White Coat Waste is a non-profit organisation working to expose and close the U.S. animal testing business.
The organisation successfully closed down a testing lab at the University of California earlier this year, leaving a breeding colony in need of loving homes.
"They choose you"
When founder of White Coat Waste Anthony Bellotti heard the cats were up for adoption, he knew he wanted to help. "Petite, one of my other rescued lab cats had recently passed away... so I had the choice to make when it came to picking another pet", he told The Dodo. "But, as the saying goes, you don't choose the cat, they choose you".
And it seems a 12-year-old ginger cat, who was known only by the number tattooed into her ears, knew exactly who she wanted to live with.
Anthony decided to name her Marigold, the first real name she had ever been given.
Healthy and happy
Marigold took to life in a home immediately.
"Marigold is doing amazing. She is healthy and gained back all her weight", Anthony explained. "We just celebrated her 13th birthday - her very first one outside of the laboratory".
Marigold's days in the lab are now a distant memory, and she spends her time enjoying cuddles with her family!
