His Unique Meow Won Everyone Over — Meatloaf’s Journey From the Streets to a Fairytale Life

When Meatloaf first showed up outside a bakery in downtown Chicago, no one knew where he came from—but everyone heard him. His meow wasn’t just loud; it was unmistakably distinct. It sounded like a mix between a chirp, a broken purr, and a rusty screen door swinging in the wind.

At first, people laughed. Then, they started bringing him scraps. And within days, the quirky, orange-and-white cat with a squished face and unforgettable voice had become a bit of a local celebrity.

But while Meatloaf’s meow brought smiles to customers, his life on the street wasn’t as sweet. That’s where @tippedears, a Chicago-based rescue group focused on saving street cats, stepped in.

“We kept getting tagged in videos of him,” said Jenna, one of the lead rescuers from @tippedears. “Everyone thought his meow was hilarious and adorable—but we saw a cat who needed help. He was dirty, his fur was matted, and he had an eye infection that clearly needed treatment. The meow was cute, but it was also a cry for help.”

It took several days and more than a few bakery treats to earn Meatloaf’s trust, but eventually, he let rescuers scoop him up and bring him to the vet.

“He was so underweight,” Jenna recalled. “We named him Meatloaf almost as a joke—because he was anything but one. He was bony and scrappy, but we knew with some love and care, he’d grow into the name.”

After a thorough exam, Meatloaf was found to be about four years old, unneutered, and likely had lived on the streets for most of his life. He was treated for fleas, an upper respiratory infection, and several dental issues. But through it all, he never stopped talking.

“That meow never turned off,” said Jenna with a laugh. “Even when he was getting shots. Even at the vet. He’d make that rusty little sound like he was trying to narrate his entire life story in one breath.”

Once he was healthy enough, Meatloaf moved into a foster home—and that’s when his real personality came out.

“He was so affectionate,” said Maria, his foster mom. “He followed me everywhere, would headbutt me while I worked, and of course, meow nonstop. It was like living with a tiny, furry opera singer who didn’t know how to stop warming your heart.”

Videos of Meatloaf’s meow and his over-the-top cuddles started going viral online. Thousands of people followed his journey through @tippedears, sending messages of support, donations, and adoption inquiries.

But finding the right home wasn’t about clicks or likes. It was about finding someone who would embrace every single thing about him—including the meow that never quit.

After months of fostering, Meatloaf finally found his perfect match in Sarah and Luke, a young couple who had recently said goodbye to their elderly cat.

“The second we heard his voice, we knew,” said Sarah. “He sounded like a tiny, bossy old man who just wanted love. And that’s exactly what we needed.”

Since moving into his forever home, Meatloaf has gained weight, grown a shiny coat, and finally started to live the life he always deserved. He sleeps in a heated cat bed (even in summer), eats gourmet wet food twice a day, and has claimed every sunny windowsill in the house as his personal throne.

But the meow? It’s still there—and louder than ever.

“He wakes us up with it. He announces every time he uses the litter box. He meows to remind us to feed him, pet him, or just look at him,” Sarah said. “But we wouldn’t change a thing.”

Jenna from @tippedears said stories like Meatloaf’s are why the rescue does what it does.

“People sometimes overlook stray cats or think they’re too ‘feral’ to be pets,” she said. “But so many of them—like Meatloaf—are just waiting for a chance. A warm bed. A person who listens. Even if it’s to a meow that sounds like a broken trumpet.”

Now, Meatloaf spends his days napping, snuggling, and meowing his way into everyone’s heart. And from a skinny stray cat with matted fur and no one to care for him, he’s become a loved, cherished part of a family that sees him not just for his past—but for the beautiful future he deserves.

And yes, that includes all the meows. Every single one.

Full video here: