Second chance. Second chapter.
Sep 26, 2025
Cutler was just three months old when she was first adopted from PAWS. 10 years later, Cutler returned, but her second chapter was just beginning.
Back in 2014, Cutler was just a tiny newborn when she found herself at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), the city impoundment facility. Without a mom or siblings, Cutler wouldn’t survive without help—that's when PAWS stepped in.
With the help of PAWS vets, caretakers, and fosters, Cutler grew big and strong. At three months old, after spay surgery and vaccinations, she was happily adopted. For the next ten years, Cutler enjoyed life with a family. Then something happened.
Cutler’s owner was hit with hardship and could no longer care for her. Thankfully, PAWS was there to pick up the pieces: “Once a PAWS pet, always a PAWS pet.” We immediately welcomed Cutler back and got to work preparing her for her second chapter.
After spending many years in a loving home, Cutler was sociable and cuddly, but she wasn’t a fan of the shelter. She spent time in foster homes, but Cutler clearly needed the comfort only a permanent place and companion could provide.
A few miles away at the same time Cutler’s life was changing, Meghan Brotz’s life was changing, too. Meghan’s 18-year-old cat Remy was diagnosed with an aggressive tumor that very suddenly took Remy’s life. Meghan missed Remy very much and started looking at adoptable senior cats. That’s when she came across Cutler.
Meghan says, “She looked so sad to be in the shelter, and I figured I'd go in to give her some love, if anything. I went the next day. Within 5 minutes of meeting her, Cutler lay down and used my hand as a pillow.” Their connection was undeniable.
Adopted once again, Cutler couldn’t be happier with her new life. Meghan says, “She made herself at home quickly as if she'd been here before. I was prepared for her to spend some time hiding, but she never did.
She loves sitting in the windows and looking outside, eating treats, hanging out in her cat tree, catnip toys, getting her neck scratched, using items as pillows, and she's recently decided she loves to play with string and chase after balls—she found them scary for a period of time.
She is the absolute sweetest cat and has been so brave, despite everything she went through in the past few months. She has brought so much love, comfort, life, and laughter to my home during one of the hardest times in my life.
Cutler, aka Chicky Cutlet and Cat Cutty, just celebrated her 11th birthday! I'm so glad she was able to do it at home. Adopt a senior kitty, they are the absolute best.”