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Mr. Kat Rescued After Harrowing Weeks Home Alone After His Person Dies

by Robert Walsh

Editor's Note: Some of you might remember the plea sent out about Mr. Kat back in February. Mr. Kat had been through a lot! His caretaker had died in November and he was too scared to come out of hiding for almost three months! When his caretaker's brother was located, he left food and water for the mystery cat weekly as he settled his sister's affairs — the empty bowl proving a cat was still in the apartment in spite of never making an appearance.

In January, the brother contacted the NYC Feral Cat Initiative (NYCFCI) for help catching Mr. Kat, and we called in trapper Annie Sullivan, a professional animal rescuer, who volunteered her time and eventually caught Mr. Kat. He was examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and treated for a superficial head wound before going home with his "uncle" to Philadelphia. Unfortunately, Mr. Kat didn't get along with his feline "cousin," so Jenny Coffey of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals picked him up and brought him back to New York City, where he was boarded while the NYCFCI searched for a new home. Robert Walsh, who had lost his cat and was ready to adopt a new feline friend, came forward. Jenny escorted Mr. Kat to his new home in New Jersey, where he has been settling in nicely with Robert.

Mr. Kat's ordeal illustrates the importance of making provisions for both your pet cats and feral cat colonies upon your death or incapacitation. Don't wait — find a friend or relative who will care for them, and keep copies of the information where someone can find it in your absense. Write down the person's contact information and keep copies in your wallet, filed with your will or important papers, in your car, and on your refrigerator for emergency personnel to find.

"Mr. Kat came to me, a bit malnourished, scared, and traumatized. He spent the first few days hidden out of view, only to come out to eat and then hurry back to his hiding place. On the fourth day, feeling somewhat safer, curiosity got the better of him and he came out of hiding. Eventually he came up to me to catch the scent of my hand and soon after, he accepted me with a purr. We have been best buddies ever since.

I have since renamed him Petey, and he loves his new home and I love having him. He sleeps by my side and greets me every night when I return from work. All Petey ever wanted was a nice, warm, safe place to call home. Thanks to the NYC Feral Cat Initiative and all they did to rescue this guy, and bring him back to good health (thanks to the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals), he now has that chance."

NYC Feral Cat Initiative  •  c/o Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals  •  244 Fifth Avenue, Suite R290  •  New York, NY 10001  •  (212) 330-0033  •  info@NYCFeralCat.org