New York Shelter Cat Hugs Every Visitor, Desperate For A Place To Call Home

When a compassionate passerby spotted a stray cat scavenging for food, they offered him a meal and kept watch over him. That kindness was exactly what Lenu needed to change the course of his life.

Lenu proved to be a warm and affectionate cat. The person who had helped him eventually brought him to Lollypop Farm, an animal shelter in New York.

It was evident that Lenu had once belonged to someone, but life’s twists had left him to fend for himself.

From the moment he set paw in the shelter, Lenu’s warm personality caught everyone off guard. He welcomed every staff member and visitor with purrs and affection, always eager to be close to people and win over new friends. Lollypop Farm shared in an interview:

“It was clear that the cat was very friendly and socialized before living outdoors. It is believed that he was left behind when his previous caretakers moved away.”

At first, the shelter staff believed Lenu was female, but a vet visit revealed he was actually a male who had previously undergone surgery for urinary problems. The little mix-up didn’t change a thing; everyone at the shelter was smitten with him.

Lenu adored curling up with the staff and hugging the volunteers. He’d happily wrap his paws around anyone who let him climb into their arms for a cuddle. The shelter shared:

“He spent his days cuddling with staff members and volunteers. He loved everyone. He is a 4-year-old, 17-pound gentle soul who just wants to snuggle everyone he meets.”

The same thing happened when the son of a shelter worker stopped by for a visit. Lenu spotted an opportunity for a new friend and seized it without hesitation, wrapping the boy in a hug unlike any he’d ever received from a cat.

It was as if Lenu’s mission in life was to make every person who walked through those shelter doors adore him. That sweet embrace was shared on social media, where it quickly caught the eye of a couple who fell for Lenu right away.

The couple came to the shelter to meet Lenu face-to-face, and the connection was instant. Lenu wasted no time choosing them as his people. He curled up in their laps as if he’d known all along they were meant to be his family. The shelter shared:

“He was adopted exactly one day after becoming available for adoption.”

Today, Lenu is thriving in the comfort of his new home, surrounded by a family who loves him dearly. His sweet temperament and endless affection have made him the heart of the household. His new mom and dad can’t get enough of his cuddles, as his mom shared:

“My husband and I love his gentle temperament. He gets all the belly rubs and the chin scratches. He acclimated so fast, and he’s become our baby boy.”

Lenu settled into his new life and forever home without a hitch. He’s fully embraced his title as the family’s official “hugger”! His loving humans say:

“He does so well meeting family and friends and loves to be the center of attention. We couldn’t have asked for a better guy, and we couldn’t love him more.”

Once left to fend for himself, Lenu is now a treasured part of a family who adores him. He’s thriving, giving back endless love, and proving just how much a second chance can mean.

Here’s hoping more stray cats get that same opportunity in the days to come.