A New York woman didn’t hesitate to rescue a kitten she found abandoned near a creek. Now, she makes sure the cat feels loved every day.
In August 2024, Sarah Mirsini and her husband took their dogs swimming near a local creek. Mirsini noticed movement near the rocks and soon realized it was a small kitten. The kitten seemed scared and hid when people came close.
Mirsini, 38, told Newsweek she “knew in [her] heart” she couldn’t leave the kitten behind. She and her husband returned several times that day to try to catch the scared feline.
Mirsini noticed the kitten’s neck tilted to one side. At the vet, they learned it was an ear infection, not a broken neck, and the kitten was treated right away. Locals said the kitten had been near the creek for weeks. The vet estimated she was about 11 to 12 weeks old. Mirsini suspects the kitten was abandoned because of her head tilt and the cost of care.
At first, the couple tried to lure the kitten with food, but she was too frightened. On the second day, they used a cage trap with blankets and food. The kitten would approach but then run away.
On the third morning, they finally caught her and brought her home safely. They named her Clover, their “lucky charm.”
The vet advised keeping Clover separate from the couple’s two dogs at first. They set up a guest room as her safe space with a bed, toys, and litter box. Mirsini said her husband slept in the room with Clover, and the kitten would nuzzle his beard to fall asleep. That special bond continues today.
Soon after, the couple adopted a black cat named Finn. Mirsini said it was “the best thing” they did for Clover, who now has a feline companion. Clover enjoys exploring their home and happily comes when called.
Mirsini shared with Newsweek that Clover is her first cat and has taught her about unconditional love. “Every living being deserves a second chance and to feel safe,” she said.
In May, Mirsini posted a TikTok video showing Clover’s transformation—from a scared kitten alone by the creek to a happy cat in a loving home. The video has over 434,400 views and 90,300 likes. The caption read, “I thought I was rescuing her, but really, she was rescuing me.”
The story has touched many viewers. One comment said, “So happy for Clover, but my heart breaks for all the abandoned strays.” Another added, “First clip broke me.”
Mirsini hopes Clover’s story inspires others to help animals in need, whether by adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating. “We should treat all beings with kindness, dignity, and respect,” she said.
