An elderly cat named Grandpaw is capturing hearts online after losing his longtime owner and being returned to a shelter, struggling to understand his new reality.
In a viral TikTok video posted Friday by @frangrzesik, an Illinois-based animal rescuer and director of NAWS Humane Society, Grandpaw’s heartbreaking story was shared in hopes of finding him a new home.
“Grandpaw lost his whole world when his owner passed away,” the video reads. “He doesn’t understand where he is or why the familiar voice he heard every day is gone.”
Since arriving at the shelter, Grandpaw has been refusing food and showing signs of emotional distress. Shelter staff say he’s shutting down from loneliness and confusion, though he remains gentle and affectionate.
“He still has so much love to give,” the post adds. “Grandpaw isn’t looking for a second chapter. He’s looking for a quiet ending full of love. He deserves it.”
Staff are currently awaiting blood test results to rule out any underlying health conditions, but they believe his refusal to eat is likely due to depression.
Grandpaw’s story highlights a growing concern in animal shelters across the U.S. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 5.8 million pets entered shelters in 2024. Of those, 273,000 cats and 334,000 dogs were euthanized.
Senior pets like Grandpaw often face the toughest odds. Only 25 percent of older animals are adopted, compared to 60 percent of younger ones. Yet older pets can make ideal companions—they’re usually house-trained, calm, and adapt more easily to home life.
The video has struck a chord with viewers, drawing over 836,000 views and 126,000 likes. One user, Mariamurray841, commented: “Don’t sleep on those senior cats—they are the BEST!” Another, Steve Corney, shared: “We adopted a senior cat whose owner passed away. She was the sweetest little thing.”
A third commenter wrote, “Remember that they are a chapter in our lives, but you are their whole book.”
Newsweek reached out to @frangrzesik for further comment but was unable to verify the details of Grandpaw’s case.
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