In the United States alone, roughly 3.4 million cats enter shelters every year. These are either pets that have gotten lost, animals born as strays or neglected and abused animals that were dumped or escaped. An estimated 1.4 million of these cats are euthanized, but others are adopted and rescued into foster care. Each cat has their own amazing story and we have incredible gratitude for the heroes that save them and share their journeys with us. We must warn you, some of these initial rescue photos are quite disturbing, but the happy ending just might be worth looking at.
#1 – “Pip” was found in a box of dead kittens. She was blind, but the only survivor. Here’s her photo just 6 weeks after her rescue.
Photo credit: Imgur
#2 – Kodama was found homeless with a maggot-infested wound. Today, she doesn’t even look like the same cat.
Photo credit: Imgur
#3 – Bunny was electrocuted and found with multiple wounds. Now, he’s happier than ever.
Photo credit: Imgur
#4 – Found nearly dead, this little kitty has a new lease on life and she sure looks comfy!
Photo credit: Imgur
#5 – It was cold out when Mr. Biscuits went under the hood of a car looking for warmth. The car owner didn’t see him in there and Mr. Biscuits was badly burned as they drove away.
Photo credit: Facebook
#6 – Louie was just 2 weeks old when he was found lost in a gutter. Now he’s the king of his home.
Photo credit: Reddit
#7 – Utopia was found as a homeless kitten in a rainstorm in Shanghai. Little did she know, she found her forever home that day.
Photo credit: Kitty Army
#8 – Scout was deathly thin and starving when he was rescued. Now, she’s a beautiful cat!
Photo credit: Imgur
#9 – Despite a nasty infection and the loss of an eye, Tyrion doesn’t seem phased by his rough past.
Photo credit: Imgur
#10 – Duncan was found bruised and bloody in the middle of the road, but you’d never tell by looking at him now!
Photo credit: Imgur
#11 – Rescue cat Brimley doesn’t even look like the same kitty!
Photo credit: Imgur
#12 – Kitters was found in a backyard with a glass jar over his head in a 107ºF Florida summer day. Even worse, he was found in the backyard because the rescuers dog were attacking him. Kitters fought through burns, puncture wounds and severe pain and today, he’s happier than he’s ever been.
Photo credit: Imgur