A cat that had been meowing at the door of his former home in New Jersey has finally been rescued after gaining viral attention online.
The black cat, named Tiggy, gained attention when Alexis, a local resident, shared footage of him asking to be let inside a now-empty dwelling he had called home before his owner passed away about a year ago.
“He comes from a trailer park not far from me. His human mom had passed away about a year ago,” Francesca Alexander, CEO and president of the rescue organization All Fur Love, told Newsweek. “Her son lived there until a few months ago when he left with the dog but abandoned Tiggy. Neighbors fed him occasionally, but it wasn’t enough, especially with the recent heat wave.”
Tiggy’s situation was brought to the attention of many when Alexis posted his story on TikTok and across various local Facebook groups. Videos of the cat calling for his deceased owner broke hearts online, with commenters expressing sadness and a desire to help.
Moved by the videos, Alexander reached out to Alexis and coordinated Tiggy’s rescue. “After a couple of attempts by others, I went out myself and trapped him,” she said. “He was hungry, but he came readily. I brought him home with me.”
Estimated to be between 15 and 17 years old, Tiggy is now being cared for in Alexander’s home. He received vaccinations and tested negative for AIDS and leukemia, but does have arthritis, some dental issues, and potential kidney disease, which will be monitored and treated by the rescue team.
“He’s snuggled up on a big comfy blanket in my bathroom while we wait for all the fleas and ticks to succumb to the treatment,” Alexander said. “Depending on his blood work, if he’s OK for anesthesia, we’ll try to raise money for his dental treatment.”
Tiggy’s future is looking hopeful, as the rescue team is working to find him a suitable home. “He’s very sweet and would do well in a quiet home without children,” Alexander said. “If we don’t find an appropriate home, I’m more than happy to make him a permanent resident at my house.”
The article highlights the heartwarming story of Tiggy, a senior cat who was left behind after his owner’s passing and was discovered crying outside his former home. Thanks to the efforts of a local resident and a dedicated rescue organization, Tiggy has been rescued and is now receiving the care and attention he deserves.
