When White Coat Waste shut down the kitten testing facility at the University of California, Davis, a rescue mission began for the cats left behind.
Among them was a sweet orange cat, living in the testing lab for over 12 years without a name, just a number – #11-245 – tattooed inside both of her ears.
But when the lab was shut down, everything changed. That’s when her story truly began.
Underweight, timid, and unsure of everything around her, this kitty was given a second chance when the founder of White Coat Waste, Anthony Bellotti, saw her and knew she was meant to be part of his family.
Bellotti had recently lost one of his own rescued lab cats, and when he saw this kitty, something in her eyes told him she needed him just as much as he needed her, as he shared in an interview:
“Petite, one of my other rescued lab cats, had recently passed away … So, I had a choice to make when picking a new pet. But, as the saying goes, ‘You don’t choose the cat, they choose you.’”
At first, the kitty struggled. She had spent most of her life in a lab, and the world outside was so different. She had never experienced the love of a family, the comfort of a cozy home, or the simple joy of playing with toys.
But with patience, she started to heal. She gained weight, her appetite returned, and soon she was demanding treats and playing with her new catnip toys.
Bellotti knew she deserved more than a number so he gave her a name that matched her warm, golden color: Marigold. He shared:
“Her name reflects her unique color, which looks a lot like the marigold flower.”
In just a few short months, Marigold’s transformation was nothing short of amazing. The shy, nervous cat who once hid from everything had blossomed into a confident, happy kitty, as Bellotti shared:
“Marigold is doing amazing. She is healthy and she has gained back all her weight. In fact, she’s now food-crazy and constantly demanding treats!”
For the first time, Marigold had a family who adored her, and a home full of love, toys, and endless treats.
Her first birthday outside the lab was a celebration like no other. After spending a lifetime living in a place that didn’t care for her well-being, she finally experienced the joy of a day just for her, as her dad shared:
“We just celebrated her 13th birthday – her very first one outside of the laboratory. Our family even threw her a little birthday party, which included her first KitNipBox.”
Marigold’s new life is a world away from the sterile lab she once knew. Gone are the days of loneliness – now, she enjoys all the comforts of a cozy home she rightfully deserves.
Marigold now spends her days making biscuits, enjoying her treats, and basking in the love of the family who will never let her go. Each moment feels like a gift to her, and every new experience fills her heart with happiness.
Every day, she’s reminded that her second chance at life was worth all the struggles she faced.
Watch Marigold’s heartwarming journey in this video.
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