Cat's Transformation From Gutter Rescue to Living Like a Queen Melts Hearts
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
On a rain-soaked afternoon in March 2023, Jax from Cleveland, Ohio, wasn't expecting to become a hero. But fate had other plans, in the form of a frail, mud-caked creature barely clinging to life in a gutter.
"I didn't even realize she was a cat at first," Jax told Newsweek. "She was so wet, skinny, and weak that I thought she might already be gone."
The feline, later named Raina in honor of the stormy day she was found, was motionless for the entire ride home. Jax, with help from a friend named Christina, gently cleaned the grime from her fur. The next morning, Raina began to show signs of life, licking at food and slowly regaining strength.
Pictures of Raina the cat when she was first found in the gutter.
Pictures of Raina the cat when she was first found in the gutter.
The529/Reddit
A trip to the vets revealed that she was about 1 year old, but she weighed just 6 pounds and was suffering with fleas, tapeworms and malnourishment.
"I didn't plan to keep her," Jax said. "My life was so busy. I even asked a friend to adopt her after two months—but, within 24 hours, I missed her so much I asked for her back."
From there, everything changed for Raina. Now a healthy 11-pound feline with a personality as radiant as her name, she is living her best life.
"She's one of the friendliest cats I've ever met," Jax said. "Everyone is her friend. Nothing really scares her except for sirens and car horns, which makes me think she might have had a bad experience with them in the streets."
Pictures of Raina now, sitting at a window, left; and on a rug, right.
Pictures of Raina now, sitting at a window, left; and on a rug, right.
The529/Reddit
In 2024, approximately 5 million animals entered U.S. shelters and rescues, according to Shelter Animals Count—an increase of nearly 3 percent from 2023. By the end of the year, 103,000 more pets had entered shelters than had exited, contributing to an ongoing capacity crisis in U.S. shelters.
Around 748,000 animals experienced non-live outcomes, including euthanasia, death in care, and being lost in care, in 2024. While this represents a 1.6 percent decrease compared to 2023 and a 20 percent drop from 2019, the number remains high.
Jax shared the heartwarming story on Reddit's r/cats subreddit as u/The529, where she has gained viral attention.
"Beautiful transformation! Thank you so much for taking care of her," one commenter said, while another wrote: "What a glow up!!!! She's such a pretty gorl!"
"I was so moved by how many people have been in similar situations," Jax said. "It's incredible how many are willing to adopt animals in need."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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