Be sure to upvote all of your favorite photos, and let us know in the comments if you’ve ever rescued a fur baby who had a radical transformation after receiving your love. Keep reading to also find interviews with Heather Svoboda Miller, Communications and Development Manager of the Cat Adoption Team, and Ruth Allen, Director of Admissions and Matchmaking at the ASPCA Adoption Center. And then if you’re interested in checking out even more of these heartwarming pics that scream "adopt don't shop", you can find Bored Panda’s previous articles on the same subreddit here and here.
#1 My Dumpster Duo… Someone Else’s Trash Is Definitely My Treasure!!
Image credits: Ygolohcysp_80
It is really amazing what a bath, some love and a safe home can do for a cat. Aside from looking cleaner, fluffier and a bit bigger in the belly area, many of these cats simply look happier as well. And thankfully, many people around the world have gotten behind the “adopt don’t shop” mindset. The Before and After Pictures of Adopted Animals subreddit has 1.1 million members at the moment and describes itself as “a place to share the amazing difference a loving family can make on an abandoned or mistreated animal”.
The page also notes that all pets are welcome, but today we’re here to celebrate the felines. And this subreddit does great work in raising awareness for how wonderful pet adoption can be. If you’ve ever adopted a fur baby before, you are probably well aware of how many are sitting in shelters awaiting loving homes. But if you have never considered rescuing a pet, it might be eye opening to hear that about 920,000 innocent animals were euthanized in shelters in 2020 because they were not adopted in time to be saved.
#2 Such A Glow Up In Three Months!!!
Image credits: UnintentionalCatLady
#3 Who Knew The Goofy The Little Stray We Found Would Turn Into A Stunning Supermodel Cat?!
Image credits: PoetsSquareCats
To get more information on why it's important to rescue and adopt cats rather than buy them from breeders, we reached out to Heather Svoboda Miller at the Cat Adoption Team. She told Bored Panda, "When you adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue, you actually help two cats—the kitty you are adding to your home, and the one who will get to come into the shelter now that there's an open space," Heather explained.
"No matter how comfortable and loving a shelter and its staff and volunteers are, the shelter and the strangers there are stressful for even the most confident cat. After all, there's just no substitute for a loving home with a dedicated family of one's own. When you adopt, you give a cat the chance to feel their best again!"
#4 From Stray To Foster Fail... Wednesday Is Looking Much Better Since Her Intake Photo
Image credits: DogNipsForDays
#5 I Was Told To Share Her In This Community
Image credits: kookphoria97
#6 During Christmas, My Husband And I Pulled This Girl Out Of A Random Persons Car In A Parking Lot
I walked by, immediately heard her crying, and rushed to help. It took hours to get her out. Her name is Peanut Butter
Image credits: Hoperosaliex
We also asked Heather what kind of transformations she has seen in cats that have been adopted into loving homes. "Recently, a cat named White Lightening Jr. was adopted from Cat Adoption Team after more than 100 days in our care. When he first arrived, it was clear that shelter life was overwhelming him. He would hiss, growl, swat, and lunge at our staff and volunteers," she explained. "With help from our behavior team, we soon learned that treats and playtime helped White Lightening Jr. feel more relaxed and happy. Even though our team put in a lot of time and effort to make him comfortable, he still didn't like to be touched and wouldn't solicit petting or sit in laps."
"Well, all that changed once he was adopted! His adopter shares that White Lightening Jr. absolutely blossomed once home. He runs up to her purring and excited to see her. He also snuggles in her laps, never swats or hisses, and seems thoroughly joyful now that he's home! His is just one story. It's heartwarming to see how a cat who is shy, fearful, or just not very social in a shelter will transform into the snuggliest puddle of love once they get comfy and confident with their new people."
#7 You Can Clearly See The Change In Her Eyes
Image credits: bbrubbo
#8 My Abby The Day The Animal Shelter Called Me And Now 6 Years Later
She was found clinging to the side of an oil container, and they were planning on her not leaving the shelter bc of the oil. I rushed to rescue her and scoop her up
Image credits: Hoperosaliex
#9 I Found That Abandoned Litter Of 8 Kittens In July Last Year (2020). This Is Them Now!
