Just before Christmas, a sweet cat named Jerry arrived at the Humane Society of Broward County. His reason for surrender left the shelter staff stunned.
“Jerry was given up because his owner said he was too affectionate and too vocal,” explained Susan Leonti, the shelter’s digital marketing specialist. “He would greet her at the door. Jerry is a sweet cat that loves to be pet and rub up against you, but his former owner said it annoyed her too much.”
For the staff, it was heartbreaking — and baffling. Most adopters dream of having a cat who is cuddly and eager for attention.
“We were definitely surprised to have a cat surrendered due to being too affectionate,” Leonti said. “We believe there is no such thing as a cat that is too affectionate.”
Jerry, of course, didn’t understand why his life had been turned upside down. Heartbroken and confused, he hid from visitors at first. But with time and patience, he began to trust the staff, soaking up every bit of affection they offered.
Knowing how many people would treasure a cat like Jerry, the shelter shared his story on TikTok. The next morning, a crowd of hopeful adopters lined up outside — all eager to give him a home.
At the front of that line was Jerry’s future family. “They saw Jerry’s video on TikTok and ran to the shelter first thing in the morning to adopt him,” Leonti said. “They were first in line, and after adopting him, they even sponsored the adoption fees for a bonded trio of cat siblings we’ve had since Thanksgiving.”
Now, Jerry is finally where he belongs — with people who adore every head bump, purr, and cuddle. After a rocky start, this “too affectionate” cat has found the perfect match: a family who knows there’s no such thing as loving too much.
