Lab Cat Named ‘Number 698’ Finds Freedom After 5 Years Of Toxicity Testing In Oklahoma

Just when I think the world can’t get any more heartless toward cats, I come across stories like this.

Abandoned and neglected cats always leave me heartbroken, but learning that animal testing is still happening today brought me to tears.

This story begins with a truly unfortunate cat. Bagel, a beautiful tabby, was born in an animal testing facility in Oklahoma.

For nearly five years, this poor soul was confined to a cage, subjected to experiments along with hundreds of other cats.

He never experienced the comfort of a warm bed, the joy of playing with toys, or the feeling of unconditional love. Little did Bagel know, his life was about to take a turn for the better…

Beagle Freedom Project is an organization dedicated to rescuing animals that have been part of experimental research.

They made the incredible decision to purchase the lab where Bagel had been held and transformed it into a sanctuary.

That day, the lives of hundreds of cats changed, and they were finally ready to find their forever homes.

Erin Sharoni from Miami heard about the sanctuary and decided to adopt a cat without hesitation.

Having recently lost her beloved dog Bodhi and cat Lentil, Erin was eager to open her heart and home to a cat in need.

She flew all the way to Oklahoma and once she met Bagel, an instant bond was created. 

She was the one to name him Bagel, up until then he was only known by a number. As Erin said in her video:

“He had no name in the lab. He was number 698.”

The saddest thing about all these cats was that they were very well-socialized. As Erin said:

“What I learned from the rescuers was cats were very well socialized as kittens by the lab workers specifically. So they would be easier to work with during experiments. They were also food deprived to keep them hungry. A hungry cat is generally a motivated cat.”

Knowing that poor Bagel was hungry in a cage, shattered my heart into pieces. Luckily, Erin was about to change all that. 

The two flew back to Miami, and for the first time in his life, Bagel had a safe home, far from the harmful chemicals of the lab.

At first, he was too frightened to leave Erin’s bathroom. He spent a few days hiding in the corner, but eventually, he gathered the courage to venture out and begin exploring his new environment.

Erin lives right next to the beach and Bagel soon figured out what an amazing view he had.

He would sit right in front of the window and observe birds and planes flying around! As Erin mentioned:

“Everything was new and interesting and exciting to him.”

His new mom had prepared a basket filled with toys for him, but since Bagel had never played before, he didn’t know what to do. Instead, he simply sat in the basket, while the toys scattered around him.

But soon enough, Bagel began to discover what it meant to be a cat. He started playing and gently rubbing against his toys. His favorite activity, though, became cuddling up with Erin.

The poor boy was afraid he might lose his newfound freedom, so he was very clingy. As his mom shared:

“He was very clingy for the first few weeks. Now he’s chilled out a little bit, but he’s still extremely affectionate.”

This story truly restored my faith in humanity, and thanks to Erin, Bagel now has the chance to live a happy life, free from toxic chemicals.

Be sure to follow Bagel’s journey on Instagram, where his mom shares daily updates of his new adventures!