A stray cat found hope again because of a young neighbor. Now, he can’t get enough love.

LucianoPaws of Hope NYC

An orange cross-eyed cat was seen hanging around an apartment building, eager for attention and a kind hand to offer a gentle scratch.

Many people passed him by until he met a mother and daughter who stopped to give him a petting session. “The finder said this friendly furball loves attention and never turns down a cuddle, especially from her young daughter,” Gissell, founder of Paws of Hope NYC, shared with Love Meow.

“Every day, he would patiently wait outside her building, his eyes lighting up the moment he caught sight of her.”

He was seen hanging around an apartment buildingPaws of Hope NYC

The cat named Luciano was one of the many forgotten animals on the streets of NYC. Rescuers find it increasingly challenging to keep up with the soaring rate of cat abandonment.

“In a world of uncertainty and danger, this little girl and her mom became his lifeline, offering him a renewed sense of hope and security.”

He befriended a young neighbor and her motherPaws of Hope NYC

When Luciano saw his favorite young neighbor, he ran across the yard to greet her. He rubbed his face against her hand and brushed against her legs. He received food and plenty of pets from her – always the highlight of his day.

“Her love, empathy, and compassion showed him that there is goodness in the world and that he is deserving of care and affection.”

He waited outside their building to hang out with them every dayPaws of Hope NYC

The mother and daughter couldn’t take him home but were doing everything in their power to help him. The mother reached out on social media, hoping to get the deserving boy into a loving home or placement with a rescue organization.

When Gissell came across the post, she leaped into action. She connected with the finder, went to the neighborhood the next day, and brought the friendly cat to safety.