24-Year-Old Cat Lands in Shelter After Losing Only Family He's Ever Known, and He's Heartbroken
Every animal deserves to live a good, happy life. Especially the ones who have had a rough start. Pinky is one of those animals. The senior cat is the oldest kitty to ever be surrendered to the NAWS Humane Society in Mokena, Illinois. His humans couldn't care for him any longer and now the shelter is hoping to find the animal someone to love.
Fran Flight is the director for NAWS and always shares the very needy animals who enter her care. Pinky is a special case, however. The cat lost everything, so quickly, and all at once.
@franflight My jaw dropped to the floor when I heard how old Pinky was. I didn't believe that this was real. He shows his age in his teeth, eyes, and the way he walks. He eats SO great and is truly a very sweet and docile boy. If you are looking for a sweet and calm super senior, please consider adopting Pinky. You can submit a cat adoption application at nawsus.org under the tab adoption center. He isn't posted on the website since he hasn't been medically cleared for adoption yet, and we are hoping this video is enough to get him in and out of the shelter. i love you guys SO much, im sending you tons of love- thank you for helping us help Pinky. #adopt#adoptdontshop#cat#catsoftiktok#dog
Home - Slowed - Edith Whiskers
Sometimes it's not that people don't want to care for their animals, it's that circumstances change and they simply can't. That's exactly what happened to the family of the 24-year-old cat. One minute they were caring for the senior animal, the next they lost it all and had to give him up.
Related: Story of Senior Cat Surrendered to Shelter After 19 Years in Loving Home Is Breaking Hearts
Pinky's family has had him since he was a kitten, but recently his family "became homeless and couldn't take him where they are going," the text overlay reads.
Despite his advanced age, Pinky is a sprightly guy. According to Flight, the cat is in "great health," and is in great shape. There's still time for Pinky to love another human and to be loved. All he needs is someone to see his story and give him a second chance.
"If you are looking for a sweet and calm super senior, please consider adopting Pinky," the caption reads.
People were positively heartbroken for Pinky.
"Normally, I'm angry when a pet is surrendered, but bringing Pinky to you after becoming homeless is an incredible act of love," wrote one person.
"How utterly heartbreaking. His family must have loved him so much for him to get to that age. I'm holding out hope that their circumstances change and they can come back for him. If not, I hope he finds a wonderful new home," chimed in another commenter.
"I can't imagine. What a sweet boy. I hope someone comes and rescues this boy," added another commenter.
How to Adopt Pinky
If Pinky's story has touched your heart, you can make a difference. You can apply for adoption at the NAWS website, and give Pinky the love he needs.
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM.