Reporter Rescues Cat Sheltering Under Car During Hurricane Milton In Florida

October 10, 2024

As Hurricane Milton battered Florida with strong winds and heavy rain, animals were forced to seek shelter wherever they could. One such animal was a cat that found refuge under a vehicle belonging to Hearst's Washington D.C. bureau team, stationed in Fort Myers to cover the storm.

A passerby alerted the team to the sound of meowing from beneath the car. D.C. Bureau reporter Christopher Salas captured the moment his photographer, David Barcenas, carefully rescued the frightened feline, sharing the video on X.

We’re a three man crew now. My coworker, David, rescuing a cat who took shelter under our car from Hurricane Milton. I’m glad someone walking by told us they heard meowing. pic.twitter.com/9nRFM4PqPf

— Christopher Salas (@ChristopherS_DC) October 9, 2024

After ensuring the cat was safe, the team brought her inside their car to calm her down. Though skittish, the cat seemed unharmed. They later took her to a nearby pet hospital, where it was discovered she wasn’t microchipped but didn’t appear to be a stray, suggesting she may have been separated from her home.

If her owner isn't found, David has already expressed plans to adopt her and name her Millie, turning a stormy encounter into a heartwarming rescue story.