‘Saddest’ Shelter Cat Finally Gets Adopted—Then True Personality Emerges 

After falling in love with the “saddest looking” cat in the shelter, a school teacher decided to adopt him—and only realized after taking him home he had been “catfished.”

In a Reddit post shared on Saturday under the username u/sleepyiamsosleepy, the cat owner explained: “Fell in love with the saddest looking cat in the shelter on Saturday. He finally came home today and totally catfished me.” 

Pictures shared with the post, show the cat in shelter and then at home, looking like a whole different kitty.  

While in the shelter, the kitty can be seen lying down in his kennel looking miserable, at home, his behavior immediately changes—the pictures show him having the best time hunting a catnip toy in his new living room. 

It is not unusual for cats to change completely once they’re out stressful environments. Places like animal shelter can directly trigger behavior problems in cats and dogs because they expose animals to a constant stream of unfamiliar and overwhelming experiences.  

From the moment they arrive, animals face confinement, new surroundings, and unpredictable events, all of which activate stress responses. They are surrounded by strange smells, loud noises, unfamiliar people, and the presence of other animals, while also coping with changes in routine, diet, and caregiving.  

Limited space and the inability to escape stimulation prevent them from engaging in behaviors that would normally help them cope, such as seeking human comfort or finding a quiet resting place.  

This lack of control and absence of familiar comforts can lead to fear, anxiety, or frustration. Over time, these pressures weaken both physical and emotional health, making animals more prone to illness and reducing their adoptability.  

Research by the University of Florida explains that if stress becomes chronic, behavior issues can worsen and become long‑lasting.