Neglected Orange Cat Saved From California Streets Can’t Stop Thanking His Rescuer

Valentino wandered the streets of California on his own, struggling day by day without anyone to look after him.

His luck changed when a compassionate passerby spotted him and contacted Cats of San Bernardino for help.

The ragged little orange cat showed clear signs of neglect and was likely abandoned when his former owners moved away.

At first, the shelter staff thought he was female, given how thin and fragile he looked. He was neutered, but so malnourished. His rescuer, Jaina, recalled in a YouTube video:

“He just allowed to be picked up and he wasn’t moving. So it’s worse than I thought!”

At the vet clinic, Valentino was running a fever, and his frail frame made it obvious how underfed he’d been.

His coat was patchy, with bare spots showing his skin. On top of that, he had a large abscess on his forehead that needed urgent care.

The vet prescribed antibiotics, and the shelter team wasted no time in starting treatment.

His rescuer said his whole expression changed, almost as if he realized someone was finally going to help him get better.

The team began giving him sub-Q fluid injections, and even though he remained shaky after the hydration started, he still managed to stand up and eat.

As days passed, Valentino grew stronger, gained weight, and his wounds began to heal.

His abscess cleared, and now all he needed was time for his fur to grow back.

Before long, Valentino’s true personality began to shine.

He transformed from a frail, timid street cat into a warm, affectionate companion who couldn’t get enough of the people who had saved him. Jaina shared:

“As soon as he started to heal, he started to form a connection with us on a different level. He became almost like a different cat.”

He would settle himself comfortably on their lap or chest and stay there as long as he possibly could, as Jaina said:

“He’ll sit on you until you have to get up. He wants you to be with him 100% of the time.”

It was clear that Valentino craved constant closeness. He wanted to be near his humans every single moment to get their attention and affection without ever feeling alone.

And then the kisses started pouring in. Valentino began showing his gratitude in the sweetest way possible.

He would rub his head against his rescuers, give their noses little licks, and snuggle up close like he was begging, “Please don’t ever let me go.”

Before long, he became the shelter’s little charmer, soaking up every bit of love offered to him.

Valentino is now ready to find a forever home, but it has to be just right: someone who’s home often and can give him all the love and attention he craves.

He thrives on being close and wants to be with his person every moment.

This little guy found his way to the shelter, and now the shelter is determined to find him the perfect family to call his own.