Philadelphia Transit Workers Save Cat And Kittens From Station Wall

Philadelphia, August 14, 2024 — In a heartwarming rescue that highlights both compassion and dedication, SEPTA transit workers in Philadelphia have saved a mama cat and her five kittens from an unusual and precarious situation.

The feline family was discovered living within the walls and ceiling of the 63rd Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line. The rescue operation was led by SEPTA manager John Murphy, who explained that efforts to extract the cats began with trying to coax them out, but eventually led to more invasive measures. “For the last two nights, they were trying to pull the cats out,” Murphy said. “Today, they decided they had to take the wall out. The cat had been able to climb up through our system all the way to the bottom and build a little nest.”

The operation involved removing part of the station wall to access the kittens and their mother. Once the cats were safely retrieved, they were transported to the Stray Cat Relief Fund adoption center in South Philadelphia. There, Debra DiStanisloa and her team of volunteers took over, providing medical care and attention. The cats were treated for worms and fleas, and their health was carefully assessed.

DiStanisloa, vice president of the Stray Cat Relief Fund, noted that the mama cat’s cleanliness and friendly demeanor suggested she might have been a house cat before ending up in the station. This rescue is not an isolated incident; the Stray Cat Relief Fund, which handles approximately 700 rescues annually, has encountered similar cases in the past. “It’s well established that there are cats living down there in the subway. We already rescued one a couple of months ago,” she said.

The SEPTA workers’ efforts were lauded for their dedication and care. Murphy praised his team, saying, “I work with a bunch of great people. They care. They love their job. Caring, nurturing people.”

The rescued kittens are now settling into their new environment, ready to start a new chapter away from the harsh conditions of the subway system. The story serves as a reminder of the remarkable acts of kindness that can emerge from unexpected places, and the ongoing need for support and compassion for animals in distress.