Image credits: airesiss
Lastly, we asked Heather if there are any misconceptions about adopting animals that she would like to dispel. "People sometimes have the impression that animals in a shelter are 'damaged goods' who've been abused or were given up because they had behavior problems," she said. "That couldn't be further from the truth! Most animals in a shelter are lovable, well-behaved, friendly, and from homes where they were cared for and loved in the past. Of course, it's important to give a newly adopted pet time to unwind and settle in when they make a big transition from the shelter to a home. But once they can relax, they often surprise us by becoming even more fun and affectionate than we could have imagined. It's definitely worth looking past a scruffy coat or unwelcome behavior to be rewarded with a beatiful, funny, sweet, and loving pet. And even if they never become a lap cat or don't grow to love time at the dog park, you'll likely grow to love them and their quirks all the more!"
If you're interested in adopting a cat of your own or just want more information about the process, you can check out the Cat Adoption Team's website right here.
#10 This Little Guy Was Left Alone In The Rain
He almost died from pneumonia and severe eye infections made him blind. One year later, this handsome boy lightens my life. His name is Stevie Wonder
Image credits: Dr-MC
#11 [2 Weeks Later] Guess Who Just Got Her All Clear From The Vet!
Image credits: uoYredruM
#12 Realised The Only Photos Of Our Ezio On Here Are From When He Was Still Really Poorly
He came to us with cat flu, ringworm, an undiagnosed cleft palate and was so underweight the vet was more concerned about that than the flu.
Image credits: LouMoo82
We also reached out to Ruth Allen, Director of Admissions and Matchmaking at the ASPCA Adoption Center, to hear from another expert why adopting is so important. "When adopting from a shelter, you often have the advantage of learning valuable information about the cat’s background, including any important medical or behavioral needs," Ruth explained. "If you are thinking about bringing a new kitten into your life, please consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue or learn how to identify a responsible breeder to ensure you are not supporting the cruel breeding industry. Responsible breeders reject the practices of commercial breeders, brokers, pet stores, auctions and others who profit from cruelty and instead plan breeding carefully, place animals thoughtfully, and take a lifetime of responsibility for the animals they have bred. In addition to saving and protecting lives, adoption also frees up shelter resources to help another animal in need."
#13 Found Crying Inside The Car’s Engine. Took An Hour To Extract Her Out. She Is Now Called Nori
Image credits: stickfriend
#14 Still Best Friends, 8 Months After Adoption
Image credits: Squaregogh
#15 Smokey Was Abandoned By Her Momma Cat And Was Really Sick. We Didn’t Plan On Nursing A Sick Kitten Back To Health But I’m So Glad We Did. 3 Weeks vs. 7 Months Old
Image credits: sapphyreskyes
We also asked Ruth what kind of transformations she has seen in cats that have been adopted into loving homes. "Approximately 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Adoption places shelter animals in safe and loving homes and provides people with comfort and companionship," she told Bored Panda. "The time that an animal spends with a shelter or rescue organization is a brief moment compared to their time in a safe, comfortable home, and many shelters offer ongoing support to help adopters as questions come up along the way. Many animals at shelters, especially older ones, have already lived in homes and have experience being pets, so are ready to transition into their new home. To help your new cat feel at home, purchase pet supplies in advance and set them up prior to the pet's arrival. For cats, this includes a cat-safe collar, litter and litterbox, bed, food, scratcher, toys, and bowls."
#16 Newest Addition To Our Little Fur Family... My Beautiful Cross Eyed Girl Asira
She gets around just fine but she doesn't see so well, but that's ok we all have our flaws and she will be plenty loved here
Image credits: Human_Kaleidoscope_1
#17 Lil Cutie Is Happy Now
Image credits: iownsobad
#18 Burrito Will Live? He's Turning 4 Next Month!!
