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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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While dealing with the loss of her beloved cat, one woman decided to reminisce in a park, which happened to be home to stray kittens. It wasn't long before one decided to keep her company.
You can probably guess what happened next—Reddit user ncoronabeer couldn't say no to one kitten's dirty face and decided to take her home, two days after her rescue cat, Harper, passed away.
On Wednesday, she shared a video online of her kitten Uggsy's transformation, and it quickly went viral, earning 48,000 upvotes.
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She told Newsweek: "I don't know if I believe that Harper sent Uggsy. Maybe it's just a strange coincidence."
"But I like to think that by taking Uggsy in, I'm honoring Harper's memory. There are so many strays in the Philippines, and every small act of kindness counts. Still, I can't help but wonder sometimes—when Uggsy meows, she sounds exactly like Harper. It was so uncanny that I even asked the vet if cats could sound the same.
"Aside from that, she's nothing like Harper, who was gentle and ladylike. Uggsy is playful, always zooming around, constantly hungry, but she also enjoys her alone time."
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The slideshow of two images shows the black-and-white kitten attempting to climb up her leg. She appears to be angry and covered in dirt. In the next photo, she looks like a completely different cat—clean, calm, and collected.
The owner told Newsweek that Uggsy was taken straight to the vet and was diagnosed with a severe case of mange.
"Her face was so crusty that she could barely open her eyes, and she had open lesions all over her body," she said. "She had no appetite, and if she hadn't gotten help, she probably would have stopped eating entirely.
"The vet thinks Uggsy is smart and that she knew she needed help and asked for it."
The animal doctor isn't the only one who thinks that—hundreds of users have commented on the post, and many are saying the same thing.
One user joked: "Haha, the 'save me! ...or else...' face! Glad you gave in to the threat, she is precious," and another said: "Honestly, this is a face of a fighter. She's holding on to dear life in a daily survival fight. The 'after' picture is almost hilarious in comparison, like the innocent face of Puss in Boots**.**"
Five Steps To Take When Adopting a Stray Cat
Adopting a stray cat can be a hugely rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges, said pet expert Axel Lagercrantz.
The CEO of Pets4Homes, the U.K.'s largest pet rehoming site, has provided five tips to ensure strays feel safe, happy and healthy:
- Schedule a vet visits and quarantine: "Before introducing them to other pets or letting them roam freely in your home, take them to a vet for a full checkup. They may need vaccinations, deworming or treatment for fleas and other issues. Keeping them in a separate room at first will help prevent the spread of potential illnesses."
- Create a cozy safe space: "Your new feline friend needs time to adjust. Set up a quiet, comfortable area with food, water, a litter box and a soft place to rest. If they seem nervous, don't worry, let them come to you on their own terms."
- Build trust with gentle socialization: "Some strays warm up quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to feel comfortable. Talk to them in a soft voice, offer treats and give them space to explore at their own pace. If they're especially skittish, patience is key."
- Feed them properly and keep them hydrated: "Stray cats often have poor diets, so introducing high-quality cat food gradually is important. Make sure they always have access to fresh water and avoid giving them cow's milk—it can upset their stomach."
- Spay/neuter and consider ID tags: "If your cat isn't already fixed, getting them spayed or neutered is essential for their health and to prevent future stray litters. A microchip or collar with an ID tag can also help keep them safe if they ever slip outside."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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