A cat followed passersby around, asking for help until someone stopped for him and changed his life.
RocketPawsOfHopeNYC
An orange and white cat with a wound on his left cheek was seen wandering the streets alone. He approached people and trailed behind them, begging for attention.
Gissell, founder of Paws of Hope NYC, was contacted about the friendly stray and rushed to his rescue. “He was abandoned near one of my feeding stations (for community cats), desperately following people and crying for help,” Gissell shared with Love Meow.
The moment she called out to the cat named Rocket, he launched himself from the ground and sprinted towards her.
He was found wandering the streets alonePawsOfHopeNYC
He meowed affectionately, rubbing his face against Gissell’s hand and leaning into her petting with his eyes closed. Rocket scooted up beside his rescuer as if ready to leave the outdoors once and for all.
Rocket was delighted to be in a cool, comfortable room at the vet’s office, away from the relentless heat and dangerous streets. He was grateful to have water to quench his thirst and food to quell his pangs of hunger.
He followed people around, begging for helpPawsOfHopeNYC
Upon hearing Rocket’s plight, a volunteer for the rescue stepped up to foster him so he could start healing in the comfort of a loving home.
“Shelters are full, and independent rescuers rely on fosters to continue their work.”
Rocket was rescuedPawsOfHopeNYC
With an abundance of food, Rocket filled out beautifully, and his coat turned soft and gleaming. He insisted on being close to people at all times, lying next to them on a cozy blanket or falling asleep in their arms.
“He is the most adorable and content kitty.”
He quickly settled into his foster homePawsOfHopeNYC
Rocket was “surrounded by heaps of love, yummy food, tasty treats, and of course, lots of catnip.” He looked as if he wore a smile on his face now that he was back in his element.
After what Rocket had gone through, Gissell and her team were determined to find the perfect match for him, someone who would cherish him endlessly.
PawsOfHopeNYC
Early this year, his dream was finally realized. Rocket met a lovely family who fell head over heels for him. The feeling was mutual as he curled up beside them, brushing affectionately against their arms.
After exploring his new abode, he plopped down on the floor, claiming it as his kingdom.
Rocket met his new mom, and it was love at first sightRocketCatNYC
He began shadowing his humans around the house, keeping them company while they watched TV, guarding them when they were in the shower, and offering his assistance when they were on the computer.
In true Rocket fashion, he jumped to the highest places in the house to find the best vantage points.
Rocket held hands with his human while they watched TVRocketCatNYC
Now, he’s the first thing they wake up to in the morning, a little supervisor in the kitchen. He greets them when they get home and reminds them to take a break to relax and play.
He’s always ready to cuddle, give a cat massage, or get under the covers to help his humans go to sleep.
He’s blossomed into a cuddle bugRocketCatNYC
He stays by their side when they work and even puts a paw on their hand for added support.
It’s been a year since Rocket was found outside, crying for help. “I will never forget the sadness in his eyes. But today, I am overjoyed to share that Rocket is safe, loved, and thriving in his forever home.”
He offers “help” when they workRocketCatNYC
Thanks to many compassionate people, Rocket is now living the best life in his dream home, where love and cuddles abound.
He’s living the best lifeRocketCatNYC
Share this story with your friends. More on Paws of Hope NYC on Instagram @pawsofhopenyc and Rocket @rocketcatnyc.
Related story: Cat Came Indoors After Hanging Around House, No One Knew She Had Kittens at the Time
