Florida Officer Spots Something Small In A Bush And Rushed To Save A Newborn

Did you hear about the Florida police officer who has become just as famous for rescuing cats as she is for her work in uniform? 

Officer Gretchen Byrne, a dedicated officer from Boca Raton, has earned herself a huge following online thanks to her lighthearted Instagram videos and her heart of gold. 

With over 73,000 fans, she’s best known by her affectionate nickname—the “Cat Cop.” Time and again, she’s proven that her duty to protect and serve extends to the most vulnerable members of her community: stray kittens in need.

Recently, Officer Byrne pulled off another heartwarming rescue, this time saving a newborn orange kitten named Chudo. This tiny ball of fur had the toughest start in life imaginable. 

Found in a bush, abandoned and helpless, she still had her umbilical cord attached and her eyes tightly sealed shut. For such a small creature, her chances of survival seemed slim. But fate intervened in the form of an unlikely guardian angel wearing a police badge.

True to her “Cat Cop” reputation, Byrne didn’t hesitate for a second. She scooped up the fragile kitten, determined to give her a fighting chance. 

As someone who has rescued and fostered countless cats before, Byrne knew exactly what to do. Within two days of her rescue, little Chudo had already settled into Byrne’s home—affectionately nicknamed “Heaven’s Waiting Room.” 

There, she found safety, warmth, and love, even if she wasn’t particularly impressed with binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé alongside her foster mom.

Life with Byrne was nothing short of transformative for Chudo. From bottle feeding around the clock to learning how to groom herself and use a litter box, the kitten had a teacher who was endlessly patient and kind. 

Byrne even let Chudo ride shotgun in her patrol car, showing that a police officer’s partner doesn’t always have to wear a badge.

What made Chudo’s new life even better was the company she had along the way. Byrne’s home is filled with cats she has saved, each with their own story of hardship and second chances. 

Chudo slipped right into this feline family, making friends with older cats and fellow kittens alike. Her playful spirit and warm personality made her a natural fit.

One cat in particular, Pua—a black and white beauty rescued from a gas station—became Chudo’s inseparable best friend. 

The two bonded instantly and were rarely seen apart. When adoption day arrived, Byrne knew she couldn’t let their friendship be broken. Luckily, a family in Connecticut stepped up and adopted them both together.

On Instagram, Byrne shared the joyful update:

“Chudo and Pua have made it home all the way to Connecticut. Love love that these two got to stay together. Huge thank you to their new parents for choosing a double adoption!”

Thanks to Officer Byrne’s quick thinking and big heart, two lives were not only saved but forever changed. Chudo and Pua are now thriving in their forever home, all because of the Cat Cop who refused to turn away.

Her story is a reminder that heroes come in many forms. Sometimes, they wear a uniform, sometimes they carry a badge, and sometimes—they carry a kitten in need.