An 8-year-old cat has sparked an emotional response online after being surrendered to the same shelter he was adopted from seven years earlier.
The Bloomfield Animal Shelter in New Jersey took to social media to share the story of an orange cat, Carlton. He was a resident at the shelter in 2019 when he was just 1 year old, before a family adopted him in 2019. However, the owner recently surrendered him. Staff said the owner cited changing life circumstances, adding that Carlton was “not wanted anymore,” in a March 31 Instagram post shared to the account @bloomfield_animal_shelter.
In the post, the shelter shared comparison photos of Carlton from 2019 and now, noting he returned older and thinner. His once chubby cheeks had slimmed down, and his eyes appeared wide with confusion.
Carlton’s life was turned upside down through no fault of his own. Staff said he has been struggling to adjust to the new environment and has been increasingly vocal since his return.
The team scheduled Carlton for a full veterinary checkup, which a follow-up post revealed he was diagnosed with diabetes.
The caption read: “We could tell by his thinner frame and frequent water drinking that this was likely the cause. We’re sad for him that he’s dealing with this at just 8 years old.”
A vet-reviewed article from Catster says that about one in every 230 cats will get diabetes, either Type I or Type II. Common signs include frequent urination, lethargy, changes in appetite, rapid weight change, vomiting and lack of interest in activities.
Treatment for a cat with diabetes includes once- or twice-daily insulin injections. Cats are also typically placed on a strict, low-carbohydrate diet. Many owners turn to pet glucose monitoring kits and insulin storage supplies to help manage daily treatment.
With proper care, cats diagnosed with diabetes can still live from 13 to 17 years. The shelter added that Carlton will begin an insulin medication regimen with the staff for about a week so it can monitor him and see how he responds. From there, the shelter will make him available for fostering or adoption.
Alongside Carlton’s story, the shelter shared a broader message about pet ownership, emphasizing that adoption should be a lifelong commitment. While acknowledging that “life happens,” the organization urged owners facing difficulties to reach out for help rather than surrendering their pets. They said that shelters can often provide resources to help families keep their animals at home when possible.
Newsweek reached out to @bloomfield_animal_shelter via Instagram for additional information and comment.
What Do the Comments Say?
The photos of Carlton shattered people’s hearts, and as of Friday, the Instagram post had reached more than 550 comments and over 130 shares.
“Poor little love. He does not deserve that,” wrote one user.
Another added: “Soooo sad!! Adoption is a lifetime commitment. Breaks my heart.”
A third person commented: “Praying for this sweet baby to get a better home forever.”
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