Update on Emotionally Shut-Down Cat Returned to Shelter After 6 Years Has People in Tears
Stella the Calico mix cat was recently returned to the NAWS Humane Society six years after adoption and understandably went into deep despair. The sweet feline was withdrawn and tried to hide from anyone who attempted to comfort her. Stella also has eyelid agenesis, a rare condition in which a cat is born with some or all of its upper eyelid missing, making adoption more of a challenge.
When Stella's story was posted on social media, word spread about the pretty kitty's sad situation. Thanks to an outpouring of love from Stella's newfound fan base, she has hope for a better future.
@franflight STELLA UPDATE! You guys Stella received SO many wonderful adoption applications for her. The amount of people willing to open their heart and home to her was truly incredible to see. If you shared her story, if you commented on the post, or even just liked her video you directly impacted Stella to find her forever home. There are so many wonderful families that are currently being vetted and she will be on her way to her forever home once she sees the eye specialist. Stella has a tentative appointment next Wednesday to evaluate both of her eyes, she currently is blind in her right eye and the left eye has been causing her some discomfort. We are hoping to know more after the appointment, but we are expecting she will need either surgery to remove one or both of her eyes to relieve her of discomfort. Once i have more updates I will definitely be posting them, but for now I wanted you all to know that Stella is doing wonderfully and will be going home in the near future. I am still going through my messages and e-mails and will try my best to reply to all of them shortly, and if you did submit an adoption application you should have received an e-mail so please check your spam folders. I love love LOVE you all. When I was traveling I truly missed this community and the magic it brings. I'm so thankful for all of you and thankful to have such amazing people supporting these animals day in and day out. I'm sending you guys all of my love as always. #adopt#adoptdontshop#cat#catsoftiktok#catlover
original sound - dj auxlord
The TikTok from @franflight revealed how Stella is improving and starting to let her guard down.
"She's opening up and out of her shell," the onscreen text shared as Stella nuzzled a NAWS staff member. "She's finally eating. She's wanting to play."
With the help of followers sharing her story, Stella is now in demand for adoption.
"Stella received SO many wonderful adoption applications for her," the caption explained. "The amount of people willing to open their hearts and homes to her was truly incredible to see. If you shared her story, if you commented on the post, or even just liked her video, you directly impacted Stella to find her forever home."
Stella Will Get Clearance After Medical Care
NAWS is currently vetting families to find the best match for Stella. The feline fur baby has an upcoming eye evaluation due to her eyelid agenesis, where a decision will be made on surgery.
"She is currently blind in her right eye, and the left eye has been causing her some discomfort," the caption shared. "We are hoping to know more after the appointment, but we are expecting she will need surgery to remove one or both of her eyes to relieve her of discomfort."
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The post ended with gratitude for those who shared Stella's story and the wonderful outcome their efforts produced.
"You all directly impacted Stella's life for the better - who knows how long she would have waited," the onscreen text read, with the caption noting, "Stella is doing wonderfully and will be going home in the near future."
For more information on the NAWS Humane Society, visit their website.
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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 5:10 AM.