Many rescue stories start with kittens, but the reality is that there are just as many (if not more) adult and senior cats that need loving homes.

This was certainly the case for Raggedy Ann, a frail and fraightened 14-year-old girl rescued from a hoarding situation.

Keep reading to discover how this tragic victim of abuse made an incredible transformation that took everyone by storm.

Trapped in a Trailer

Raggedy Ann was discovered by local Humane Society trapped in a double-wide mobile home with 40 other cats and two dogs in Chandler, Arizona.

All of the animals were severely malnourished and neglected. The clock was ticking and the Humane Society workers had no time to spare.

They worried poor Ann wouldn’t make it, so they posted a photo of her online, desperately hoping a rescue would offer to help.

They waited with fingers crossed, hoping someone would find it in their heart to give Raggedy Ann a chance…

Rushing to the Rescue

Sure enough, an incredible rescue stepped in to help.

She was transferred to Saving One Life, an animal rescue and sanctuary that provides care, foster, and adoption services for cat populations most at risk for euthanasia.

Weighing in at a mere 4 pounds and 15 ounces, Raggedy Ann was skin and bones.

Sweet 14-year-old Ann was so malnourished that she weighed as much as a 4-month-old kitten.

In fact, Ann was missing most of her teeth from living in such horrible conditions.

She had 7 teeth remaining that were rotting and making it difficult to eat.

It broke everyone’s hearts thinking about how long she had been starving.

However, there was still hope…

Helpful Hands, Hopeful Hearts

It’s a miracle she survived long enough for Humane Society workers to rescue and transfer her to her foster home.

Her foster mom and volunteers worked tirelessly to care for Ann, but they were still unsure if they could save her due to her age and condition.

Despite this, they were determined to do everything they could to save Ann’s life.

After all that Ann had been through, she deserved a fighting chance.

Ann’s rotting teeth were removed so she could finally eat eat comfortably without pain.

They fed her wet kitten food mixed with warm water, set up a heated bed to make her comfortable, and kept her clean.

She was initially too weak to even lift her head due to muscle loss, but she grew stronger and stronger with each passing day.

Her foster mom was amazed by her determination and strength.

Ann was a true fighter! It was clear she had a strong will to live.

Raggedy Anne Reborn

As Ann grew healthier— tripling her weight from less than four pounds to over ten— she also began trusting the staff.

Considering how Ann had been neglected by the hoarders, it was no surprise that she had trust issues with humans.

She had never been loved and cared for the way she deserved.

Ann began playing with volunteers, purring in their arms, and seeking out love.

She even started socializing with the other cats and playing with toys!

It became clear Ann knew she was in good hands and was very grateful to finally be safe and taken care of.

Age is Just a Number

Since starting her recovery journey, Ann is now unrecognizable. Her transformation was incredible!

She looks like a completely different cat– a stronger and healthier one.

Her fighting spirit and strong will to live shine through her personality. It’s no surprise she was adopted by a loving family so soon!

Ann started as a tragic victim of abuse, but transformed into a loving, healthy, and beautiful senior cat.

Her fear has been replaced by confidence. She will never have to worry about being trapped or starved ever again.

Raggedy Ann proves that age is just a number– every cat deserves a fighting chance, no matter how old they are.

About Our Hero

According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, at least 250,000 animals per year become victim of hoarding cases.

Ann, the two dogs, and the 40 other cats found in the hoarder’s trailer were very lucky to be rescued.

Most of the animals in hoarding cases aren’t as lucky. They suffer a slow, painful death and go unnoticed.

Below is a statement from Saving One Life written as Raggedy Ann.

“I want people to learn the signs of animal hoarding, so they can report someone if they think they need help. Even if it is a family member, you are our voice. We need you to speak up for us. I’m thankful to whomever called the police. We weren’t safe anymore and without them stepping up, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Ann’s foster organization, Saving One Life, urges anyone who suspects animal hoarding to call the authorities and persistently follow up on the case.

Break your silence and speak up. It’s better to report someone and be wrong than be silent and let an animal suffer.

Be a voice for the voiceless so that animals like Raggedy Ann have a fighting chance