Cats of all different shapes and sizes come through the doors of the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, an adoption and rehoming charity located in London, England.
They’ve been in business since 1860 and have cared for over three million animals, so the staff thought they’d seen just about everything – but then they met Ana.
A seven-week-old black kitten, Ana arrived at the shelter with a cleft lip and an underdeveloped right eye.
After vets at the shelter examined her, they decided to remove the eye entirely in order to make her as comfortable as possible.
Battersea’s vision is to make sure “every dog and cat … live in a home where they are treated with love, care, and respect.”
But the staff feared that Ana would have trouble finding a forever home because of her appearance.
Battersea voiced their concerns on Instagram in a post that read, “Ana may have had a rough start in life, but she isn’t letting that hold her back. She’s struggling to find a home at the moment, and we fear that may be due to her unusual appearance. Could you give Ana the love she deserves?”
To add to their worries, they also worried that people would turn Ana away because of the superstition that black cats are bad luck.
Weeks passed by and other kittens and puppies found forever homes as Ana waited patiently for someone to finally choose her.
Adopters posted adorable photos of their new family members online, while the staff struggled to find visitors who could look past Ana’s appearance.
They placed Ana in a temporary foster home and vowed to find the perfect match for her.
Then inspiration struck. Battersea decided to join the body positivity movement, but with a twist: they declared that all cats are perfect just the way they are and that “different is beautiful.”
To help spread the message, staff teamed up with the Wandsworth Times.
“We think she’s beautiful just the way she is because the things that make an animal different are what makes them special,” said Rachel Saunders, Battersea’s Cattery Manager. “As with any rescue animal, Ana deserves a fresh start and has a lot to offer as a pet.”
They talked about her sweet and loving personality, her spirit and spunk, and her incredible strength.
“She’s had a tough start to life, but she’s definitely still got eight of her nine lives left to live and we hope that her luck is about to change for the better,” staff said.
Thankfully, they were right. There was an outpouring of support for Ana, her story, and her positive message.
The very next day after the article ran, a visitor adopted Ana.
Staff were excited to see her finally leave to go to her forever home.
Ana may look different than other kittens, but she has just as much love to share.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of animal lovers across the UK, now Ana finally has someone to share that love with, who thinks she’s beautiful inside and out.
Ana wasn’t “unlucky” after all – her perfect family was there all along!
Molly Kasun
Wednesday 4th of August 2021
The Shelter where I volunteer as a Feline Adoptions Counselor, (SPCA TAMPA BAY in Largo, Florida), takes in many unusual or "impaired" cats and dogs with the intent of re-homing them. It's heartbreaking to see them linger all alone while others are chosen, to be passed over, time and time again. But, I've learned to be secure in the knowledge that EVERY animal has "their Angel" out there, someone who will accept them as they are, and love and cherish them. for keeps. That person may not know it yet, but they are destined to meet the cat/kitten/dog and fall in love with him or her. They are meant for each other and serendipity will bring them together. It may take time, but I reassure the cat that their Angel IS coming for them, one day. People are loving and kind, I'm blown away by the deep compassion some people have for these imperfect animals whether they are blind, maimed and scarred, missing limbs or genetically deformed. They are destined to be together. There is always a very happy ending on their adoption day! Thank God for sending his Angels for these difficult-to-adopt animals. Their shell may be imperfect but their heart is pure, innocent, and so deserving of love. Every person and every animal has their Angel! Miracles DO happen!
Lorie Doty
Wednesday 4th of August 2021
No cat or black one's are bad luck they all are special cat's so people need to stop talking about black cats because I have one he brings me luck all the time so get over it with the slandering about them
rosey c saraceno
Tuesday 3rd of August 2021
I had a black cat. Sweet as sugar. People get over the superstition Cats are no different then people. One eye or cleft lip. They are as beautiful as any other. Sometimes cuter???❤️???
Tina Johnson
Tuesday 3rd of August 2021
Omg I'd have her in a shot if I could have pets where I live I think she's beautiful I love all animals. Some people just can't see past the way some animals look they don't how beautiful an loving they are inside & out she's adorable ❤️
JB
Tuesday 3rd of August 2021
She has a special sparkle in her eye.. she doesnt need two to see or feel love... so grateful someone else seen in her what special love she can give...