Lore’s Journey From a Crowded Home to a Cozy Bed

In October 2025, the ASPCA Community Engagement team assisted an overwhelmed pet owner in New York City with over 30 under-socialized cats that were living in their home. Over time, the cats were surrendered into our care so that they could receive the medical and behavioral attention they needed.

As with most overcrowded living situations, these cats were skittish and would flee when approached by unknown people.

Amongst these fearful cats was 1-year-old Lore, who upon initial exam, was diagnosed with microphthalmia in his left eye, which meant it was abnormally small. His condition required an enucleation surgery to remove the eye to prevent any future complications and make Lore more comfortable.

Lore quickly recovered from his enucleation, and the ASPCA Adoption Center’s behavior team also worked closely with him during this time. It was noted that Lore could be nervous in new places and around new people, and that he would need time to acclimate to his future home. So, our teams worked hard to help make sure that his future adopter would best understand him and his personality.

Patience was key with Lore! Once he got to know and trust someone, Lore began to show off his playful side and wasn’t shy to ask for treats! He would approach his friends for pets and give polite headbutts to ask for more.

Lore officially became available for adoption in late November, and it only took a couple weeks for a special someone to meet him!

New Beginnings

Rory C. had previously adopted two cats from the ASPCA, nearly a decade ago in 2007. In December, he was ready to adopt a new feline companion. While browsing the ASPCA website, Lore got Rory’s attention because of his one eye, which Rory thought might make it harder for him to find a home. This was enough to seal the deal for Rory, and soon enough, the pair were headed home together!

As with many cats who come from similar backgrounds, our staff recommended initial confinement when first bringing Lore home. Staying in a small space like a bathroom helps them adjust, as well as encourage use of the litter box.

When Lore arrived home, Rory let him explore his new environment at first, but quickly realized that Lore needed more adjustment time.

“He immediately laid out in my bed, but he got a little too comfortable,” Rory says. “I had to put him back in the bathroom for a few days until he got used to where the litter box was.”

Since then, Lore has opened up, has begun to bond with Rory, and has revealed more of his quirks.

“Lore still doesn’t seem to know the difference between hissing and meowing,” Rory says. “He hissed at me for the first few months, but he now mixes it in with meowing when he wants to eat, which is pretty funny.”

Rory has shown Lore patience and understanding, knowing that he had a rough start in life. Lore constantly follows Rory around the home, but he also runs and hides under the bed in a continuous cycle. He can still be a bit skittish, and he still isn’t quite sure how to act around his new people, but every day is a new day for Lore!

Laughing Every Day

These days, Lore and Rory are continuing to get to know each other. Lore happily lies in the chair or bed whenever Rory isn’t in them. Lore isn’t a fan of being picked up, but he is often found relaxing near Rory’s side.

“He investigates anything and everything he can get access to, and when he is not doing that, he lounges out on his back like he had had a hard day at work,” Rory says.

Lore is also partial to batting at feet hanging off the bed, but he has learned to be gentle!

For anyone considering adopting a cat of their own, Rory suggests following the advice of the shelter staff! Their suggestions for helping a new cat become acclimated, such as initial confinement in a bathroom, certainly proved helpful for Lore.

“I’m glad that he is comfortable here and he makes me laugh every day with his antics,” Rory says.

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and we’re aiming to help over 300 cats and kittens like Lore find the loving homes they deserve before July 31! You can help us make a lifesaving difference for more cats by getting involved this summer through adoption, fostering or by just spreading the word on your social media channels. Find out more about how you can help cats in need at aspca.org/meow!