Senior animals aren't typically at the top of the list for those looking to add a furry member to the family because of their age and health. But one woman took a "chance" on a senior cat, only to learn that he wasn't what she expected.

In a July 25 video, TikTok user @shamabouf said the cat was bullied while living at the animal shelter. The younger cats would gang up on him, she said in the comments section. The first thing she saw when visiting the shelter was the cat getting smacked. He didn't fight back. She knew this was the cat that needed a forever home.

She expected he would need time to decompress and adjust to his new environment, as most adopted animals do, but it was quite the opposite. They bonded instantly, and he wouldn't leave her alone.

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She would pick him up to smother him with love, but then he would protest as she began to put him down. He hated not being in her arms. It's not a typical reaction cats have, and she needed to adjust her plans and meet his needs. That meant holding him with a blanket wrapped around her like a baby.

The comfort this method provided him bursts off the screen. His paws hug her back. He knows he is safe and sound in her arms. It's his way of thanking her for saving his life.

The caption reads: "Take a chance on an elderly cat!! He's worth it my little cutie coyote baby."

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The TikTok clip has captured viewers' hearts, bringing in over 226,500 views and 52,000 likes.

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"Your spot in the good place is reserved," said one TikTok user. Another added: "Oh my god he knows he found his last home."

A third person chimed in: "He feels safe enough to let his inner baby out."

Newsweek reached out to @shamabouf via TikTok for additional comment.

U.S. Shelter Numbers

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, at an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744, compared with January 2022, 24Petwatch's Shelter Watch Report found.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs and behavior rehabilitation.

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.