Hikers came across what appeared to be a cat in distress, and had to act fast to rescue the scared animal.
Married couple Jordan and Lise packed up their lives a few years ago to drive across the U.S., enjoying the diverse scenery around the country. During a recent hike, they discovered a cat having severe problems with a can stuck on its head.
“We set out for a hike that day, expecting nothing more than a bit of fresh air and a chance to fly our drone over some boulders,” they told Newsweek. “We saw a glint of sunlight reflecting off something in the rocks. At first, we thought it was litter. But as we got closer, the glint moved. That’s when we realized it wasn’t just trash.”
In a clip shared on Instagram, which has received over 163,000 views, the couple try to gently get the tin can off the cat’s head. They explain in the video that they discovered the panicked cat was struggling to breathe.
The couple decided to help and in the video we see Jordan using pliers and a can opener to try get it off, after lubricating it with olive oil didn’t work. Thankfully, the couple managed to take the can off and the cat ran away speedily.
“The moment it ran off into the sunset, our hearts were full,” they wrote in the video’s caption. “This is a powerful reminder: never litter. What seems harmless to you can be life-threatening to wildlife. Let’s all do our part to protect nature.”
The couple told Newsweek: “We crouched down, speaking softly to try and calm it. But it was terrified, swiping wildly with its claws, unable to see or understand we were there to help. We didn’t give up, though.”
They added: “The moment it caught sight of us, it bolted, escaping through the van door before we could stop it. We ran after it, terrified it might hurt itself further. Finally, it slowed down.
“This time, we approached even more gently. It seemed to understand we weren’t going to hurt it. Back at the van, we took our time, using small wire cutters to carefully snip away pieces of the can. And then, at last, the can came free.
“The cat froze for a moment, and we tried to give it water. Then, without hesitation, it darted off into the wild.
“It did scratch us up pretty bad but it was worth it.”
World Population Review says there are around 480 million stray cats in the U.S., compared to 350 million pet cats in households across the country.
People shared their reactions to the couple’s impromptu rescue mission in the comments section of the video.
“Bless you! That kitty could have ran out of oxygen in that can especially with the heat! Amazing you found them,” said @vahlallka9.
Meanwhile, @hittingtheopenroad commented: “Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you guys found him and were able to help!”
“This is also why I always crush my cans so something can’t get stuck inside. I think all of the animals that encounter this in landfills too and it breaks my heart,” said @lacecoty.
Has a dream vacation turned into a nightmare? Whether it’s a missed flight or lost luggage, we want to hear about your travel disasters. Let us know via [email protected], and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
The post Hikers Find Cat With Can Stuck on Head, Act Fast to Avert Tragedy appeared first on Newsweek.
