A cat who had been fending for himself on the streets finally made his way into a shelter, determined to become someone’s one and only companion. What follows is his journey from abandonment to a warm lap and a forever home.
Artie — Clifton Animal Shelter
Artie was left behind when his family moved away. For a time he roamed outside, learning to survive while still hoping for a gentle hand and a quiet place to rest. Thanks to a TNR effort, he was brought to safety. At Clifton Animal Shelter, his affectionate nature was obvious from day one, and the team promised to help him find the home he deserved.
Staff described him as a special boy with an enormous capacity for love. Artie is FIV+, meaning he benefits from a bit of extra care to stay healthy, but with proper management, FIV+ cats can thrive for many years. He adores head bumps, leans into cuddles, and lights up when people give him attention.
Photo: Clifton Animal Shelter
He’s the kind of companion who will curl up on your lap and purr for hours, happy just to be close. The moment staff arrived each morning, his eyes brightened and his motor started, as if he were greeting old friends. Even after a tough start, his sweetness never faded.
Photo: Clifton Animal Shelter
Artie’s path hadn’t been easy—he was one of several cats put outside by their owner—but his friendly spirit stood out. At around two to three years old, he quickly earned a reputation as the shelter’s snuggliest cat. He loved attention and gave enthusiastic kisses, soaking up every moment with his favorite humans.
Because he’s so people-focused, Artie hoped for a calm home where he could be the star—no sharing required. He greeted anyone passing his kennel with a gentle head bump and a hopeful look, always ready for a treat or a chin rub. Volunteers fell for his charm immediately.
Photo: Clifton Animal Shelter
To everyone at the shelter, Artie was a little beam of sunshine—curious, affectionate, and full of life. When he wasn’t exploring, he was busy turning into a cuddle blanket on any available lap. His love for people was unmistakable, and he made friends wherever he went.
Photo: Clifton Animal Shelter
For months, Artie tried his best to win over every visitor. Some of the cats who arrived with him found homes quickly, but Artie kept waiting—and purring—hoping the right person would notice him. Staff couldn’t understand why he’d been overlooked; to them, he was pure love.
Photo: Clifton Animal Shelter
They shared his story again and again: a devoted lap cat who wanted nothing more than a person to adore. Each day, Artie hoped it would be his turn. Each night, he settled back into his kennel, still waiting. And then, at last, the message they’d all hoped for arrived—someone had fallen for Artie.
Artie has been adopted — Clifton Animal Shelter
After a long wait, Artie found his perfect match. Because he was FIV+, some adopters passed him by—but the right person saw the loving, gentle soul everyone at the shelter knew so well. Now, instead of a kennel, he has a cozy bed and arms to curl into.
Freed from the noise and bustle of shelter life, Artie spends his days doing what he loves best: keeping laps warm, supervising naps, and handing out head bumps like little hugs. He’s exactly where he always wanted to be—home.
Happy and loved — Clifton Animal Shelter
Share Artie’s story with friends. To see more cats like him, visit Clifton Animal Shelter on Instagram and Facebook. Your share could help another cat find a forever home.
