Rachael Robertson never imagined she’d experience a foster cat reunion quite like this. Back in 2021, she took in three newborn kittens as a temporary caretaker when they were just three days old. Affectionately dubbed “The Beans,” she named them Garbanzo, Pinto, and Fava. Raising such tiny kittens was no small feat—she bottle-fed them every two hours, groomed them, ensured they stayed warm, and even helped them with basic needs.
“Garbanzo was the sweetest of the trio—if I could have kept one, it would have been her. But with a house already full of pets, it just wasn’t possible,” Robertson recalls. She already had three cats and three dogs under her care, alongside her fostering efforts. By July 15, the kittens had found homes. Garbanzo’s two sisters were adopted together by a close friend, while Garbanzo went to what seemed like a loving family.
Foster Cat Reunion: A Shocking Discovery
Robertson had high hopes for Garbanzo’s future. Her new adopter stayed in touch, sending updates and photos of them cuddling. Everything appeared perfect—until Robertson received an unexpected call from the local animal shelter on January 26.
“I was staring at my own three cats when they told me a microchipped pet registered to me had been found as a stray,” she recalls. “I just knew in my heart it had to be Garbanzo. The description confirmed it.”
Initially, she assumed it was a terrible mistake. She reached out to the adopter, leaving a voicemail about Garbanzo’s return. Instead of relief or gratitude, Robertson found herself blocked. That’s when reality sank in—the adopter had abandoned Garbanzo at the shelter.
Foster Cat Reunion: The Road to Recovery
Foster Cat Reunion: Seeing Garbanzo scared and confused at the shelter broke Robertson’s heart. “That feeling of betrayal stayed with me for a long time,” she admits. Determined to help Garbanzo heal, she brought her back home and documented the journey on TikTok. Her first video quickly gained traction, amassing 4.9 million views and over 575,000 likes.
While viewers were outraged at Garbanzo’s treatment, Robertson chose empathy. After persistent efforts, she reconnected with the former adopter, who revealed that Garbanzo had suffered abuse from a roommate. The trauma caused her to stop grooming herself, develop bloody stools, and urinate throughout the house.
Back in Robertson’s care, Garbanzo’s road to recovery was slow. Initially, she was fearful and defensive, hissing at anyone who approached. But day by day, she began to trust again. More than 40 days later, she had made remarkable progress—losing weight, regaining confidence, and even socializing with visitors. “She’s finally starting to be the kitten I once knew,” Robertson shares. “Her fear is melting away.”
Though Garbanzo isn’t quite ready for adoption, Robertson remains patient, letting her heal at her own pace. “She deserves a home where she can be the only pet,” she explains. “The perfect family will come. I just know it.”
Many people have expressed interest in adopting Garbanzo, but Robertson hopes her story will inspire others to consider fostering. “I know people want me to keep her, but fostering is what makes reunions like this possible,” she says. “If we keep every animal we take in, we limit our ability to help others.”
Her message is clear: countless cats like Garbanzo need a second chance. “If Garbanzo’s story moves you, visit your local shelter. There’s a cat just like her waiting for a home. With love and patience, these animals can thrive.”
Table of Contents
Source: www.people.com
