A kitten who secretly travelled almost 800 miles beneath a student’s car has finally found a place to call home.
Jersey’s extraordinary story began in New Jersey and ended in Athens, Georgia, where his discovery sparked a rescue effort before his search for a family captured the attention of animal lovers.
Jersey’s story was first reported by Atlanta News First on August 13 after University of Georgia student Jadyn Sawyer discovered a tiny paw sticking out from underneath her car.
Sawyer had driven for more than 11 hours from New Jersey to Georgia, unaware that the kitten had climbed into the vehicle.
After University of Georgia police were called, Cat Zip Alliance founder Kelly Bettinger joined the rescue effort. Jersey was so tightly wedged into the vehicle that mechanics from Tires Plus had to dismantle parts of the car to reach him.
Despite the ordeal, the kitten was found to be in good health apart from a cold.
Rescue Shares Jersey’s Search for a Home
Once he was safely in the care of Cat Zip Alliance-Campus Cats, Jersey’s next challenge was finding the right family.
In a Facebook post from Bettinger, the rescue described him as a “super sweet, gentle, playful, cuddly little boy” who gave tiny silent meows when spoken to.
At three-and-a-half months old, Jersey had already been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, with the rescue confirming that he had also tested negative on his combo test and was receiving flea and worm prevention.
The organization said he needed a home with other cats or kittens because he thrived with feline companionship. His personality came through in the post, with the rescue sharing how he had even tried to make friends with a cat figurine while visiting another home.
The appeal ended with a simple request: someone willing to give Jersey a home.
Jersey Gets Furrever Home
That home was eventually found.
Cat Zip Alliance-Campus Cats announced that Jersey had been adopted, with FOX 5 Atlanta later reporting on September 14 that he had found his new home in Athens.
The kitten’s new life was then revealed by NJ.com. Micki Wisenbaker and her husband welcomed him into their family and gave him a new name: Jack.
Better still, Jack would have another kitten for company. The Wisenbakers had already rescued another kitten named Maggie, and the two have quickly formed a close bond.
“We are thrilled to have Jersey Boy, now called Jack, as part of our family,” Wisenbaker said, according to NJ.com.
After an uncertain start and an unforgettable journey, the little kitten who once found himself trapped beneath a car now has exactly what his rescuers were hoping to find for him.
A family, a friend and a safe place to grow up.