Any pet parent knows how heartbreaking it would feel if their indoor fur child accidentally got out and disappeared somewhere in the world. It’s devastating and scary, with no way to know if they’ll ever be reunited.
This recently happened to one senior man, whose Siamese cat he adopted 17 years ago with his late wife, vanished. Thanks to a devoted cat sitter, this is one of the best happy endings you’ll see this week.
Close-up of a Siamese cat looking at the camera while resting her head on a blanket.Image via Unsplash
This post, shared by Boston cat sitter “Auntie” Julie (via @julienashawaty), details the order of events that led to the senior Siamese cat’s rescue mission. It all started with a text from a concerned neighbor, and the rest is kismet.
The neighbor’s text explained that Ariel, a 17-year-old Siamese cat the man and his late wife rescued together, must’ve gotten out through an open door and the senior gentleman (aka the cat’s dad) was “very upset.” His late wife was the “Cat Lady” of Dartmouth, and Ariel is “one of the last pieces of his wife.”
It’s even more heartbreaking knowing that earlier in the day, the man held Julie’s hands with tears in his eyes, fearing “he’d lost her forever.” Julie and her husband set aside their anniversary plans because they knew this was one rescue mission that had to have a happy ending.
“This cat rescue story broke me—and it was my husband and I who saved her,” the caption reads, in part. “I couldn’t let that be how his story ended. So I didn’t.”
Related: Senior Munchkin Cat Sweetly Says ‘You’re Welcome’ After Bringing Mom a Flower
The now-viral video is a must-watch if you’re in need of a little boost. What a great example of how one kind act of helping someone restores all faith in humanity. Thank goodness Ariel found her way home to Dad and her cat sibling, Bebe!
Though there aren’t any other videos of Ariel, Julie regularly shares tales of the cats she pet-sits, and a few have become fan favorites. In honor of Ariel’s homecoming, here’s a clip of 19-year-old Seamus, another senior cat who touched so many with his story. Julie received more than 500 messages about him!
Look at this distinguished gentleman!
The Benefits of Adopting Senior Cats
No matter how young or old you may be, there are many benefits of adopting a cat—especially if they’re a senior. For those interested in a calmer, less demanding, and typically already-trained companion, older felines are where it’s at.
These cuties love relaxing, getting cuddles, and being your sidekick. They don’t need fancy toys or lots of activity because time with you is the highlight of the day. Older kitties are already socialized and don’t require the level of supervision younger cats do.
For seniors adopting a cat (of any age), the health benefits include offering a sense of purpose, companionship to cure loneliness, and reduced stress levels, which is a very good thing.
I’m thrilled Ariel found her way home, and I love seeing kitties like Seamus living his best life at 19 years young. It’s because of dedicated rescuers and sitters like Julie that this content exists—and we thank you all for it.
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.