Clever Shelter Cat In New Jersey Uses A Trick To Win Over Adopters

Life can be especially tough for animals that are simply too gentle for the streets. Louie, an orange tabby with a heart that seemed too big for the world around him, was one of those souls.
His luck finally began to turn when he arrived at Clifton Animal Shelter, a place ready to give him the second chance he truly deserved. But even then, his journey wasn’t easy in the beginning.
Before finding safety, Louie had been surviving on the streets, left to fend for himself as a stray. As the shelter staff explained in an interview:
“He spent some time as a stray, wandering around on his own, but he’s way too gentle and affectionate for life on the streets.”

When Louie finally got to the shelter, it was like a heavy burden was lifted off him. He looked so relieved to be inside, letting volunteers pet him and accepting care from the vets without any trouble.
It was as if he knew he was finally safe. The shelter said:
“This incredibly handsome boy is about a year old and as sweet as they come. He deserves a safe, loving home where he can truly thrive.”

After a big meal and a dose of much-needed affection, Louie curled up in his kennel with his little green pillow, finally able to relax.
Even though he was still in a shelter, he found comfort in that small space and eagerly awaited the next visit from his human friends.
It didn’t take long before Louie’s true self emerged. His sweet nature and gentle charm won over everyone he met, and soon he had the staff completely wrapped around his paw. With every cuddle and purr, he showed just how much love he had to give.

As soon as the volunteers arrived, Louie was there to greet them, ready to shower them with purrs and cuddles.
His kind and loving personality made him a favorite among everyone, providing a comforting presence for those in need of some “cat love.”
He would roll onto his back, looking up at his humans with those big, hopeful eyes, almost begging them to open the kennel door and scoop him up.

It was as if he was trying to make up for lost time, soaking in every moment of human affection he could get.
But as days turned into weeks, Louie was still waiting for his forever home. That’s when this clever cat decided to take action.
He began to show off a “new trick,” a heartwarming display of affection that was impossible to ignore. The shelter mentioned:
“Louie wrapped his arms around our volunteer’s neck, snuggled up against her face, and purred nonstop. He didn’t want to let go, and honestly, we didn’t want to put him down either. He’s just that loving.”

The tabby boy began giving visitors real hugs, showering them with purrs and love, hoping it would convince them to take him home.
He was like a little furry salesman, selling nothing but pure love. He followed everyone around, rubbed against legs, and curled up in the lap for cuddles.
He was really laying it on thick, and honestly, who could blame him? He knew what he wanted and wasn’t shy about asking for it with a hug. Even after living on the streets and taking care of himself, he still had so much love to share!
As for the volunteers, they were set on finding Louie a warm and loving home where he could always have someone to snuggle with.

The shelter team shared plenty of photos and a video of Louie snuggling up to a volunteer, rubbing against them and showing off his affectionate personality for everyone to see. And it worked — people noticed!
Online, hearts melted. Many fell in love with this charming orange tabby, and with the help of social media and the tireless work of the volunteers, Louie’s dream finally came true.
He has now left the shelter to begin his new life, one filled with endless cuddles and the love he had always been waiting for.
It just goes to show — every animal has a place in this world. Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage to ask for it… preferably with a big, warm hug. And Louie? He certainly knew exactly how to ask.