For Joanna and her husband, adopting their first pet was supposed to be a simple, joyful addition to their family. Little did they know, their first feline companion would shatter all expectations and transform their lives in ways they never anticipated. What they thought would be a standard kitten quickly grew into a majestic, larger-than-life cat who would capture their hearts and the attention of TikTok users everywhere.

Joanna, 27, recalls the moment they welcomed Witcher into their home with awe and humor. “When you think you adopted a kitten… and it turns out you adopted a panther,” she wrote in her viral video caption. “We adopted our first cat, and he’s the biggest cat we’ve ever seen! We love our Witcher.”

A Chance Encounter and the Bond that Blossomed

Joanna and her husband had always been drawn to the elegance of black cats, and when they found a picture of Witcher—then known as Toast—they were instantly smitten. At the time, their goldendoodle Teddy had been feeling overwhelmed by the presence of other dogs, and they thought a kitten might be the perfect companion. What they didn’t expect was the size of the kitten they were about to adopt.

Named after Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher, Witcher’s name was a reflection of his early traits: stoic, independent, and incredibly brave. “From the moment he arrived, his bravery was evident,” Joanna said. “Even though he was smaller than Teddy, he immediately started setting boundaries and taking charge.”

As Witcher began to grow, something remarkable happened. What started as a typical kitten quickly transformed into a towering cat, with a tail matching his big ears and a body that stretched longer and longer each day. The couple’s initial concern about the size difference between Witcher and Teddy soon became a thing of the past, as the two formed a bond stronger than ever—playing and cuddling like true brothers.

Witcher’s Transformation and Continued Bond

As their playful puppy turned into a “fair opponent” for Teddy, Joanna and her husband noticed just how much Witcher had grown. “Friends would visit and exclaim, ‘Wow, he’s a long boy!’” Joanna laughed. “Even his foster parents were amazed by how big he had gotten. It was clear we were raising something extraordinary.”

But despite his impressive size, Witcher’s core personality remained unchanged. “My favorite trait about Witcher is his bravery,” Joanna shared. “He faces everything head-on: new people, new pets, harness training, long car rides—nothing phases him.”

As a first-time cat parent, Joanna admits she was initially unsure how she’d feel about a feline companion. But over time, she realized that the love and affection cats give is no different from dogs—just expressed differently. “Witcher’s cuddles and endless purring are very active choices he makes, and I appreciate them so much.”

The Advocacy for Black Cats

Joanna also hopes that by sharing Witcher’s story, she can help challenge misconceptions about black cats and highlight their unique qualities. “There’s often a bias against black cats due to outdated superstitions and stereotypes,” she explained. “I hope to spotlight them, especially as loyal and loving companions.”

Through the years, Witcher has become more than just a pet—he’s a cherished member of the family, a “house panther” who’s brought joy, laughter, and deep love to their lives. For Joanna, adopting Witcher was the best decision she’s ever made, and she encourages others to consider adopting black cats as well.

In the end, Witcher’s transformation from a small, timid kitten to a brave, majestic cat is a beautiful reminder of the surprising joys that come with adopting a rescue animal. His journey exemplifies the power of love, patience, and acceptance in shaping a pet’s future.