Image credits: melocatmom
We also asked Ruth if there are any misconceptions about adoption that she wanted to dispel. "The ASPCA encourages the public to keep an open mind when adopting, as you may go home with a pet you hadn’t previously considered," she said. "To learn more about cats available for adoption at your local shelter, visit ASPCA.org/Adopt. Your personality and lifestyle, along with the amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Ask questions and lean on the staff at the shelter for guidance—they're the experts at making matches and can typically provide information to help you decide whether or not the animal is a good fit for your lifestyle."
#19 Alien As A Sick Stray / Alien As A Happy Indoor Girl
Image credits: PoetsSquareCats
#20 At The Shelter/After
Image credits: kangamooose
#21 Answered A Message On Nextdoor About A Cat Abandoned In A House Alone For A Year
Her owner fell and went into care and the house went up for sale. A caretaker left dry food out once in a while. First pic is from the real estate agent of the house. Second pic is her home with us. She’s about 15.
Image credits: Ew_david_ew
Ruth gave some more tips for helping animal shelters if you're interested but just don't know where to start. "Every community has different needs, so getting in contact with your local shelter is the best way to find out what kind of support they need most," Ruth says. "If you’re not ready to adopt, you can still support your local shelter by fostering, volunteering, or donating. Both adoption and fostering puts shelter animals in safe and loving homes, helps shelters conserve their space and resources, and provides people with comfort and companionship. Fostering is unique in that it helps shelter animals acclimate to an eventual life in a home."
#22 Her Stray Mother Dropped Korra Off On Our Porch To Save Her Life - From Crusty Baby To Pretty Tortie!
Image credits: Gavindorf
#23 Robster Lobster As We Found Him And After A Month With A Foster!
Image credits: PoetsSquareCats
#24 5 Weeks And Struggling To 5 Months And Thriving
Image credits: GoFundMeow
"Feline breeding season, or kitten season, is when shelters nationwide are overwhelmed with vulnerable and newborn cats during the warmer months—with shelters and rescues in some regions experiencing a steady stream of kitten intake year-round," Ruth explained. "Vulnerable kittens under eight weeks old often require round-the-clock attention and bottle-feeding from foster caregivers as they mature. During this time, the public can visit ASPCA.org/Foster to learn more about fostering kittens."
If you'd like to find even more information on the ASPCA or how to get started helping out, be sure to visit their website right here.
#25 First Pic Is The Day We Rescued Her From A Dumpster! 2nd Is A Month Later Enjoying Her New Life
Image credits: celcelcel333
#26 The Latest Rescue: Pookie The Bear, A 5 Weeks Old Kitten I Decided To Keep
Image credits: Koibetta
#27 Bean, A Few Months vs. 7 Years!
Found Her In My Backyard When She Was A Baby. First Photo Was Of Her First Bath. She Has Matured Into Such A Confident Cat!
Image credits: EscapeTroubleshoot
We hope you are enjoying all of these adorably heartwarming photos of cats who now get to live out their days in wonderful, loving homes. Be sure to upvote the pics you find most adorable, and let us know in the comments if your fur babies were adopted from rescues as well. Remember to "adopt don't shop" the next time you are looking to expand your family, and if you want to find even more of these wholesome photo transformations, check out this Bored Panda piece next.
#28 When We Found Mocha At The Shelter, She Flopped Over In My Arms And Stayed Like That The Whole Time
6 Weeks Home Now, And She's Right There Waiting To Cuddle Every Time I Sit Down
Image credits: CapeDispatcher
#29 Before&after
Image credits: rezvankm
#30 My Adopted Boy, Trouble, Was A Bit Large When We Got Him, He's Finally At A Healthy Weight!
Image credits: coleyjf
#31 Before And After Adoption… He Was Found In A Trash Can In A Plastic Bag 4 Years Ago
Image credits: DreamAliceMark
#32 The Power Of Rescue! I Rescue Animals. This Is Pearl The Day I Got Her, And Her Today In Her Forever Home!
