A shelter cat's desperate plea for human connection has tugged at the heartstrings of viewers online, after a poignant video showing the feline clinging to a visitor's hand went viral.

The video, shared on Reddit by user u/otocolobus_manul_87 on August 30, captures the touching moment when a cat, known among shelter staff as Spinach, refuses to let go of a shelter visitor's hand as they walk past his cage.

The post, titled "Spinach the shelter cat doesn't want me to leave," has since amassed 24,000 upvotes and sparked an emotional response from viewers around the world.

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In the short clip, Spinach's face is obscured by the bars of his cage, but viewers were able to see his outstretched paw and tight grip on the visitor. As the visitor considers stepping away, Spinach reaches out again, clutching onto their hand with an evident reluctance to let them go.

The video's emotional weight has resonated deeply with viewers online, many of whom have shared their own shelter stories and have urged the visitor to adopt the cat that had taken so kindly to him.

"Spinach has claimed OP as his own, they don't have a choice I'm afraid," one viewer said.

Another added: "Bring Spinach home."

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"This is how I chose, or rather, my cat chose me at the shelter," a third viewer shared. "He was reaching so vigorously through the cage door at me like he was really trying to get my attention. Took it as a sign and the rest is history."

Another added: "I know we all want Spinach to be in a loving home RIGHT NOW but you are such an important part in this step of him finding his forever home. He needs socialization and encouragement during his shelter stay so that when he's ready to go to a home he can show off his full wonderful personality. Thank you for helping and loving on him!"

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The video's poster responded: "No problem, it's my therapy."

He sought to reassure the growing legion of concerned Reddit users adding to the caption, "fear not as the shelter is no-kill so he'll definitely find a good home." This assurance has provided some comfort, though it has done little to temper the outpouring of love and concern for Spinach.

The video's virality spotlights the often overlooked emotional lives of shelter animals. Many of these animals have faced abandonment or neglect, and their longing for a home and a family is keenly felt by those who interact with them.

Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal rescue shelters each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Newsweek reached out to u/otocolobus_manul_87 for more information via Reddit.

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