When it comes to shelter cats, many of us cat owners know the value of saving a life through adoption. And, after all, when we rescue a cat, a lot of times it’s those special cats that rescue us, too. If you’ve ever opened your heart and home to a cat in need, then you know exactly how special those bonds formed can be.
Shelter cats never choose the shelter life. And when they end up in shelters, they are frightened and often in poor health. Whether they’ve been abandoned, surrendered, or were found wandering, the shelter life is no life for a cat. Every cat deserves a chance to feel loved, appreciated, and know where its next meal is coming from. And don’t forget about all the cuddles and cat treats they could ever ask for!
Even if you have a heartwarming story of your own about a rescue cat that you’ve saved, these images of beautiful rescue cat glow-ups are sure to brighten your day. Poli Paw has compiled a list of the most heartwarming cats on their adoption day vs now that proves just how powerful rescuing a cat can be.INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: A study at UCSD claims that your dog can genuinely get jealous when they see you display affection for another creature.
Amazing Transformations, Then and Now Photos
“Its Been A Year”
“I Had To Fight My Wife To Not Leave Him At The Shelter—she Was Concerned He’d Either Cost Us A Ton Of Money In Vet Bills Or Die Soon Since He Was So Sickly, Turns Out He Just Needed Food And Kisses”
You should never physically punish your pet. It brings the animal pain and fear, and it gains you nothing. It’s a lose-lose situation. Please don’t do it.
“Took A Chance, And Decided To Rehabilitate This Boy Instead Of Letting Him Be Put Down. One Of The Best Decisions Of My Life”
There are approximately 1.5 million shelter animals euthanized each year and most are felines.
When you adopt from a shelter, you are not only giving them a forever home but you aretaking them off “death row”.
“He’s A Whole Lot Better Compared To When He Was First Rescued! My Friend Took Him In. He’s Playful And Living His Best Life”
Apply house rules consistently. When your pet knows what to expect from his behavior, he will be much more inclined to do more of what you approve of and less of what you don’t.
“A Local Vet Treated This Rescued Stray From A Bad Case Of Fungus/Ringworm Few Months Ago. Look At Her Now”Louise also says “we’re working hard not only to change the perception of pets in rescue” but also to help people who can’t cope with their pet. “We seek to take the ‘shame’ away from people who are struggling to cope with their pet and decide to rehome or their circumstances change.” The Blue Cross team never judges anyone.
“Rey When I Found Her On The Street And At 1 Year Old. Good Job, Baby Girl!”
Why do they do that? When dogs kick after going to the bathroom, they are using the scent glands on their paws to further mark their territory.
“Two Months Of Love Changed Mr. Biscuits”
“After 6 Months Spent In A Shelter, They Thought He Would Never Get Adopted Due To Him Having FIV. Now He’s Been My Bud For Over A Year And Living His Best Life.”
“Just A Year Apart”
“From Being Found In Our Woodshed Two Years Ago With Wounds The Vet Believes Was From A Coyote , To Yesterday A Happy Healthy House Kitty. Meet Chip!”
Watch Out For Your Dogs Feet in the Summer. Hot pavement can burn your dogs paws rather quickly. To see if it’s too hot for your dog place the back of your hand on the pavement – if you can’t hold it there for 5 seconds it’s too hot for your dog. On really hot days consider walking your dog in the woods, on the grass, or waiting til the sun goes down.
“Make sure everyone in a family wants a pet and understands their responsibilities, the time needed, and financial commitment before getting a pet.” Everyone involved should be happy in the end.
“When We Got Hilda She Was Very Underweight After Having Recently Given Birth; Somewhere In The Last 6 Months She Turned Into A Long Haired Beauty Queen!”
“I Found This Kitten Dumped In The Middle Of A Road Too Weak And Hungry To Get To Safety. The Photo On The Right Is What 6 Days Of Cuddles By The Fireplace, Lots Of Food And A Cozy Bed Can Do.”
Find ways to enrich your pet’s environment. Your dog or cat needs your help to stay mentally stimulated. This is important not only to discourage destructive behavior in younger pets, but also to keep your older pet’s brain sharp.
“Apollo Has Given Us Just As Much As We Have Been Able To Give Him”
“2 years ago today I walked into a Petsmart and met a cat named Sonny who no one would adopt because he was 13 years old, covered in fleas, underweight, and had a mouth full of rotten teeth that had to be removed. He came home with me that night and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Goldfish have a reputation as short-lived creatures, but given proper care, they can live as long as 30 years in captivity. The oldest captive goldfish ever recorded was won at a fair in 1956 and died in 1999 at age 43.
“so much healthier!”
“This Is My Best Friend LCDR Ryker. I Was Told You All Like These Kind Of Stories.”
“Frank At A Couple Weeks vs. Almost A Year, Also Threw In The Christmas Photo With His Brother Teddy”
“Got My Feral Kittens At 4 Weeks Old And Now They’re All Grown Up”
“My James Won’t Ever Be Cold Again”
Is something wet? Unlike humans who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet.
“Jerry, Found In A Box With His Siblings, Covered In Oil And Fleas At A Couple Of Weeks Old. Now, At 11 Weeks, Healthy And So Lazy. We Fostered All Four Siblings And Adopted Him Ourselves.”
“Found This Girl In Need While In Greece, Now She Is Our Chunky Mischief Maker.”
“The Week I Rescued Him And 4 Months Later. He’s A Terrible Office Assistant”
Pitter patter. A large breed dog’s resting heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute, and a small dog breed’s heart beats between 100-140. Comparatively, a resting human heart beats 60-100 times per minute.
“Wally Update Pt.2. He Chonkin’ Up Nicely”
“One Month Ago, I Found This Baby In The Wheel Of My Forklift At Work. Now She Lives At Home With Me. Meet Emmy (6 Weeks vs. 10 Weeks)”
If you have a rescue cat story, please share it in the comments!