An adopted blind shelter cat was returned months later in a box which was left on the front steps, and staff have paid her tribute, telling Newsweek she is stronger and more resilient than ever.

Elena came to Greenville Humane Society in South Carolina aged just three months, a terrified 3-month-old kitten. The runt of her litter and blind in both eyes, had initially struggled with the shelter environment. Her blindness left her in a constant state of fear, hissing at every sound and living in a perpetual state of anxiety.

But despite these challenges, Elena was adopted shortly after her story was shared, and the shelter staff were overjoyed for her new beginning.

That was until late July, just months after Elena was adopted, when shelter staff arrived to find the box abandoned on their front steps, with Elena inside.

The staff were devastated, not understanding what could have led to her being returned in such a way.