NYPD Reunites Stolen Cat With Foster Family After Daring Daylight Cat Heist And Nationwide 17-Day Search

How New York’s finest orchestrated the purr-fect rescue!

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• March 24, 2024

An adoption event is the last place one would expect mischief-loving bandits to strike. I mean, who in their right mind would decide to pull off a cat heist in broad daylight?

Well, it turns out someone had the gall. But fear not—this story has claws, whiskers, and, most importantly, a perfect ending.

It all started at a PETCOLove adoption event in Union Square, where cuddly cats and adorable kittens were on display. Among them was Sprout, a charming 4-month-old tabby whose journey to being united with a loving family took an unexpected detour.

The air was thick with the anticipation of finding forever homes; little did anyone know that a daring thief was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. 

The heist itself was as puzzling as it was audacious. An accomplice created a diversion while the catnapper swiftly broke the lock, bundled Sprout into a bag, and vanished into the crowd.

Thanks to a vigilant bystander who quickly drew on their camera, Sprout's shocking grab-and-dash was captured for the world to see.

"It all happened so fast,” recalled Pat Irizarry of The Fabulous Feline, “One moment Sprout was there, the next, vanished.”

Scroll down to find out more details about this crazy cat-napping story.

This adorable kitty has been snatching hearts since day one. Who can resist such charm? Definitely not the catnapper…

From tiny tabby to Union Square’s most sought-after

The shock and disbelief were evident. Sprout wasn’t just any cat; she was a survivor, a fighter, hand-fed and nurtured by Irizarry herself. Losing Sprout was like losing a part of their family.

But here’s where the story takes a turn for the extraordinary. The Fabulous Feline Inc. and their allies were not about to let Sprout’s tale end on a sour note. A hefty reward of $3,300 was put up for her safe return, no questions asked. 

Considering that the adoption fee was a mere fraction of that, it was clear that this was about more than just money. This was about love and the lengths one would go to for their furry friends.

Every share brings Sprout closer to home – let’s keep the hope alive!

A little survivor with a big heart and a foster mom who loves her fiercely

Reunited, and it feels so good – Sprout’s back with a tale of triumph!

Days turned into weeks, but hope never waned. And then, like a scene from a feel-good movie, the NYPD 13th Precinct emerged as the heroes of our story. They returned Sprout to her anxious rescuers after 17 harrowing days, and the reunion was nothing short of magical.  

The brave tabby was seemingly unfazed by her ordeal. She was happy to be back with her brother Sprite and looking forward to her next big adventure: finding a forever home.

Back in loving paws and ready for the next chapter. Next stop? A forever home

Hats off to the NYPD for bringing our tiny adventurer home safe and sound!

Sprout's story is more than just a tale of catnapping and heroic rescue; it reminds us of the bonds that connect us to our furry companions and the lengths to which we'll go to protect them. 

As for Sprout, her journey is far from over. She's now on the path to finding a forever family where she'll be showered with love, chin scratches, and endless cuddles.

And the best part? This feisty feline will forever be a symbol of resilience, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can always find our way back home.

Jesse