A crated cat was left outside a shelter with $60 and a handwritten note — but the message revealed a staggering price tag that stunned the staff

A volunteer at Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions in Las Vegas arrived early in the morning on October 28, 2025, to begin another day of caring for animals in need. But outside the shelter’s door was something unexpected, a crate holding a cat, a few belongings, and a folded note, along with $60 in cash. It was clear someone had left their pet behind, but what the message said would soon shock everyone who read it. The discovery not only broke hearts but also drew attention to a growing issue affecting shelters across the country.

As reported by Newsweek, Kimberly Wade, a consultant in marketing and operations for the rescue, said that the cat, a Scottish Fold later named Bobo, was found around 5:30 a.m. The volunteer also noticed a blanket and a small plate of salmon and shrimp placed inside the crate. When the staff read the handwritten note, they learned more about Bobo’s past and the painful reason for his surrender. The message mentioned that he had been well cared for and was a good cat, but it also explained that his family had to leave him behind because they were moving, a detail that, along with the rest of the note, left the team stunned. "He's a good cat; we just have to move. He cost $3,000! Please give to a nice family. He's had all his shots annually, and he has been neutered. Doesn't get along with other cats usually. Chronic UTIs," read the note. Heartbroken but determined, the staff brought Bobo inside. The cat instantly crawled into their laps, and his folded ears and bright blue eyes quickly won everyone's affection. 

Homeward Bound shared Bobo’s story on its Instagram account, @homewardboundcats, hoping to find him a new home. Fortunately, it did not take long. Within just a few days, a family saw his photo online and knew they wanted to bring him home. They adopted him on November 2, giving him a second chance at a happy life. “A short stay, and we couldn’t be happier about that!” Wade said. “The family is fantastic—very devoted and excited to give him the best future.” The family later told the rescue that Bobo was settling in well, slowly gaining confidence and purring more often. For the shelter team, his quick adoption was a bright spot in an otherwise emotional experience.

Still, Bobo’s story is far from rare. According to data from Shelter Animals Count, about 1.4 million cats entered shelters and rescues in the first half of 2025, a small drop from the previous year, yet space and resources remain tight. Homeward Bound said several other cats had been abandoned that same week. In a caption of the post of Bobo’s rescue, the organization urged, “Please, if life gets hard, reach out for help instead of leaving your cat. These cats can’t protect themselves.” 

For more pet adoption content, follow @homewardboundcats on their Instagram account.