In mid-September, Mateo from southern Spain was heading home when faint, desperate meows caught his attention near an auto shop.
Following the sound, he discovered a frightened kitten trapped inside the engine compartment of a parked bus. Though he couldn’t see much, the scared cries told him the kitten needed help fast.
Mateo rushed to buy some cat food, hoping to coax the little one out. But the noise and chaos around the bus terrified the kitten, who refused to leave his hiding spot.
Mateo left the food nearby and decided to return later when it was quieter.
When he came back, he noticed some of the food had been eaten, but adult stray cats were now lurking, bullying the frightened kitten.
Mateo knew he couldn’t leave the little one there. Armed with gloves, patience, and more treats, he spent the next three hours waiting, determined to earn the kitten’s trust.
Finally, his patience paid off. He managed to safely pull the kitten from the bus, immediately noticing just how bad his condition was—infected eyes, scratches, and scars from fights.
The tiny tabby shook with fear, meowing loudly all the way home.
Once there, Mateo set him up in the bathroom with a towel, food, and water, giving the kitten a quiet space to decompress.
Though the little one was still scared, he gradually relaxed, comforted by the safety of his new surroundings.
Seeking advice, Mateo shared the rescue on Reddit, where users offered tips and encouragement. He let the kitten approach him first, sitting nearby and waiting patiently.
“When he finally fell asleep next to me, that’s when I knew he realized he was safe,” Mateo shared with Love Meow.
The kitten, still shy but craving affection, slowly grew braver each day. Mateo named him Cal, inspired by a Star Wars character.
As days passed, Cal’s condition improved—his eyes cleared, his fur grew healthier, and he stopped scratching from fleas.
What started as a chance encounter quickly turned into an unbreakable bond. Mateo cared for Cal with all his heart, and in return, Cal began to trust him completely.
A terrified stray had become a beloved companion, showing just how life-changing a simple act of kindness can be.
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