When a loving 10-month-old cat named Ivan was repeatedly passed up for adoption during his time at the MSPCA-Angell in Boston, the staff at the shelter knew it was time to give the special needs kitty the spotlight he so deserved.

In a press release sent out in early March, the MSPCA-Angell explained that this "super social" feline was surrendered because of his walking impairment, which is due to his malformed legs.

"Born without radial bones in his front legs, which are also missing two toes on each paw, and a deformed left hind leg, Ivan 'army crawls' his way around as walking is impossible," the organization described. "Moreover, he is unable to use his litter box each and every time, making it all the more difficult to identify an adopter willing to take him in."

“What Ivan lacks in mobility he more than makes up for in personality," stated MSPCA-Angell adoption center manager Alyssa Krieger. "His physical limitations will always be there—so we’re looking for the adopter who can see through that and give him the second chance he deserves."

Krieger and others at the MSPCA weren't willing to give up on this amazing kitty, and their call to action for a patient and adoring pet parent worked.

Ivan, who once had zero adoption inquiries, soon had more than 2,000 requests from potential pet parents in more than 40 states and six foreign countries. While the shelter eventually narrowed down the perfect loving family for Ivan, the attention he drew helped find homes for other kitties.

In a recent Facebook post, the MSPCA told followers, "we adopted out every single cat in our adoption room on Saturday," including two senior cats.

As Ivan starts the next chapter of his life, newfound fans and well-wishers can continue to follow his story on his Instagram page.

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Image via MSPCA-Angell