New York Woman Rescues Cat Everyone Else Ignored Because Of His Looks
When Meagan Licari, the driving force behind Puppy Kitty NYC, first met Figaro, she knew the moment would stay with her forever.
At the time, the tiny kitten was in an emergency animal hospital, fighting through unimaginable facial trauma. The sight stopped Meagan in her tracks.
“He was so tiny and was missing basically half of his face. It brought me to tears to see this little guy with such horrible injuries,” she recalls.
Born on the tough streets of New York City in early 2019, Figaro had already endured a harsh start to life. A small rescue group contacted Puppy Kitty NYC for help, knowing he needed more care than they could provide.
“He was extremely scared and borderline feral,” Meagan says.
Still, she was determined to give him every chance at recovery.
Veterinarians couldn’t say for sure what caused the injuries. Perhaps a fight with another animal—a raccoon or a larger cat—or even an accident involving a live wire. Whatever had happened, the damage was severe.
To repair it, Figaro underwent two major reconstructive surgeries. Most of the teeth on one side of his mouth had to be removed.
“He spent about a month in the hospital after his initial rescue, and then three days for his second surgery,” Meagan explains.
During those long weeks in the hospital, something incredible happened. The once-frightened, untouchable kitten began to warm up. Slowly, he let the veterinary staff and Meagan offer him affection. With patience and gentle care, the defensive feral kitten transformed into a trusting, loving cat.
On February 10, 2019, Figaro was discharged—a completely different little soul from the one Meagan had first met. She brought him to her Queens home to foster, keeping him crated for two weeks as he healed with his E-collar.
Four months later, at just six months old, Figaro was thriving. The early days had left him with some quirks—especially when it came to face cleanings or medications.
“He also hates being medicated because his beginning stages of life were all doctors and medicine,” Meagan says with understanding.
But otherwise, Figaro was unstoppable. His zest for life was unmistakable.
“He is first to the food bowl and will growl at the other cats. He can eat dry and soft food, but we stick to mostly soft. He also loves human food and is always trying to steal it.”
When he wasn’t eating, Figaro could often be found bird-watching from the windowsill or curled up on Meagan’s pillow. It was clear he had fully embraced the safety and comfort of his new life.
“I wish more people would adopt the harder to adopt kitties instead of kittens or purebreds,” Meagan says, hoping Figaro’s story might inspire others.
Over time, his recovery became complete.
“Figaro is so, so special, and taking care of him has been a true honor,” she says.
Originally, the plan had been to help him heal and then find him a forever family. But somewhere along the way, Meagan realised the truth—Figaro had already found his forever home.
“He means the world to me! He represents why I rescue and is a testament that rescue works!”
Today, Figaro lives happily with Meagan, a living reminder that love, patience, and care can truly change a life.