Image credits: Hoperosaliex
#33 Jack Then And Now
Image credits: okaybabydoll
#34 My Friend Found A Sickly Kitten While Delivering Packages. Here's A Pic Of His First Day At The Vet vs. His Recheck Appointment
Image credits: 3RdRocktothesun
#35 Before & After Adoption; Our Lovely Princess, Kimchi
Image credits: gabrielapintican
#36 Found This Little Guy In The Streets A Year And A Half Ago. Now He’s Looking Dapper Af
Image credits: griftertm
#37 This Senior Declawed Girl Was Living In A Hotel Storm Drain Starving
As soon as I got the call, I rushed there. She had to be sedated and shaved, as seen in the before photo due to matting. She was so thin. The rest are in her forever home 1.5 years later!
Image credits: Hoperosaliex
#38 Here’s Jack! He Was Found In The Streets Weighing Only 6 Ounces With Infections In Both Eyes. Now He’s A Healthy Boy At Almost 4.5 Lbs And One Eye Short!
Image credits: slaminsalmon74
#39 One Of My Foster Cats After A Month Of Care
Image credits: etetries
#40 Hubert Had Ringworm, A Respiratory Infection, Fleas, And An Infection. Now, She Just Has An Attitude
Image credits: thelumpiestunicorn
#41 This Is Pomelo
This is Pomelo. He was abandoned 3.5 months ago during rainy season dirty and stained in his own urine, massive ear infection, malnurished and had chronic diarrhoea. Think we fixed him all up alright!
Image credits: raavenash
#42 Almost The One Year Anniversary Of This Guy Getting Dumped In My Neighborhood And Me Taking Him In
Rehabilitating him (he was very sick + in rough condition), and getting him adopted. Was very hard but worth it. Can you guess his name?
Image credits: ghoulsniightout
#43 Before And After. A Little Kitten From The Shed With Calicivirus
Image credits: catrescueeveryday
#44 Titan, Adopted Through Our Rescue Good Karma. He’s Spoilt!!!
Image credits: gkpetrescue
#45 Chira. Rescued Off Street In Miami By Our Rescue
Treating Vet Fell In Love And Adopted. Turns Out It’s Cancer But She Will Get Best Care And Tons Of Love
Image credits: gkpetrescue
#46 The Day I Found Him Dirty And Starving In A Seasonal Corn Maze vs. Living The Good Life 2 Years Later!
Image credits: wandwish
#47 Chandler’s Before And After, Found Outside Alone In The Cold. Now A Healthy And Loved Handsome Boy
Image credits: camclark77
#48 I Fostered A Lot Of Stray Babies In Need This Past Year. This Special Girl Is One Of The Last Ones The Fate Has Met Me With
I decided to keep her and end 2021 on a positive note.. So, meet Misty - my new family member
Image credits: airesiss
#49 Zoe
Image credits: demons_soulmate
#50 Inseparable Siblings
Image credits: iownsobad
#51 Finally Got To Bring This Little One Home Today. Meet Miss Clementine
Image credits: MissKittenxx_
#52 The Adoption Application For My Foster Kitten Was Approved! Roo Is Officially Mine!
Image credits: amberpup
#53 My Disabled Boy Was Abandoned At A Shelter. Now His Biggest Problem Is Deciding Whether He’ll Sleep On My Face Or My Feet
Image credits: stazz88
#54 We Found This Tiny Little Baby In The Forest, Very Sick And With Troubled Breathing
He was still a newborn and needed 24/7 care. We never owned a cat before and thought he won't make it. Well, now he is a cheeky teenager that has my heart and I will do anything for him
Image credits: mayuml91
#55 My Handsome Man, First At The Rescue And Then At Home!
Image credits: bendtt
#56 Animal Shelter Was Gonna Euthanize Mary. Instead, We Took Her In, Fostered Her And Yesterday, She Got Adopted And Went To Her Forever Home!
