A cat rescue received a box with a note that said the sender found this “kitten” while on a walk, but Sierra Pacific Furbabies discovered a big surprise.
The California-based organization specializes in rescuing cats and kittens on euthanasia lists or strays from local shelters across the state, then connecting them to their forever homes. But recently, David Loop and Sierra Pacific Furbabies received a box dumped off at their office.
The box was covered by a blanket, which revealed a note when removed. The note read: “Kitten found in Mt. Rubidoux hiking path.” When Loop opened the flaps, there was an animal that did indeed look like a kitten, with some differences. He said instantly, “I’m pretty sure this is a bobcat kitten.” And, well, technically the person wasn’t wrong— it’s still a kitten.
The caption reads: “An interesting day today. I have to admit I really enjoyed my experience.”
@davidloop65/TikTok
Sierra Pacific Furbabies immediately contacted a local wildlife center for some help. The center estimates the little bobcat is about 3 or 5 weeks old.
Since the video, he has been transferred to California Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation facility that is home to two other bobcat kittens. He will learn the bobcat ways, readjust and eventually get released back into the wild.
Newsweek reached out to Loop for additional information.
This bobcat’s wildlife rehabilitation expert, known on Instagram as @leslie_thepondgal, recently shared an update on the young cub. Although these kittens might seem friendly, she issues a warning to those who want to raise a baby bobcat on their own without professional help or experience, saying that is how they end up in cages.
“There are many bobcats in captivity that could have been returned to a wild life if the finders had found a licensed, trained rehabilitator,” the caption reads. “Instead, they end up locked in cages in wildlife sanctuaries because they can not be released. They are too tame to be returned for the wild and too wild to stay in captivity.”
‘100% baby!’
The unexpected find quickly gathered attention, reaching over 6 million views, 608,200 likes and 12,800 comments as of Tuesday. Blinded by the baby’s adorableness, viewers hope one day to have a bobcat distribution system work in their favor.
“My toxic trait: I’d totally pretend I didn’t know it was a bobcat and just have a big ole kitty,” said a TikTok user.
“Clearly a bobcat but the little subtle air biscuits makes hims 100% baby!” pointed out another.
One viewer commented: “Its a bobCAT therefore still a kitten. Keep him.” Can’t argue with that logic!
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.