A 14-Year-Old Cat Surrendered to a Shelter Finds a New Home
Loki had lived with the same family since he was a kitten, so everything shifted when they moved and left him in the care of a Virginia shelter. Fourteen is a tough age for a fresh start, and he arrived with no idea of what came next. What followed could have been bleak, but the right people stepped in at the right time, and Loki’s story opened into a gentler new chapter.
Loki Was Surrendered After His Family Moved
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Loki’s entire life changed when his family moved away and did not take him along, leaving the 14-year-old orange cat at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter in Fredericksburg, Virginia. After more than a decade in one home, the sudden separation created a difficult and confusing transition for the senior cat.
His Age Made His Situation More Challenging
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Senior cats face significant adoption barriers. Newsweek highlighted Shelter Animals Count data showing a 7 percent drop in senior cat adoptions during the first half of 2025, while younger cats saw a rise. At 14 years old, Loki fell squarely into the age group most likely to be overlooked in shelters.
The Emotional Impact Hit Him Hard
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The abrupt shift from a familiar home to a shelter environment caused Loki to “break down,” according to the Newsweek report. Losing his routine, family, and surroundings all at once made it difficult for him to adjust, and staff noticed right away that the stress was taking a toll on him.
Loki Stopped Eating After Arriving
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One of the clearest signs of Loki’s distress was his refusal to eat. The shelter reported that he completely stopped taking food after being surrendered. For a senior cat already struggling with the shock of abandonment, the lack of appetite was concerning and signaled how overwhelming the change had been.
Staff Administered an Appetite Stimulant
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Because Loki wasn’t eating on his own, shelter staff stepped in and gave him an appetite stimulant to encourage him to start taking food again. It was an important intervention during a fragile time, helping stabilize him while he adjusted to unfamiliar surroundings.
He Previously Lived With Other Pets—But Not Dogs
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The shelter’s October 28 Facebook post shared details from Loki’s former owner. He had lived with other cats and even a rabbit, but he was not fond of dogs. That information helped the shelter make it clear that a canine-free home would be the best environment for him.
A Facebook Video Helped Show His Gentle Nature
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The shelter shared a short video of Loki on Facebook in late October. In it, he accepts gentle petting and moves his head around so the staff member can reach all his favorite spots. The clip allowed viewers to see his sweet personality and helped bring more attention to his story.
A Brief Moment in the Video Moved Viewers
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One moment in the video resonated strongly: when the petting stopped, Loki looked back with eyes the shelter described as “filled with hurt.” That small but emotional reaction helped people connect to his story. It revealed how deeply he craved comfort after such an abrupt and difficult life change.
The Post Drew Strong Responses Online
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The video gathered significant engagement on Facebook, receiving more than 671 likes, 162 shares, and 76 comments. Viewers expressed heartbreak over Loki’s situation and shared hopes that he would find a loving home. When news of his adoption was announced, commenters returned to celebrate the happy outcome for the senior cat.
Loki Was Adopted Shortly After the Video was Posted
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The shelter later confirmed that Loki had been adopted shortly after his story was shared online. After facing steep challenges, he found a new family ready to care for him. His quick adoption was a welcome and heartwarming turn for a cat who began in such a difficult situation.