Lupita Nyong'o Adopts Cat Following Split from Selema Masekela: 'Time to Embrace New Possibilities'
"I never understood people whose phones were full of photos and videos of their pets — now I am one of those people," the actress joked on Instagram
Lupita Nyong'o has a new furry friend!
The actress, 40, shared in an Instagram post Saturday that she has adopted a cat, and tells her fans that she has named the little guy Yoyo.
"Introducing my new companion, Yoyo! I have historically been afraid of cats, but when my life was altered instantly recently, a little voice whispered to me that it was time to embrace change and new possibilities," Nyong'o wrote, seemingly alluding to her split from boyfriend Selema Masekela.
Nyong'o went on to explain that a friend guided her through the process and even accompanied her on visits to several animal shelters. She started by fostering Yoyo, but "three days into it," Nyong'o wrote she "knew I could not give him up."
Indeed, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star joked that she's joined the legions of pet parents obsessed with their animals.
"I never understood people whose phones were full of photos and videos of their pets — now I am one of those people! It may look like I saved Yoyo, but really, Yoyo is saving me," she wrote.
Elsewhere in her caption, Nyong'o revealed some cute details about Yoyo — from his favorite things to his little quirks. "He LOVES company. He LOVES food," she shared. "He is very picky about his wand toys. He only drinks running water. The bugs in the house don’t stand a chance. He can’t be trusted around supplements!"
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Her post featured a series of photos including a cute shot of the actress posing in front of a pet adoption center with Yoyo in a carrier and a sign that read, "I love my adopted cat."
Nyong'o also shared additional images, including one of her and Yoyo snuggling, one of the cat lounging on a chair, and a golden-hued shot capturing Nyong'o posing in a glamorous dress with her pet on the floor in front of her.
Related: Joshua Jackson and Lupita Nyong'o Spotted at Janelle Monae Concert After Respective Splits
The Oscar winner's fans filled the comments section of the post with supportive messages, welcoming her to the "Cat Mama Club."
"In her cat lady era! And with an orange cat? Lupita is not messing around," one commenter wrote.
Another added, "Welcome to the cat mom life. Best. Decision. EVER. Be careful you’ll want 5 more 😂."
Nyong'o's new addition to her home comes days after she announced her split from Masekela, 52, in a candid Instagram post on Oct. 19. The actress has since been seen out with her mom Dorothy and a friend in Santa Monica, California, appeared at GO Campaign’s 2023 GO Gala, and even thanked her Instagram followers for their kindness.
"At this moment, it is necessary for me to share a personal truth and publicly dissociate myself from someone I can no longer trust," she initially wrote on Instagram. "I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception."
Related: Lupita Nyong'o Takes Walk with Her Mom Dorothy and a Friend Following Split from Selema Masekela
"I am tempted to run into the shadows and hide, only to return to the light when I have regained my strength enough for me to say, 'Whatever, my life is better this way,'" she added.
Nyong'o went on to declare that she was "choosing to face the pain … trusting that this too shall pass," and explained that she was sharing the personal update in the hopes that her experience would help others going through their own heartbreak.
Nyong'o's friends left messages of support, too, including actor and comedian Marlon Wayans. "Warmest of hugs. Be kind to you as you heal," he wrote. "I always say whenever i have a break up 'lucky me, I get to love ME again. I missed you me.' Go love on you, woman."
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay commented, "We lift you up with love and sisterhood."
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