They went to help a stray kitten in the bitter cold but found two cats instead. They never gave up on the little one.
BennyWhiskers-a-GoGo
As freezing temperatures set in, rescuers at Whiskers-a-GoGo heard from a concerned couple who had spotted a kitten living on the streets.
Rather than turning away, the couple stepped in and reached out to the rescue community. With the support of Whiskers-a-GoGo and Bushwick Street Cats, they pooled resources, set humane traps, and did everything they could to bring the kitten to safety.
"Night after night in freezing temperatures, they put out food and traps, watching and figuring things out as they went," Whiskers-a-GoGo shared.
They managed to trap two adult tabby catsWhiskers-a-GoGo
During that time, they managed to trap two adult tabby cats, ensuring both were spayed and vetted. But the kitten remained elusive. Then a snowstorm swept through the area, and the little one disappeared entirely. Days passed with no sightings.
Still, they refused to give up. A week before Christmas, they returned for another attempt to find him.
After many days, they finally brought the kitten to safetyWhiskers-a-GoGo
"Finally, late at night, they tried again. A trap was set. Popeye's chicken was placed inside as irresistible bait. Kitten meows were played from a phone, and then, finally, a tiny meowing sound answered back."
The little tabby stepped into the trap. After days of tireless effort, the kitten was rescued.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
"Once indoors, he was a hissy, spicy kitten, but it didn't take long to see he wasn't built for life outside."
At first, he hid behind a toilet, unsure of his new surroundings. Slowly, he began inching closer to his new mom, Rachel, realizing she meant no harm. With patience, reassurance, and plenty of treats, he began to relax, and the fear in his eyes melted away.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Covered in grime, Rachel gently wiped the dirt from his face and wrapped him in a soft towel, letting him know he was safe and loved.
When the kitten tried to explore, he moved with a noticeable limp. "A vet visit revealed a dislocated hip from before rescue. Even through the exam, he purred, and they named him Benny."
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Benny will need surgery, but he's now in good hands, surrounded by loving humans committed to giving him the best care possible. "His new people adore him, and he reminds one of them of her childhood cat. They're nearly identical."
Food-motivated and eager to please, Benny has already learned to offer nose boops in exchange for treats.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Benny celebrated his first Christmas and New Year's Day with his people, far from the streets and the winter cold. His belly was full, and he looked completely at peace, as if life outdoors were a distant memory.
"He's safe indoors, getting the care he needs and exactly where he belongs, while two former street cats will no longer contribute to the cycle of unwanted kittens."
Whiskers-a-GoGo
No longer scavenging for food or searching for shelter, Benny now spends his days stretched out on his favorite couch or curled up on his humans. Once his hip is repaired, he'll be learning even more tricks, eager to show off how clever he is.
He has fully embraced indoor life, often face-planting into the couch cushions during naps.
Whiskers-a-GoGo
It truly takes a village to save a cat. Benny's future has been forever changed thanks to the many people who refused to give up on him.
"Rescue is never just one person. It's the neighbors, the feeders, the trappers, and donors, the fosters, and the people who are willing to show up and try."
Whiskers-a-GoGo
Share this story with your friends. More on Benny and Whiskers-a-GoGo on Instagram @whiskers_agogo and @bennygettingpets. Thanks to Bushwick Street Cats @bushwickcats.
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