A shelter cat who went viral for his heart-melting way of reaching out to hold volunteers’ hands has finally found his forever home.
Dwight, a 4-year-old orange tabby, became an internet sensation when a video capturing his affectionate gestures racked up more than 301,900 likes and over 2.4 million views.
His endearing paw-reaching habit quickly captured the attention of animal lovers across the globe.
Lisa Cech (@lisacech), 51, a dedicated volunteer from Plattsburgh, New York, shared her experience with Newsweek. “He was left behind by his previous owners, along with a few others,” she said, adding how Dwight was rescued by Animal Rescue and Welfare Services in upstate New York.
Cech has been fostering kittens through the organization for over two-and-a-half years, and assists the shelter with administering medications.
“I’ve been going twice a day for almost three weeks. Dwight greets me every time by reaching out his paw as soon as he hears me coming,” Cech added. It shows the special bond she developed with the cat during his time at the shelter.
From left: Dwight the cat looks on. The feline has since found his forever home after going viral on TikTok.
Lisa Cech/Lisa Cech
Cech described the 4-year-old as: “One of the sweetest big kitties at the shelter.”
Thanks to his newfound fame, Dwight has now secured a forever home after spending 65 days at the shelter. His new family from New Hampshire is making a five-hour journey to welcome their pet.
“He just loves people and gets along well with cats. Since this video, so many people from around the world have fallen in love with him and have reached out to adopt him,” Cech said.
Cats tend to use their paws to communicate a range of emotions and needs. Reaching out with them can be a way for felines to seek attention or express affection.
This behavior can also signal that they are feeling playful, or, in some cases, it may indicate they are trying to show comfort or care. Cats may use their paws to connect with their humans when they sense their owner is sad or upset, as pawing can be a way for them to engage or seek reassurance.
Additionally, some felines will reach out when they are in pain or discomfort, using the gesture to express vulnerability. Dwight’s paw-reaching behavior was likely his way of seeking connection and care from the volunteers.
Viewers were left teary-eyed by Dwight’s sweet habit, and many celebrated the news of his adoption.
“Can confirm that I had an orange boy be my best friend for 21 years, I highly recommend them to everyone,” posted Michelle.
“They don’t belong in cages, they belong in arms and in homes,” shared Coco Baker.
Another cat lover wrote: “My cat did this at the shelter and didn’t give up getting my attention. Eleven years later, she is still a part of my family.”
Cech concluded with a hopeful message: “The shelter is completely full. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of the people interested in Dwight could also fall in love with one of the other kitties? They could adopt more of these kitties out.”
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