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Depressed-Looking Shelter Cat Becomes Unrecognizable After Finding a Forever Home

Depressed cat goes viral for his sad face.
Depressed cat goes viral for his sad face. Image by @selux via Facebook.

It’s hard to imagine that a cat who once looked so sad could transform into such a happy soul. Fishtopher, a 5-year-old rescue cat from New Jersey, spent too long at the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center, wearing his emotions on his sleeve—or rather, on his face. With his downcast eyes and slouched posture, Fishtopher’s gloomy demeanor left little doubt that life in the shelter had taken a toll on him.

Despite the loving care he received from shelter staff, Fishtopher longed for something more—a family to call his own. He ate only when someone kept him company, and he craved the warmth of human touch. But day after day, he remained in his cage, quietly waiting for someone to see past his sad face and bring him home.

Fishtopher’s Cry for Help Goes Viral

Sad-looking cat waiting for his forever family.
Sad-looking cat waiting for his forever family. Image by @selux via Facebook.

The shelter staff at Homeward Bound adored Fishtopher and knew he deserved a better life. They created a Petfinder profile, describing his gentle nature: “Friendly, affectionate, quiet, and a couch potato.” But still, Fishtopher waited.

That all changed when Molly Clarke, a kind-hearted Twitter user, posted his profile, including a heart-wrenching picture of his depressed face. The internet did what it does best—Fishtopher went viral. Within hours, Homeward Bound was overwhelmed with adoption inquiries. Lines of people were waiting outside the shelter, eager to take him home. But it was Laura Folts and Tanner Callahan, a couple who had driven two hours after seeing his photo online, who would ultimately be the ones to give him a new life.

Fishtopher’s New Beginning

Viral depressed cat finds a forever home.
Viral depressed cat finds a forever home. Image by @HomewardBoundNJ via Facebook

As Fishtopher left the shelter, the staff bid him a tearful goodbye. His caregivers, who had grown attached to his sweet nature, were thrilled that he was going to a loving home. As soon as Fishtopher got in the car with Laura and Tanner, he began to change. Though he was shy at first, the affection from his new family was exactly what he had been waiting for.

“He’s very shy, but once held, he hides his face into the crook of your arm,” Laura shared on social media, capturing the tender moments as Fishtopher began to trust his new parents. 

From Gloom to Joy

Depressed cat unrecognizable at forever home.
Depressed cat unrecognizable at forever home. Image by @HomewardBoundNJ via Facebook

It didn’t take long for Fishtopher to feel at home. On the car ride back, he already began to relax, nuzzling into his new family’s arms. His once droopy eyes opened wide with curiosity, his ears perking up at the rustling of treat bags. Fishtopher’s favorite things now? Couch cuddles and tube treats. 

In just a short amount of time, Fishtopher became a completely different cat. No longer the sad, lonely soul waiting for someone to love him, he now lives his days surrounded by warmth, love, and endless kisses. 

A Happy Ending for Fishtopher

Once depressed cat living his best life with his forever family.
Once depressed cat living his best life with his forever family. Image by @mister.fishtopher via Instagram.

Fishtopher’s transformation is nothing short of miraculous. He went from being overlooked in a shelter to being the center of attention in his new home. Laura and Tanner are head over heels for their new furry family member, and Fishtopher is finally living the life he always deserved.

“He’s the best boy,” Laura wrote. And it’s easy to see why. After all, who wouldn’t fall in love with a cat who’s finally discovered what it means to be truly loved?

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