Our Adoption Story:

When my husband and I began talking about adopting two cats between January and May 2021, we had no idea how emotional — and transformative — the journey would become. What started as a simple dream of welcoming pets into our home soon turned into a rollercoaster of research, surprises, and ultimately, a love story with two very special cats.

Why We Chose Adoption

Like many first-time pet owners, we began by exploring different ways to find cats. But immediately, something felt off. The prices we encountered — often €800 per cat, not including transport from countries like Spain, Ukraine, and Russia — made us pause. It wasn’t just the cost; it was the uncomfortable feeling that this system wasn’t aligned with the values we wanted to support.

That’s when we decided to shift our focus to adoption.

Between May and November 2021, we joined several Facebook groups dedicated to rescued cats. We read story after story of abandoned, fostered, rehabilitated, or transported animals searching for stability and love. With each post, our conviction grew: this was the path we wanted to take.

The Moment We Saw Them: Tina & Gina

One ordinary evening, their photos stopped us mid-scroll.

Two sisters.
Two different personalities.
One shared history of displacement.

Tina, a shy tuxedo cat, and Gina, a confident mackerel-grey beauty, were temporarily sheltered near Ku’damm, fostered by a warm-hearted French woman who had recently lost her own cat of 15 years. They had originally come from a rescue in Poland, then transported to Berlin in hopes of finding a forever family.

We contacted the foster home immediately.

Visiting them was a moment we’ll never forget. Gina displayed herself proudly, almost as if she was interviewing us. Tina, meanwhile, hid quietly in the background — hesitant, unsure, but clearly longing for safety. That contrast between them told us everything: they needed stability, love, and someone willing to understand their social disconnect after so many transitions.

Deciding to Adopt

It felt right. Natural. Almost like they had chosen us.

We signed the adoption papers, committing not only to caring for them, but to the financial responsibility of food, healthcare, and everything they would need long term. For personal emotional reasons, we had decided early on to adopt cats without chronic illnesses — a choice we made honestly and gently, knowing our own emotional limits.

We bought their beds, food, litter boxes, toys — nervously excited like new parents.

Bringing Them Home

Just before Christmas in December 2021, we picked them up and brought them home.

The first three days were difficult. They were shy, anxious, and barely touched their food when we were around. They hid. They watched us cautiously. They were adjusting — again — to yet another new world.

But we didn’t give up. We called their names softly, offered gentle pets, kept our voices warm, and gave them the space to explore. We bought new toys and let them wander freely around our home at their own pace.

Slowly, something shifted.

Becoming a Family

By January 3, 2022, we were celebrating their first birthday together. Their personalities blossomed. Gina bonded deeply with my husband, while Tina chose me as her human.

Today, they are the heart of our home — cuddly, affectionate, and each with her own charm. Tina has transformed from a shy shadow into my gentle companion. Gina, ever the confident one, remains playful, expressive, and proudly loyal to my husband.

Their journey wasn’t an easy one. From a rescue in Poland to a foster home in Berlin, then finally into our arms — each chapter shaped them. But more importantly, it shaped us too.

Adopting them wasn’t just adding pets to our home.
It was choosing compassion.
It was giving two sisters safety after a life of uncertainty.
It was creating a family.

And we wouldn’t change a single moment of it.