Milton, Florida - To find a new family for one of their male cats, the Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter turned to Facebook to post an ad – and a brutally honest one at that.

"Are you looking for an affectionate and loving new friend to snuggle with ? It’s probably NOT this guy," begins the hilarious post, which immediately attracted the attention of hundreds of Facebook users.

The little tiger has been living at the shelter since September 2020, and the keepers quickly had to learn that his grumpy nature is not to be taken personally.

"He likes to be petted....but only sometimes. Head rubs? Allowed until they are not...then you are firmly reprimanded," they continued.

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"Did you want to tell him where to sleep? Willard laughs at your ignorance. Willard is beholden to no man. Or woman."

The shelter's description of Willard, aimed at finding him a new family, doesn't gloss over his unflattering qualities. In fact, the post almost reads like a warning.

"If you are willing to be owned by a crabby old ginger who may or may not ever show his thanks, please let us introduce you. Willard has the final say though. Good luck!"

As unconventional as the shelter's method seems, it actually worked – and much better than they had imagined!

Instead of a foster family, they found Willard's owner, who couldn't believe her luck!

Her little Jay, – which is Willard's actual name – is 15 years old and had been missing for over a year. His owner had already given up hope after checking all the surrounding animal shelters.

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Now they are finally reunited, and the disgruntled cat almost seems happy about that!

"She was so joyful and surprised to see him, and we've never seen Willard happier or more playful," a spokesperson from the Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter told The Dodo.

Now the cat is back home, and it's a load off the shelter's mind: "He's probably still a grump, but at least we know he is happy – or as happy as he can be."