After spending 12 years confined in a rabbit cage, a senior cat finds her forever home

Adopting a senior domestic animal is like uncovering a hidden treasure—an opportunity wrapped in wisdom, love and gratitude that often is overlooked. While mostly, puppies and kittens steal the spotlight, older animals at the shelter long for their forever home with untold stories, unmatched loyalty and the gentleness of an old soul. However, they are often left behind in shelter homes as their age is unfairly seen as a disadvantage by many. However, Julie Nashawaty decided to adopt a senior Maine Coon cat, Luna, after learning about its heartwrenching and traumatic past. The wholesome story of Luna was shared by GeoBeats Animals (@geobeatsanimals) on Instagram, which was seen by nearly 300,000 viewers online. 

Interestingly, Nashawaty had adopted Luna's brother, Ollie, back in 2017. Exactly a year later, on her cat's birthday, she decided to celebrate the day by donating some items to the Animal Rescue League of Boston. And this was when Nashawaty met Luna. "She was the very last girl there. And they said that most people just passed right over her because she had some bathroom issues," the woman revealed. Aside from that, Nashawaty shared that Luna’s age and past were also significant factors that discouraged people from considering it for adoption.

The woman immediately felt a deep connection with Luna and decided to bring her home. She was amazed at how quickly the senior cat bonded with Ollie. Further, Nashawaty went on to share Luna's truly incredible survival story. She revealed that the cat was found in a hoarding home in a very bad condition. "Her teeth were broken from the water bottle of rabbit feeder that they were giving to her and her mittens like all of the white parts of her were stained because she had been just living in her own filth for 12 years," Nashawaty said. Notably, Luna spent 12 years of its life, caged in a rabbit's cell. 

While the adopted cat has been doing well overall, the cat's parent shared that she has noticed some health issues in Luna, including signs of dementia, stage two kidney disease and drastic weight loss. The Instagram reel received an overwhelming response from netizens who were seemingly moved by Luna's story. For instance, @carolinacontreras wrote, "This story broke my heart, this poor baby is so trusting and loving even though she was held in a rabbit cage for 12 years. I cannot believe how people can be so cruel! How beautiful of this lady to have rescued her! I wish her and her whole family all the blessings in the world." @milo_the_cat commented, "I love you. I don’t know you but I love what you’re doing. It takes a very strong giving person to sacrifice a lot for these furry babies. God bless you. Luna is very lucky to have you to help her live her elder years so comfortably and free!"

@sarcasminthedesert wrote, "May this woman’s pillow always be cold and may she find money in her jean pockets on wash day. She’s a real-life angel!" @margaretlschutz wrote, "I just lost my senior kitty. I adopted her when she was 10. She had all sorts of problems, but we had a wonderful bond. I knew we wouldn’t have her for long, but I loved her with all my heart anyway. I miss her, but we gave her the best 6 years we could. The inevitable heartbreak was worth it." Meanwhile, talking to BoredPanda, Nashawaty shared what made her adopt Luna. She said, "I have been through a lot in my life, an abusive marriage, a lot of survival, and when I recovered from my own trauma, I wanted to make a point of never leaving anyone behind who felt alone."

You can follow GeoBeats Animals (@geobeatsanimals) on Instagram for more rescue stories.