Brooklyn, NY – A shivering senior cat, found curled up in a pile of leaves in McCarren Park, has been given a second chance at life thanks to the efforts of local rescuers.
Two weeks ago, volunteers from Greenpoint Cats received a report about a tabby cat who had been spotted huddled in the foliage overnight. Upon arriving at the scene, rescuers learned the feline had been there since the previous day, braving freezing temperatures.
“She had made a little nest in the leaves to try to keep warm,” the rescue organization shared. When a rescuer called out to her, the cat—later named Karen after the park—immediately perked up and responded with meows.
A Cry for Help
The moment the rescuer extended a hand, Karen stood up and trudged over, eager for assistance. The friendly cat allowed herself to be placed in a carrier and taken to a veterinarian, where she was estimated to be 11 years old. A microchip scan revealed heartbreaking details—Karen had been abandoned in the park by her previous owner.
A New Lease on Life
Weak from low blood sugar and exposure, Karen was placed in a foster home where she could recover. With warm bedding, ample food, and gentle care, she quickly regained strength.
“It must have been a terrifying two days out in the cold,” rescuers noted. Hours after her rescue, freezing rain began to fall—a stark reminder of the peril she had escaped.
Soon, Karen’s timid demeanor melted away. She rolled onto her back, purring loudly as she received chin scratches, her face transforming from sadness to pure contentment.
A Playful Spirit Reborn
As she healed, Karen rediscovered her playful side, exploring her foster home and even inspecting the Christmas tree. She carried toys around the house, relishing the safety of indoor life.
“For two days and nights, she survived below-freezing temperatures by nesting in leaves,” rescuers said. “And yet, her spirit is unbroken, and her love unconditional.”
The Perfect Match
By New Year’s Eve, Karen’s resilience paid off. During a meet-and-greet with a potential adopter, the affectionate tabby climbed into their lap and onto their chest, as if to say, “You have been chosen.”
The family was instantly smitten. “We just left our meet with Karen, and we are in love,” they later wrote.
Now, the once-abandoned senior cat begins a new chapter—surrounded by catnip toys, cozy spots, and a family committed to spoiling her endlessly.
Since Karen’s rescue, Greenpoint Cats has saved three more abandoned cats from the neighborhood, continuing their mission to give vulnerable felines a chance at happiness.
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