Shelter Cat Surrendered With Heartbreaking Letter from a Child – ryan

It’s not often shelter animals come with a loving note from their previous owners, like this one that has been shared on Reddit.

Reddit user Anasuissecret, an animal shelter volunteer, posted: “This Letter from a Child Surrendering Their Cat Broke Me Today,” featuring pictures of seven pages of handwritten notes “all about Bootsie.”

The post has gone viral, gathering 30,000 upvotes in less than 24 hours. The letter highlights the pet’s nicknames, likes and dislikes, along with tricks he has been taught.

Newsweek spoke to the 44-year-old poster, she said: “The letter was a bittersweet reminder of the deep bonds people form with their animals, and the heartbreak that can come with having to say goodbye.”

According to a study published in the journal Animalsthe top reasons why 2,836 cats and dogs were given to a shelter include behavioral issues (28 percent), housing or moving challenges (18 percent), and the inability to care for the animals (16 percent).

All About Bootsie

In the comments, the woman, from Franklin, Kentucky, explained: “He was surrendered at no fault of his own, it was what was necessary for the family at the time. It’s a sad situation. Bootsie’s kid has set the bar high for a second family, and I know with the outpouring for Bootsie today, that person or family will be found.”

The Simpson County Animal Shelter volunteer told Newsweek that the letter stopped her in her tracks: “It is written by a child who clearly loved Bootsie deeply, it was filled with tenderness and care.

“The way they described Bootsie—what he likes, where he likes to be petted, and a heartfelt plea to ‘please take good care of Bootsie’— brought tears to my eyes.”

“The hand-drawn diagrams of how to love this cat were as heartbreaking as they were beautiful.”

The note states that Bootsie, a food-motivated cat, “can make friends with any animal except for cats—even his own brother.”

The child writes that he got along with their German shepherd and golden retriever mix, but draws the line with his own species. It seems Bootsie would rather have all the love to himself.

“Bootsie is a lap baby, or if you want, you can hold him in your arms,” the note reads. The child adds that Bootsie will return a hug. If he starts kneading—which is also referred to as “making biscuits” but with his claws—he will stop if his paw is gently tapped.

The clever cat has also learned how to high-five and give his paw.

The new owner is warned against petting Bootsie’s back, as he was infected by a wolf worm last year—the larval form of the Cuterebra fly. According to Catster, the adult fly is sometimes referred to as the North American rabbit or rodent fly. It is typically passed on from these animals when a cat is hunting them. The parasite causes itching and irritation for felines and must be removed by a vet to prevent further spread.

The note concludes: “I will miss him but if he’s happy, I’m happy. His dream is to become a loving, fat cat who stays indoors. Take good care of Bootsie, please.”

Reddit Reacts

The post has left the internet in tears.

One comment with over 9,000 upvotes says: “I have a feeling any potential adopters were shown that letter. Knowing how well-loved he was in his old home, especially by a child able to communicate so well, would definitely tip it to Bootsie’s favor.”

Another user added: “We care about Bootsie’s fate because the child showed us who Bootsie is. We care more intensely and deeply for that which is known. Bootsie isn’t just some cat. He’s the cat who likes belly rubs under this stripe and heart toys.”

“I’m sobbing at the care and consideration of sweet Bootsie,” said another user.

A third wrote: “Take good care of Bootsie please. The last line is so heartbreaking.”

Update 04/17/25, 11:55 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with original content and comments from the original poster.

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