From Heartbreak to Happiness: How Two Rescue Cats Changed My Life
Originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Want your story featured? Submit your rescue story here!

As soon as my roommate with cat allergies moved out, I knew exactly what I wanted—a kitten. But there was one big problem: I can’t bring myself to visit shelters or pet stores. Seeing all those animals in cages, knowing I can’t take them all home, just breaks my heart.

📍 Photo: Liv L. from Wallingford, CT

I sent emails to at least a dozen shelters and humane societies, asking about adoptions, but never got a reply. So I reached out to a childhood friend who runs a dog rescue, hoping she might know of a kitten rescue. She didn’t—but she did know someone in Tennessee who was fostering a kitten. She sent me photos, and I instantly fell in love.

That kitten, who I named Fig (a.k.a. Superman), made the long journey to Connecticut in a van full of dogs. The foster mom advised me to let him settle in alone in a small room after such a stressful trip.

That didn’t last long.

After just 15 minutes of meowing from the bathroom, I gave in. Five minutes later, he jumped up next to me and fell asleep, purring right by my face. My heart just melted.

Fig quickly made himself at home, and also made it clear he needed a playmate—especially after several 3 a.m. zoomies. A few weeks later, we brought home Mangia (a.k.a. Lion). My boyfriend wasn’t exactly thrilled about having two cats, but now he’s often found with at least one snuggled on his lap when I walk in the door. He jokes that our place is turning into Petco because I bring home new toys every week.

Leaving them, even for a few hours, makes me sad. Fig waits outside the shower until I’m done, and Mangia headbutts me for affection, then curls up in my arm and kneads the blanket every night before bed.

I’ll always be grateful to my friends for bringing these two little furballs into my life. They’ve filled my home—and heart—with so much love.

Story submitted by Liv L. from Wallingford, Connecticut.
Originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Got a rescue story of your own? Share it here!