A cat who spent over 1,000 days in an animal shelter has finally been adopted in a development attributed to "the power of social media."

Lucy Lou's plight first grabbed the spotlight after Frances Grzesik, Volunteer Program and Club Services Director at NAWS Humane Society in Mokena, Illinois, shared a video on TikTok introducing followers to the facility's lovable long-serving black cat resident.

By that time, Lucy Lou was already one of the shelter's longest residents, having clocked up 1,141 days in their care. Because NAWS is a no-kill shelter, Lucy Lou still had time on her side, but there's no denying the fact that life in a facility of this kind can have an impact on the average feline.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association highlighted how animals in shelters experience significant stress and that extended stays in facilities of this kind can also increase the risk of illness.

Lucy Lou's situation was made all the more heartbreaking by the circumstances that led to her arrival at the shelter. In a video posted to TikTok highlighting her predicament, Grzesik explained that she had originally been surrendered "through no fault of her own."

Despite the passing of time, Grzesik was also keen to stress that Lucy Lou had not given up hope of finding a forever home. "She waits and waits and waits for her forever home," she wrote. "But she is tired. She is overlooked because she is FIV+."

FIV or Feline immunodeficiency virus that leaves felines more prone to respiratory infections, skin problems and other health issues. It's highly contagious to other cats, meaning it's all but impossible for a cat who is FIV+ to live alongside another feline. It's far from a death sentence though, with FIV+ cats making for perfect house cats and single pet households.

Grzesik certainly saw it as no reason to dismiss Lucy Lou as an option to adopt or simply foster. "She is the most gentle girl," she wrote alongside the TikTok video. Most of those watching appeared to agree.

Lucy Lou's video went viral, amassing over 10 million views with an outpouring of love and support coming from animal lovers across the country. "I can't stop crying," one emotional viewer wrote. "I'd give my life for Lucy Lou," another declared with a third writing: "How has she not been adopted? She's perfect!"

This reaction eventually morphed into something incredible: Lucy Lou was adopted. In a follow-up clip, Grzesik shared footage of the moment Lucy Lou's new human companion, Laura Kost, arrived to take her home.

"The power of social media is incredible. After waiting SO long, Lucy Lou finally found her forever home," Grzesik wrote alongside the heartwarming footage.

"I am so incredibly grateful to Laura for opening up your heart and home to Lucy Lou," she added, taking a moment to also praise everyone who made sure this little black cat never gave up hope of a second chance at life.

"To all the volunteers and staff that continuously took care of Lucy Lou, you are also all incredible," she said. "We are all going to miss you SO much Lucy, but we know you are in the best hands possible."

All told, Lucy Lou spent 1,145 days at NAWS. For the longest time, it felt like she might have stayed there the rest of her life. But then someone stepped up and changed everything for her. Grzesik's only hope now is that more do the same.

"If you have never adopted or fostered an animal through your local animal rescue," she wrote alongside the clip of Lucy Lou and her new owner.

Newsweek has reached out to Grzesik for comment.

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