The moment a disabled foster cat felt at ease in his new home has gone viral, capturing the hearts of social media users.
Trine Lise Frostrud (@sheltervetnurse), 30, a veterinary nurse, shared a video of Morris, an orange cat, nestling his head into her before resting in his bed. The viral footage, which has garnered 7,461 likes and 101,000 views on Instagram, shows Morris feeling at home after a difficult start in life.
"Morris and his sister were both dumped at the animal shelter where I work. They were both in very poor condition and had quite severe signs of what was either muscular or neurological disorders," Frostrud told Newsweek.
More From Newsweek Vault: The Top Rewards Credit Cards for Pet Owners
"They were barely able to move around due to extremely rigid and sore muscles, and because of their tight jaw, they could only open their mouths halfway, which made eating a struggle," she continued. "Morris' back and tail were also covered in a black tarry substance that had to be shaved off."
Morris' sister was too unwell to survive, but Morris defied the odds, and Frostrud adopted him after fostering him initially.
In the clip, Morris, with his shaven back and tail, stretches out and nuzzles into his new bed, a gesture that speaks to his newfound comfort and security. "Watch as my disabled foster cat thanks me for taking him home before he lies down to relax in a comfy home for the very first time," Frostrud wrote in the video's text overlay.
More From Newsweek Vault: Compare Affordable Pet Insurance Plans
Though Morris' exact condition remains undiagnosed, Frostrud and a team of specialists believe he may have a type of congenital muscular dystrophy, a rare and often life-limiting condition in cats. Despite this, Morris has remained "affectionate and laid-back," his owner said.
"Of all the thousands of cats I have met in my five years of working in an animal shelter, Morris is by far the most affectionate and laid-back little dude. He starts purring the second you lay a hand on him and will start drooling with happiness once you start patting him," Frostrud said. "Unlike most other cats, he loves a belly rub and wants to be carried around like a baby so much that he will stand at your feet and beg you to lift him up."
More From Newsweek Vault: Best Pet Insurance for Cats
After almost two months in his new home, Morris has shown remarkable improvement. "He is now walking and even sometimes running around the house, climbing up and down the pet ladder to my bed, scratching his scratching post, and can groom himself almost all over," Frostrud said.
While Morris is still stiffer than a typical cat and has limitations, his quality of life has improved. "He is living his best life, and his future is looking very bright," Frostrud added.
Adopting a disabled cat like Morris comes with its challenges, but it can be rewarding. Cats Protection, a feline welfare charity in the U.K., said disabled cats often have a lot of love to give and can adapt well to safe, supportive environments. These animals deserve a chance at a happy life, just like any other pet.
Instagram users were moved by Morris' journey. "What a trusting angel, thank you for caring for them," one commented. Another wrote: "I'm crying. He just wanted someone to love him and a comfy spot to lay."
Other viewers shared similar sentiments, with one writing: "I have an inkling this cat went through some serious hardship. Great that you now take such good care of him."
Another viewer said: "This has me tearing up. How trusting animals are no matter what humans did to them. Thank you for taking care of this beautiful boy!"
One user added, "I'm away from my rescued cat for a work trip for the first time and I'm SOBBING, I need to hug her now."
Frostrud urged others to consider signing up to be foster carers for shelter animals who need a second chance.
She said: "No matter where you are in the world, there will always be an animal who has fallen on hard times and needs a human to care for them.
"Please consider signing up as a foster carer with your local rescue or shelter organization and give a lost soul the opportunity to start over and get a second chance at a worthy life."
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.
