Waiting for reunion that might never happen: Story of Laibao the tabby making netizens tear up

CHUXIONG: A local pet shop owner in China was moved to tears this week after discovering that an "abandoned" cat was actually the centre of a tragic, final act of love by a vanishing pensioner.

Pink note of despair

When shop owner Sun opened her doors on March 7, she expected a routine Saturday. Instead, she found a grey pet carrier sitting on the pavement. Inside was Laibao, a plump, pampered tabby, and a note written on pink paper that has since broken the heart of the nation.

"I am a lonely elderly person from out of town," the letter began. "I have major surgery tomorrow. I have no family and no one to turn to."

Fearing they would never wake up from the operating table, the mystery owner left a bundle of small banknotes—every penny they could spare—along with Laibao’s favourite bowls and food, begging a "kind soul" to give the cat a home.

"He’s waiting for a ghost"

Sun, who has taken the four-year-old feline into her own home, says the cat’s behaviour is devastating to watch.

• The Wait: Laibao reportedly spends hours staring at the door, waiting for an owner who may never return.
• The Health: He is perfectly groomed and "round," proving he was the centre of his previous owner's world.
• The Search: Sun has scoured local hospital wards and CCTV footage, but the "Pink Note Pensioner" has vanished into the medical system.

Social media has exploded, with over 8 million people following the search for the mystery patient. From Beijing to Shanghai, netizens are praying for a "medical miracle" so the pair can be reunited.

"Laibao isn't just a cat; he's someone's last request," one commenter wrote. "We need to find this brave soul and tell them their baby is safe."

Shop owner's message:

Sun has a simple message for the mystery owner, pinned to her shop front: "If your surgery goes well, come back. Laibao is waiting. No questions asked."