Last updated Jul 10, 2025
Luna the cat had a rough start to life. She lived in a hoarder’s home, housed in a rabbit cage for 12 entire years. When Juliet adopted her, she never expected this unloved cat to be so affectionate and trusting.
Life in a rabbit cage
Did you know that most rabbit cages aren’t even suitable for rabbits? Bunnies need ample space to hop and run around. Unfortunately, tiny cages sold in pet stores don’t provide this space.
Yet, poor Luna the cat was forced to live in a rabbit cage for most of her life. That’s 12 years where she likely didn’t receive much human affection or even basic care, as the animal hoarder also had 50 other cats in the home.
Meeting her new mom
Luna was rescued from the hoarding house and brought to the Animal Rescue League. Her mom, Juliet Nashawaty, met her while making a donation. Every year on her cats’ birthdays, she donates in their name.
She was there for Ollie, her resident cat. She was also grieving the loss of another of her cats, and not looking to adopt. She expected it to be just her and Ollie for the foreseeable future, but decided to take a look around anyway.
Luna was one of the only cats there, housed in a small crate. She was tiny, old, and raggedy, with several health and behavioral problems. She weighed just six pounds and, according to the rescue, was nearly dead when they found her.
Her teeth were broken, and she hadn’t yet learned to use the litter box, which was likely a new experience for her after living in a cage. This was what worried the rescue most about finding her a new home, since litter box issues are the most common reason for cats to be returned.
Juliet still insisted on meeting her. She sat down on the floor and when the little cat meowed, she thought, “Oh, it’s you! You’re mine.”
Luna pawed at the wall as if she wanted to go, so Juliet said “okay, let’s go!” From there, the two would become besties.
Meeting Ollie
Luna explored her new home with curiosity, meowing as she looked around. At the time, Ollie was 10 years old and had always gotten along well with other cats.
Juliet planned on keeping them separated and making a slow introduction, which is what’s typically recommended. But, given Ollie’s personality, she decided to give a faster introduction a try.
Ollie hid beneath the couch at first as Luna meowed, but soon they were sitting together on the couch–if a little wary of one another. After three days, they were snuggling, and Juliet knew that Luna was meant to be a part of their family.
These days, Luna plops right down on top of Ollie when she wants to cuddle. Juliet says he’s patient with her, even when she bites his butt to tell him to move out of her spot!
“Why do you trust me?”
Since her first night home, Luna has been incredibly affectionate and trusting with her mom. Juliet says that she rolled over for belly rubs, “giving me all the love in the world.” Almost as though she were saying thank you!
Juliet doesn’t understand Luna’s unwavering faith after all she’s been through, but says that watching it has been one of the most beautiful experiences of her life. Luna is a “velcro cat,” meaning she’s practically stuck to her mom’s side at every possible moment.
Juliet was engaged when she and Luna met, but says that she left him because she wanted someone to love her the way that Luna did.
This tiny cat showed her what she deserved, and Juliet eventually found that love in her husband. At their wedding, they vowed to love each other–and Luna, too.
As Juliet says, “She is everything that’s good about being alive.”
