Old couple loses 20-year-old cat and never wanted a pet again. Then they went to a rescue center

Losing a pet can leave behind a void very difficult to fill. The loss is all about mourning a unique bond, one with a cherished history as well as moments filled with with quiet comforts. An elderly couple was devastated after the loss of their cat of 20 years and thought that they would never be ready for another pet until they found one that needed them as much as they needed her. Monique Marconnet, 82, and Jean-Jacques Marconnet, 88 had a cat who passed away, but @margauxfrance, their granddaughter, then shared an update in a video that melted everyone's hearts. 

Words over the video explain read, "After losing [sic] their 20-year-old cat, my grandparents were left heartbroken. They thought they would never have a cat again, because they were 'too old'. But then, they met Lili at the rescue center." She was visibly depressed and scared, hidden away in a cage. At only 3, she seemed to have given up on life. So they decided to offer her a new one," the woman told Newsweek.

"He was spoiled with fresh shrimp every other day and slept with my grandparents every night," she said. Bibi got a new lease of life in his later years when another stray cat, Marcel, arrived at the Marconnets'—who live near Bordeaux, France— "and, at 18 years old, Bibi started playing again."

Bibi and her parents really loved spending time together and the couple hardly went anywhere leaving her behind. Unfortunately, back in August of 2024, Bibi passed away in the loving arms of the grandparents. The grandkid then shared how her grandparents were really reluctant to adopt another cat but were encouraged by her mom. Eventually, the Marconnets went to get a kitten, "to recreate the bond they had with Bibi," but at the shelter they noticed another cat tucked away in a cage, looking visibly depressed."

This little soul was Lili who once belonged to an elderly woman who had suddenly left her home and never returned, the grandchild said. "Lili had waited in the garden for four months, hoping her owner would come back." The elderly couple quickly knew that they had to bring her home. When they got her home, they noticed that she had some injuries and a severe fear of men. "It took her some time to tolerate my granddad," she said, explaining that Lili would hide and cry at first—but her grandparents waited patiently, giving the cat space while letting her know she was not in any danger, talking to her softly and leaving her treats," she added.

The TikTok video which was shared back in December later went viral. Many people took to the comment section to share their thoughts on the heartwarming video. "Dear little Lili, you have a home now. There is no longer any need to be scared," wrote @buffy. "I wish your grandparents and Lili the best times together! May they enjoy each other's company to the fullest," added @cleanwith30. "oh that sweet baby is never gonna have a single worry again in her life," expressed @runninglikewater_.

You can follow @margauxfrance for more lifestyle content on TikTok.