‘Sad And Depressed’ Shelter Cat Is Unrecognizable In His New Home

Fishtopher, a 5-year-old rescue cat, wears his emotions on his face. His time as a stray in New Jersey left him feeling sad and disconnected, evident in his sullen expression during his stay at the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center.

Although Fishtopher cherished the care provided by the shelter staff, what he truly longed for was a family to call his own.

From the moment he arrived at the shelter, Fishtopher displayed signs of loneliness. He would only eat when the shelter staff stopped by his crate, craving one-on-one attention. Everyone at Homeward Bound developed an affinity for him, but they recognized that he deserved a forever home.

To showcase Fishtopher’s unique qualities, the shelter created a Petfinder profile that captured his endearing nature.

“Friendly, affectionate, gentle, quiet, couch potato,” the profile described. “He is a sweet, easy-going, laid-back boy. He loves cuddling up in arms, as it makes him feel secure.”

The profile concluded with a call to action, urging potential adopters to rescue this lovable feline, along with recommendations for the type of home environment that would best suit Fishtopher’s needs.

Shortly after Fishtopher’s profile went live, a tweet by Molly Clarke featuring his description and an image of his adorable, melancholic face went viral.

“We received an overwhelming number of inquiries from people wanting to adopt him,” Homeward Bound shared in a Facebook post. “People were lining up outside this morning!”

Laura Folts and Tanner Callahan, inspired by the viral tweet, felt an instant connection to Fishtopher and knew he was destined to be a part of their family. They embarked on a two-hour drive to the shelter, where Fishtopher officially became theirs.

While Fishtopher’s shelter friends would miss their time with him, the overwhelming joy of finding him the perfect home eclipsed any sadness.

“We are extremely happy for him,” the shelter expressed. “Fishtopher has left the building!”

Once settled in the car with Folts and Callahan, Fishtopher quickly warmed up to his new family. Although initially shy, he felt the warmth and love surrounding him.

“He is very shy, but once held, he likes to hide his face into the crook of your arm,” Folts shared in a tweet.

Throughout the two-hour journey back home, the elated couple showered Fishtopher with hugs and kisses, immersing him in a world of affection.

As they arrived home, Folts and Callahan eagerly delved into learning more about Fishtopher. They discovered his favorite things, including lounging on the couch and relishing puree tube treats. The couple was overjoyed to witness the transformation in Fishtopher’s demeanor.

The once-droopy eyes widened with curiosity, taking in his new surroundings. Ears, previously flattened, perked up to absorb the sounds of a treat bag opening and the affectionate kisses from his new parents. In the stillness of their home, Fishtopher experienced a profound sense of peace.

Adapting to his new life with ease, Fishtopher now embraces each day alongside his loving parents. The couple is enamored with their feline companion, captivated by his delightful and contented expression.

Finally, the former shelter cat is living the life he always dreamed of.

“He’s the epitome of goodness, the best boy,” Folts affectionately declared.