New Jersey Man Rushes To Save A Helpless Kitten Stuck In A Trash Compactor
One bright afternoon in New Jersey, a tiny kitten found herself in a life-or-death situation.
Somehow, she had slipped into a trash compactor, completely unaware of the danger surrounding her.
Her little body was smeared with oil, and she trembled with fear, only seconds away from disaster as the compactor’s blades prepared to start. But luck was on her side.
Mark Motta, an employee with the Burlington County Regional Recycling Program, was carrying out his regular duties when he spotted something unusual in the hopper – the spot where recyclables are loaded and crushed.
Credit: Facebook
Among the piles of crushed paper and discarded cans, Mark caught sight of a small flicker of movement – a glimpse of fur. His heart jolted as the truth sank in: there was a kitten trapped inside.
Without a second thought, this kind man instantly shut everything down and leaped into the back of the truck, as he explained in an interview:
“I’ve had cats my whole life, and I know that when they’re babies, if you grab them by the skin on their necks, it makes them think they’re being carried by their mother. So that’s what I did.”
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Mark reached for the kitten, cradling her fragile body in his hands. She was terrified and trembling, but safe, as Mark shared:
“She was really scared, but she seemed happy to be rescued.”
Mark’s love for cats had always been strong, but this moment deepened it even more.
Holding the kitten close, he whispered comforting words as he brought her back to the headquarters. He named her Squishy, sharing:
“I thought it was perfect because if I hadn’t seen her that morning, there would have been no saving her.”
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Mark gently cleaned the dirt and oil from Squishy’s small body. She lifted her wide eyes to meet his, almost as if she understood that he had just given her a second chance at life.
After a full examination at the vet, it was agreed that Squishy would go home with one of Mark’s coworkers, the recycling plant’s safety officer, who kindly offered to foster her.
In no time, she adjusted to her new surroundings, curling into warm blankets and soaking up the gentle affection of the people now looking after her.
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Just a few days later, Squishy made a special trip back to the recycling plant. This time, her fur was clean, soft, and gleaming, a stunning transformation from the frightened, oil-covered kitten she once was.
The moment she spotted her rescuer, her eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she curled up in Mark’s arms as if she had always belonged there.
The heartwarming reunion was captured in photos, showing Mark’s gentle touch and the unmistakable affection on his face as he held the little life he had saved.
Although many people praised him for heroically saving this kitty’s life, for Mark, it wasn’t at all about being a hero, as he explained:
“Just doing my part for the cats. Just want her to get a good home. She deserves it.”
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Rise Again Animal Rescue has welcomed Squishy into their care, making sure she receives all the treatment and attention she needs.
Once she’s spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, she’ll be ready to move on to the next chapter of her life with a forever family.
How she ended up in that recycling bin may never be known. Whether it was a heartless act or simply a tragic accident, the truth remains a mystery.
What matters most is that Squishy is safe now, all thanks to the kindness of a man who refused to let her be lost.
The hope is that very soon, Squishy will find the loving home she deserves, one where she will be cherished and never again face such danger.
