two youngest cats, Joseph and Spicy - CDS sent them and Fenring accepted the delivery XD (They're both absolute snuggly sweethearts now, the hissing lasted all of 3 days, lol.) Later on I checked my outdoor cameras from that night, and saw the two of them were walking along the sidewalk in front of my house when they decided to walk up to my front door. They paused there for a moment before they walked through my front yard to the side gate, which has a gap underneath it. They got into my backyard from there. I don't know how they figured "this is the house where a cat-loving sucker lives, we've got it made here", but they were right!
Bored Birgit 1 day ago
I LOVE this story. Thank you for telling and thank you for taking them in and adding them to your family.
Load More Replies... Biana Weatherford 2 days ago
My daughter and I went to the shelter, looking for a cat. Didn't see one we liked, but Angus interrupted. He reached out and hugged me. My heart melted. 9 years later, he's a cozy old man who still gives hugs.
KatSaidThat 2 days ago (edited)
My cat ran into a game reserve the day we moved out of the city (again) - I had already cycled across town and have a couple of scars from that fetch and rescue. Sadly this time there was no way I would be able to find him. I sometimes open these hoping against all hope I will see his sweet face again. The odds on this are ridiculous because this was at the end of 1985 - in South Africa. So now I just open these and have a little cry for him.
Leigh Currie 1 day ago
My beloved Bob, Bobcat, Bobbit, Bob meister void had just died. I said to my husband I couldn't see myself with another cat, at least for a while, he was a special boy. 2 weeks later my step-daughter said a friend of a friend had some kittens, including a calico which I'd always wanted. We went over, just to look of course. The house was a state, as were the cats. We agreed to take the calico but ...... in the end we couldn't leave her sister tabby. So we took both. Who'd guess that was gonna happen?!. The CDS was at near maximum efficiency that day!!
Bored Birgit 1 day ago
Oh yes, and I bet you never regretted taking them both. Kittens shouldn't be raised alone.
Load More Replies... Alex Martin 1 day ago
2008, I was backing my car out of the driveway I saw a pile of fur on the ground. I was terrified I had run over a cat. Turns out it was five little kittens that had been left there by their wild mother. We brought them in and fed them with syringes until they were big enough for regular food. We kept three, adopted out two. The last of them passed at Thanksgiving in 2023. The next year, the kid across the street told me there were kittens under my car. Three little ones had climbed up into the suspension assembly of my car. We dug them out and added two more to our household and adopted one more out. The last of that litter is a needy old lady cat who demands constant love and attention. We could never catch and fix the momma cat, but we did catch and fix the alleged fathers. Momma kept her next litter far away from us and they were too feral. Wish we had rescued them, they didn't do well in the desert. The most we've had at one time are 14 cats, mostly rescues and fosters.
Rick Murray 1 day ago
Mom and I were driving home. We were supposed to go someplace but her tummy was acting up so we abandoned, headed home. Most of the way there, she slammed on the brakes and we skidded a ways along the road. Before I could say anything, she said "kitten tragedy". Indeed it was, three tiny kittens had been run over. One little fluffball was cowering in the grass by the side of the road. [continued]
Rick Murray 1 day ago
"Hey you!" I said, then "Allo toi!" because it was a French cat, duh. It bounded to me climbed into my arms, and basically screamed MEEEEWWWWW! repeatedly. Mom took me home, used the toilet, then went into town to get some kitten food. She ate the lot, then threw up. Uh-huh. So we tried again, with lots of moderation. That worked. I called her Konnichiwa (as in the hello part of "Hello Kitty"), and mom said that name was too long for such a tiny thing, so she became Wawa, and the cat distribution system had blessed us with a cat.
Load More Replies... Tara Noe 1 day ago (edited)
I was in Daegu, South Korea and stumbled upon the live animal section of the meat market. It was horrifying. Cats everywhere. I couldn't take them all home, but a filthy, sick little kitten made her intentions known. Walked right up to the front of the cage and started howling at me. Paid $5, scooped her into a box and took her right to the vet. 19 years and 3 continents later, she lived out her last days happy and warm on the radiator, wanting for absolutely nothing.
R1MV4Superleggera 1 day ago
Back then g/f (now wife) brought our Supreme Ruler and she was a little bit nervous telling me about it, I found the little sack of hair sleeping peacefully on top of my pillow and....immediately I fell in love with him! I didn't realise I was a cat person, well! I love to pet those cats I saw while I was taking my bodyguard for a walk but never realised I wanted one. The thing I got away with m****r was, I baptise his Highness, his name is "Mr Bigotes" and my Wife was laughing about it when I say to her the meaning of that (since she didn't spoke a word in Spanish back then). Oh! And, um, did I mention that I am his favourite peasant hooman? 😊
Liz Rutherford 12 hours ago (edited)
Booker. He showed up one day as a 7-ish week old kitten. He had ringworm and we kept him away from the other cats using a Pack 'n Play, a baby gate and me on guard duty. We fostered kittens at the time, but they were in another room. Booker wolfed down some wet food while I took pictures. I texted the foster coordinator of the shelter we fostered through. Not 2 minutes later, she texted back that we needed to bring him in. A month later, my husband and I are talking before bed (ladies, get a cat guy!) and I mention, kind of in passing, that I wanted to adopt him. He says "ok." I let the coordinator know the next day. This was mid-August. In early October, she let me know that Booker was done with treatment and if we still wanted to adopt him. 35 minutes later, Booker was home. He'll be seven in April, he's goofy, a little derpy and his meow sounds like an owl, but he's ours.
Littlemiss 1 day ago (edited)
I drove to a friend's house and went to leave and a kitten climbed into my car refusing to leave. I did get it out and after arriving home I told my husband and he told me to go back and get the kitten so I did (this was a well known dumping spot). I went to my little sisters house to feed her cats and discovered a tiny kitten that she'd rescued. It climbed into my baby's capsule and refused to leave no matter how many times we tried to. Neighbor turned up on my doorstep with an orphan kitten who's mum was hit and died. I ended up with 2 kittens and fostered a 3rd. Another adult cat appeared weeks after the kittens did, started sleeping on our patio. Appeared he had been dumped. I found my toddler trying to brush the mammoths teeth with his little toothbrush and well, we just had to keep him (the cat is absolutely huge, weighs 20 pounds and looks like an ordinary orange cat). Found a kitten in a busy driveway by a laundromat, picked her up and bought her home. This is over 7 years, cat distribution system finds us regularly.
Robyn Hill 1 day ago
I have too many to choose from. Finnegan was found in the middle of the road at 5 weeks by a very nice woman who couldn’t keep him; she posted on Facebook for help, and I had to take him. Pixie found me when she was abandoned by her mum. Schuyler, Mulligan, Maximus, and Tiny were all hand raised after being abandoned when they were born. I found Piper at a garage sale. Sassy was dropped off by aliens, I think. And Hammie got caught in a barbed wire fence; I heard him crying and had to cut the wire, then rush him to the vet for emergency surgery to remove it!
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