Internet Works Its Magic for Only Cat With No Interest at Adoption Event

All hope was lost when a cat didn't receive a single application during an adoption event at a San Diego cat-themed gift shop. That is until the social media powers worked its magic.

Smittens Rescue, a non-profit cat rescue, held an adoption event on April 13 at Purrgatory. All day 3-year-old Monte waited around with the hopes he would get adopted. The rescue's TikTok video shared to the account @smittens_rescue showed Monte crying out for someone, anyone, to give him a home.

But, as seen in the TikTok clip, people ignored the tuxedo cat. The cat meowed at a person walking by on the sidewalk. This was his begging call for a home. The person didn't even glance in Monte's direction.

Thankfully, the video tugged at the heartstrings of those who watched online. This led Monte's adopter to find him and apply to bring him home forever.

Viewers were rooting for Monte, commenting and sharing the clip to help connect him to a future family. The power of social media kicked in and the tux was adopted on April 15, only one day after the TikTok clip was posted.

"Algorithm, please bring me to the page of his new owner. Monte deserves a good home," one viewer commented.

Another asked: "Nooo, how can anyone ignore this baby!! He's literally crying out to be adopted!"

A third person pointed out: "He's so well-behaved and he knows how to walk on a leash. I been trying to train my cats to walk on a leash for years and they don't like it."

Although Monte has his happy ending, Smittens Rescue told Newsweek via TikTok that there are, unfortunately, plenty more cats waiting for forever homes, just like the hero of our story. Not every cat is highlighted or goes viral on social media. And even if you don't see a cat or dog in need of a home come across your feed, that does not mean they aren't out there.

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared to January 2022, the 24Pet "Shelter Watch Report" found.

About 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our "Pet of the Week" lineup.