Heartwarming video shows two journalists rescue tiny cat hiding under car amid Hurricane Milton storm

BRADENTON, FLORIDA: Amid the turmoil of Hurricane Milton, a Florida journalist's act of kindness became a viral sensation as they rescued a frightened cat under a car. The heartwarming scene, caught on video, quickly captured the hearts of animal lovers on social media.

Transforming into a lethal storm that repeatedly escalated to Category 5, Hurricane Milton has left a trail of fear for safety and life across the nation.

Photographer David Barcenas and reporter Christopher Salas give updates about rescued cat

According to the Washington Post, photographer David Barcenas and reporter Christopher Salas were alerted to the cat's presence by a passerby.

Beneath the back wheel of their car, parked outside Florida Gulf Coast University, which served as an evacuation center, Barcenas spotted a cat. He crouched down, extended his hand toward the feline, gently retrieved it from under the vehicle, and tucked it inside his jacket.

Salas documented the rescue on video, quickly captivating social media users, who affectionately referred to the feline as #HurricaneCat.

In a later update, it was clarified that the cat, named Millie, would be relocated to D.C. with one of the men if her owners—if they exist—do not come forward to claim her.

Barcenas provided an additional update by posting on platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "Millie is an adult female cat we found up near FGCU near Ft.Myers FL. I dropped her off at the Blue Pearl Pet Hospital where they confirmed she does not have a microchip."

"Docs say she does not seem to be feral and is well mannered meaning she may have slipped away from her home. She’ll go to Lee County once the storm subsides and if she’s not claimed the adoption process will start and she’ll be moving to D.C. with me. I miss her already," the tweet further read.

Internet dubs David Barcenas and Christopher Salas 'real heroes' for saving cat

As soon as the video of men rescuing a cat in a perilous situation went viral on social media, users began praising them.

A user dubbed them, "These people are the real heroes."

Another conveyed blessings, stating, "Bless people like you who work so hard to rescue these precious animals!"

A user added, "If somebody left that sweet cat out in a storm they don’t deserve her. You are a hero. May you both have a very happy life together."

"The bravest type of people," wrote an X user.

A person claimed, "These people deserve to be recognized as heroes!"

Another commented, "Oh… his poor little terrified meow. Very good thing you got him!"

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.