Image credits: paranormaldaisy
#57 “I Don’t Like Cats”
Image credits: asolid3atleast
#58 Jeremy Is The King Of The House
Image credits: Smile-Ahead15
#59 Locke's Before And After! He Was At A Kill Shelter Down In Georgia After Living His Whole Life A Stray
Image credits: Kalanixi-ttv
#60 I Wish I Had Better Before Photos! 1 Month Difference
Image credits: casslomb
#61 Luna, A Scared Nearly Feral Kitten At 5 Months, Versus Confident (Still Shy) And Sweet Cat At 12 Months
Image credits: Jasiboo
#62 Before And After... Oh So Much Fluffier
Image credits: LiteralHatCS
#63 Our Sweet Simba…a Scrawny Ally Cat & A Year Later A Spoiled House Cat
Image credits: Crescent_2793
#64 Before Adoption On The Left And After Adoption On The Right, She Still Does The Same Pose
Image credits: Unfair_Catmom
#65 After 6 Months With Us
Image credits: maria_pi_
#66 My Sweet Qbao
Image credits: FranciscoEverywhere
#67 From A Shy Little Cat To This Derpy Cat
Image credits: Cupnoodlesrecipes
#68 Kiwi, February (Scared & Drugged) vs. October (Confident & Healthy)
Image credits: chickennuggetsings
#69 She Was Hungry, Timid, And Pregnant When I Rescued Her, We Raised Her Babies And Now She Gets To Be My Baby
Image credits: yesterdays30
#70 5 Days W Oatmeal, 7 Year Old Fiv+ Stray Who Has Never Known Love
Image credits: eietna
#71 We've Had Him For A Year Today
Image credits: sommth
#72 Disney Before And After Adoption
She Passed Away This January After Almost 4 Years Together. Today Would Have Been Her 13th Birthday. I Feel So Blessed To Have Been Able To Have This Time With Her.
Image credits: jlskkslj
#73 It's Been 4 Years Since I Found My Little Scrapyard Kitten, He Just Keeps Getting Weirder
Image credits: Paradox1989
#74 One Month Of Penny, My Foster Who Became My New Lifelong Friend
Image credits: cryingtween
#75 Celebrating Mr. Mcnuggets 1 Year Adopt-A-Versary!
Image credits: sammybr00ke
#76 From Found On The Street To Snuggling In The Sheets
Image credits: MrsD84
#77 He's Gained 4 Pounds And Looks Significantly Less Pissed
Image credits: hedgehoger
#78 My Sweet Baby Peach
Who we rescued in 2020. First pic is from her first day home, second photo was taken a couple of months back. From a terrifying and cruel start in life where she was used for breeding and then dumped on the street, to being the affectionate, hilarious queen of our home
Image credits: calamitycrod29
#79 This Is Remy
We adopted this sweet grumpy baby 5 month ago when we found her stealing food from the kittens we’re fostering. Aside from malnourishment, she has ringworms which contributed to her 95% of her fur. Now she’s a happy baby
Image credits: Mycatsmellslikepoop
#80 My Boy Macavity Last April The Day I Adopted Him, And Then In December! He Got Fluffy!!
Image credits: LavastormSW
#81 Sleeping Before And After Adoption
Image credits: milk_in_dope
#82 Puff Had Been Through Seven (!) Homes Before I Got Her. I Hope She Knows This One Is Forever
Image credits: angrygayyellsatsky
#83 We Found Apollo As A Skinny Stray With A Broken Jaw, Open Wounds And Multiple Infections. In His New Home, He’s Handsome And Chunky
Image credits: PoetsSquareCats
#84 Before And After! My Pretty Girl
Image credits: mnkyco96
#85 Before: Found Outside At About 10 Weeks Old And Terrified Of People After: 6 Months Old And Loves Blankets, Toys, And Snuggles
Image credits: qslatic
#86 A Year And A Half Later
Image credits: kittycraps
#87 These Sisters Were The Only Two Found And There Was No Way I Was Giving Them Away
Image credits: BringBackCrusades
#88 Saved This Little Guy From A Building Site When He Was Only 5 Weeks Old
Severely ill with respiratory/eye infections, and in early stages of rectal prolapse. Worked overtime to pay whatever the vet billed me to make sure he was ok. First pic at 5 weeks old second at 6 months, third at 18 months
Image credits: LynxAdonis
#89 Charleston Used To Belong To A Hoarder
No one wanted him because he "Looked mean" but now he's a dapper man.
