Tabby Cat Goes Missing At Manhattan Event And Turns Up In An Unlikely Place
Finding homes for abandoned cats is already a challenge for animal shelters. Volunteers work tirelessly to care for them, but sadly, many cats wait months before finding the right family.
That’s why what happened at an adoption event in Manhattan shocked everyone — a young kitten was stolen in the middle of the day.
Sprout, a four-month-old tabby cat, had been brought to a PETCOLove adoption event in Union Square by The Fabulous Feline Inc., a rescue organisation dedicated to helping cats find loving homes.
She was healthy, playful, and ready to meet potential adopters. But in a matter of moments, she vanished.
Rescuer John Debacker explained that Sprout’s cage had been locked, which meant someone must have planned the theft.
“They are black cats and the last to get adopted.”
He added that it was likely one person distracted the staff while another cut the lock, placed Sprout into a bag, and disappeared into the busy crowd.
Sprout’s foster mum, Pat Irizarry, was heartbroken.
“It all happened so fast that I didn’t even realize it happened,” she said.
“Sprout was only four months old, and I had hand fed that kitten and watched over her. She was born from a litter of three kittens, and only two survived; one of her siblings was stillborn.”
The team quickly contacted the NYPD and spread the word on social media. Sprout’s microchip became the most important tool in the search.
The reward for her safe return was increased from $1,500 to $3,300 — far more than a typical adoption fee — to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
News of the catnapping made headlines locally and nationally, drawing attention from animal lovers everywhere. The rescue community rallied together, sharing Sprout’s story in the hopes of bringing her home.
Seventeen long days later, their efforts paid off. Thanks to the NYPD 13th Precinct and the microchip information, Sprout was found and safely returned to her foster mum. The reunion was emotional, with Pat overjoyed to see the kitten she had raised since birth.
Sprout was soon reunited with her brother, Sprite, and both quickly settled back into their familiar routine. The focus then shifted to finding Sprout the loving forever home she truly deserved.
Sharing the good news, Debacker said:
“Welcome home, Sprout, where now you will find a caring home. To adopt Sprout, remember to fill out an adoption application through The Fabulous Feline Inc. and do it the right way.”
From a heartbreaking theft to a joyful reunion, Sprout’s story shows just how important microchipping is — and how determination and teamwork can change the outcome for an animal in need.
