Cat Returned to Shelter After 6 Years Tries to ‘Become Invisible' and People Are Heartbroken
Dogs and cats are sometimes returned to a shelter years after adoption due to a variety of reasons, including poor health, financial strain, moving, or a new baby. These fur babies don't understand why they are no longer with their family, and can emotionally shut down from the traumatic separation.
Stella the Calico mix cat was brought back to the NAWS Humane Society after 6 years and is clearly feeling a great sense of loss.
@franflight UPDATE IS POSTED FOR OUR SWEET STELLA GIRL! I LOVE YOU GUYS WITH ALL OF MY HEART Our sweet little Stella is unfortunately back with us. It's hard for us to know Stella's true personality right now, but we believe she would do best in a quiet/calm home with other chill cats. Stella hasn't been officially posted for adoption since she hasn't been medically cleared, but you can still apply to adopt her at nawsus.org by submitting a generic cat adoption application. She currently isn't on any medications for her eyes, but we recommend that whoever adopts her follows up with an eye specialist on a regular basis to make sure she continues to feel comfortable. Let's get this girl adopted, i'm sending you all so much love. #adopt#adoptdontshop#cat#catsoftiktok#catlover
scott street x i know the end - 𝘿𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙑𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙨
In the TikTok from @franflight, the NAWS staff member gently lifted Stella out of her kennel as the post shared the pretty kitty's story.
"After 6 years of being adopted, Stella was relinquished back to us," the onscreen text explained as the staff member cuddled the sweet cat. "The new children in the home were too much for her."
Due to the traumatic change, Stella is withdrawn and tries to remain hidden out of fear and despair.
"Right now, Stella doesn't want anything to do with us," the story continued as the feline fur baby cowered in the corner of her kennel. "All she wants to do is become invisible."
Stella Has Eyelid Agenesis
When Stella was adopted years ago, she was diagnosed with eyelid agenesis, also known as eyelid coloboma. This rare condition is when a cat is born with some or all of its upper eyelid missing.
Due to this health issue, Stella's eyes are a bit misshapen, which can cause hesitation in potential pet parents.
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"She had surgery through us to help her see properly, which is why she looks a little different," the text pointed out. "Cats that look like Stella have a harder time getting adopted. It's heartbreaking that this is her new home."
The shelter wants to find a loving home for Stella and feels she would be best suited for a quiet environment.
"It's hard for us to know Stella's true personality right now, but we believe she would do best in a quiet/calm home with other chill cats," the caption read. "Stella hasn't been officially posted for adoption since she hasn't been medically cleared, but you can still apply to adopt her at nawsus.org by submitting a generic cat adoption application."
The caption concluded with a plea for this precious cat: "Let's get this girl adopted."
For more information on Stella or NAWS Humane Society, visit their website.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 8:10 AM.