For over a decade, George had known only the harsh realities of street life. The busy roads of East Hollywood had been his home, where he survived day to day on the kindness of locals who took pity on the aging white cat.
Life outdoors is never easy, especially for a senior feline whose body was beginning to betray him.
Tragedy struck when George’s son was hit by a car and didn’t survive. The people who had been faithfully feeding the pair recognized that George was rapidly declining and needed intervention before he met the same fate.
His condition was deteriorating visibly – a black crust covered the tips of his once-pristine ears, a persistent cold caused his nose to run constantly, and his gait had become unsteady. This poor cat, who had endured so much, desperately needed medical attention.
When Del Gato Rescue, a foster-based cat rescue in Southern California, received the call about George, they responded without hesitation. Jen and her team prepared to trap him if necessary, but George surprised them all.
He wasn’t feral—just understandably cautious after years of fending for himself. One of his longtime feeders was able to gently scoop him up and place him in a carrier.
During the ride to safety, George expressed his confusion in the only way he knew how:
“On our drive home George let out constant baby hisses but displayed no signs of any actual aggression,” shared Jen with We Love Cats and Kittens. “Just little warnings that were so endearingly cute and harmless.”
These weren’t aggressive threats, but rather nervous utterances from a cat whose entire world was being upended. And who could blame him? After ten years on the streets, everything was about to change.
Once settled indoors, the full extent of George’s medical issues became apparent. A decade without proper flea treatment had left devastating damage.
His ears were sore and inflamed from constant scratching, with portions actually crumbling away. While the veterinarian delivered good news that these growths weren’t cancerous—just severe irritation—other problems quickly surfaced.
“It was mindblowingly fortunate that he escaped unscathed from skin cancer, an anomaly for a white cat living outside in Southern California,” explained Jen.
George’s teeth were rotting and falling out. His persistent cold was diagnosed as severe calicivirus. The combination of these ailments had left him barely eating, constantly in pain, exhausted, and desperately weak.
The dedicated team at Del Gato Rescue sprang into action with comprehensive care. George received antibiotic injections to fight infection, steroid treatments to reduce inflammation, and pain medication to ease his suffering.
His decaying teeth were removed to prevent further infection, and laser therapy helped reduce inflammation throughout his body. When he wouldn’t eat on his own, they patiently syringe-fed him baby food.
They discovered he found comfort in classical music, which helped him fall asleep, and provided a special heating disc to soothe his aching body.
Gradually, as the medical interventions took effect, George’s physical strength began returning. But something even more remarkable was happening—George was learning to trust.
Those nervous little hisses became less frequent. He began to welcome the gentle brushings, the soothing massages, the consistent love.
It became increasingly clear that George wasn’t a true street cat at heart. He had likely known human affection sometime in his past, and now, he embraced it wholeheartedly.
Unlike many rescued strays who often yearn for the freedom of outdoors, George showed absolutely no interest in returning to his former life. The transition to indoor living was seamless and immediate.
This dignified senior had endured enough hardship on the streets. Now, all he wanted was the comfort of a soft bed, the soothing sounds of his favorite music, and regular meals served in peace.
Throughout his recovery, the rescue staff continued providing the specialized care he needed. Neighbors who had known him from the streets visited to check on his progress, and every foster caregiver fell deeply in love with his sweet, gentle demeanor.
He was no longer just a street cat—he was cherished, adored, and most importantly, safe.
Then came the pivotal moment in George’s journey—Jadyn entered his life. She submitted a long-term foster application, expressing her desire to give George a forever home while keeping him under the watchful eye of the rescue.
It was the perfect arrangement—George would have consistent medical oversight from the rescue, along with the stability and love of a permanent home.
For the past six months, George has been living a life that would have been unimaginable during his decade on the streets. His days now begin with snuggles in a warm bed.
He enjoys premium quality food and has an abundance of toys at his disposal. The transformation has been remarkable—his once-dull fur has returned to snow white, and there’s a youthful spark in his eyes that defies his senior status.
He isn’t merely surviving; he’s thriving!
This past holiday season marked a particularly poignant milestone as George experienced his first Christmas in a warm home, enveloped by love. Jadyn and her family celebrated him as a treasured family member, showering him with gifts and affection.
George is no longer an anonymous stray fighting daily for survival—he’s safe, cherished, and will spend his golden years knowing only love and comfort.
Thanks to Del Gato Rescue, Jen, Jadyn, and the many compassionate people who supported his journey, George is finally living his best life, proving that it’s never too late for a fresh start.
Check out the video below:
A big thank you to Jen for sharing George’s story with us.
Find out more about Del Gato Rescue on Instagram
Related story: Hissing Betrayed Cat Falls in Love With the Woman Who Rescued Her
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