Cat Discovered Crying Outside Empty House a Year After Owner's Death
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, Tiggy, gained attention when Alexis, @alexisjordangoret on TikTok, shared footage of him asking to be let inside a now-empty dwelling he had called home before his owner passed away 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."
@alexisjordangoret PLEASE SEE UPDATE ON TIGGY IN THE NEXT VIDS AND CONSIDER DONATING TO HIS VET INTAKE/ AFTERCARE at http://AllFurLove.org OR VENMO: @AllFurLoveAnimalRescue ** this cats been around my neighborhood since i was so young (im 25) and his owner, my neighbor Anne passed away about or around a year ago.hes an indoor outdoor boy but clearly he hasnt been inside since. Sometimes (like today) i heard him just crying at the door waiting for Anne to open it ððð i wish i could save him but this is his home. Hes knows the hood he knows his home. He just doesnt know where his mom is or why she wont let him in and it really really hurts my heart to be aware of the situation for him and not be able to tell him
⬠Landslide (2017 Remaster) - Fleetwood Mac
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.
"My heart is crushed," said one TikToker. Another wrote: "Well now I'm sobbing."
"I will say one thing, if I had to leave my babies I would hope someone would take them in and love them," said one TikToker.
Moved by the videos of the senior cat, Alexander was prompted to act.
"I reached out to Alexis and coordinated the 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'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," she said.
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.
But Tiggy's future is looking hopeful: "Depending on his blood work, if he's OK for anesthesia, we'll try to raise money for his dental treatment," Alexander said.
She explained that Tiggy may be rehomed depending on his health.
"He's very sweet and would do well in a quiet home without children," she said. "If we don't find an appropriate home, I'm more than happy to make him a permanent resident at my house."
In 2023, 6.5 million animals entered U.S. shelters, according to Shelter Animals Count, up 4 percent when compared to 2022 intakes. Of 2023 shelter intakes, 48 percent were stray, 18 percent were transfers from other shelters, 25 percent were relinquished by owners and 9 percent fell into an "other" category.
A rescue that runs on volunteers and donations, All Fur Love usually only performs TNR (trap, neuter, release) and rescues kittens, but they never turn away a cat in need like Tiggy.
"Every penny goes to the animals," Alexander said. "We feed over 100 sterilized colony, community, and sanctuary cats daily. We depend solely on the generosity of our donors and supporters."