Image credits: Midnight-Reasonable
#90 January 2019 - Today. This Is Simon, My Buddy
Image credits: AlarmingImpress7901
#91 From Shelter Kitty To Wfh Buddy. What A Difference 1 Yr Makes!
Image credits: NuttyNectarine
#92 My Boy Macavity The Day I Adopted Him, And Five Months Later! He Got Fluffy!!
Image credits: LavastormSW
#93 Please Appreciate My Cat Chester
Image credits: [deleted]
#94 Nittany First Rescued And Now 1 Year Later
Image credits: sbear1005
#95 Regis At The Humane Society (Top Left) vs. Now (2 Years)
Image credits: reference404
#96 Nixie At Six Months vs. Almost 2! From String Bean To Thanksgiving Turkey!
Image credits: ABigFuckingSword
#97 Coconut The First Day I Adopted Him vs. Coconut Now
Image credits: Dizzy_Journalist4486
#98 Bagel At The Shelter vs. Where He Belongs, On My Stomach
Image credits: doctordragonisback
#99 We Adopted Luna During Covid Restrictions And Couldn’t See Her Before Adopting. This Is The One Pic They Sent Me—now, From Goblin To Marshmallow Princess!
Image credits: moeru_gumi
#100 Found At 4 Weeks Old While Camping
Image credits: kmhdasilva
#101 Bailey Was Semi-Feral And Terrified Of Almost Eveything. 3 Months Later He's A Happy Indoor Cat Who Is Curious About Eveything!
Image credits: kitty_slippers_
#102 Casper Sure Has Changed In Three Months!
Image credits: faerieauras
#103 My Cat That I Found In A Plastic Bag And Rescued Four Years Ago
Image credits: DreamAliceMark
#104 Sweet Willow Got Adopted Last Night! From Cold, Hungry, Outdoor Boy, To Indoor King!
Image credits: lizhaack
#105 We Adopted Her After An Earthquake Hit Her Previous Owners Home
Image credits: JulieLoxx
#106 Walked Into The Shelter With My Boyfriend To "Just Look At Cats" And Came Back The Next Day For This Lil Dude
Image credits: tngu78
#107 A Year Ago Today We Adopted This Adorable Little Lady, Look At Her Now!
Image credits: raudoniolika
#108 I'm Fostering This Sweet Boy. He Was ~8mo Old When He Came To Me, Scared, Thin And Full Of Worms And Now He Is Looking For A Forever Home, As A Loving, Sweet And Gentle Cat
Image credits: callme_julia
#109 My Baby Lez. It’s Been Almost 2 Months!
Image credits: addieprae
#110 From Very Scared To Very Sassy. Brought To The Shelter I Worked At 7 Years Ago, A Tad Feral. Now A Very Happy Girl!
Image credits: GhostOfCincinnati
#111 My Little Survivor , It’s Such A Huge Change
Image credits: duenn13
#112 My Void, Echo. Ain't He Cute?
Image credits: flourishingjewel
#113 My Sweet Guy Neechee… When We First Met At The Shelter vs. 3 Months Later. Just Had Our First Anniversary
Image credits: werewolfebarmitzvah
#114 8 Months Of Healthy Chunk
Image credits: emq11
#115 Kitty With Upper Respiratory Infection, Sick On The Streets For Six Weeks Until We Caught Her In Late September 2021 (Left Picture)
Picture on the right was taken six weeks later. It took a lot of care from her human parents and the doctor to turn her around. She's now the head of the house
Image credits: SandyBeachcomber
#116 We Adopted Our Sweet Girl In 2019
When we got her, she had an infected fang. The shelter had said the tooth was not a big problem, but the vet said it could have gone septic if we had not had it removed. She was so sad and lethargic when we got her, but now she rules our lives
Image credits: thefinalj
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