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UPDATED Alert: Kitten Needs Help

"Situation Handled!"

August 26, 2023 | 9:40 PM - Updated on August 27, 2023 | 4:23 PM
in NEWS
68
One little hungry kitten. Photograph by Emily Noble.

By Carol Tannenhauser

A kitten has been trapped for a month without food in the former AT&T store at 2195 Broadway at West 78th Street, according to Emily Noble, an Upper West Sider who has been “trying desperately for the last 24 hours to save it,” she told West Side Rag by email.

“It was pointed out to me by the man who runs the fruit stand right outside,” Noble, 27, continued. “He was clearly distressed about it as he’s been watching the cat starve since the store closed about a month ago. I immediately called 311 who couldn’t help, and 911 who wouldn’t. A friend suggested reaching out to the news so here I am.”

Noble sent a picture of the empty storefront with a “giant for-lease sign in the window,” displaying the building owner’s phone number. “Unfortunately, they’ve ignored all of my outreach (past 24 hours) and that of my fruit-stand guy (over a longer period of time).” WSR put in a call to the owner earlier this evening, but got an answering machine and has not yet received a response.

Time is of the essence. Perhaps someone lives at 2191 Broadway, which is the address of the building housing the empty storefront, and can reach out to the super or owner. Noble says she is “more than happy to trap the cat myself or coordinate with a rescue group.”

If you have any ideas or information, contact info@westsiderag.com.

Update, August 27, 2:15 p.m.: We have confirmation from Emily Noble that the kitten is safe and has been fed and hydrated. “I just stopped by and there are several people inside – seems like it’s actually being handled!” she wrote. “Yes – super let one of our tenants in the store, left food & water, & will trap & foster tomorrow,” explained a Rag commenter. “Signage has been left in window for all to know.”

Definitely more to follow!

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68 Comments
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RonfromRiverside
RonfromRiverside
1 year ago

A shame, this poor kitten needs to be adopted!

Meanwhile hundreds of humans are abandoned on the streets of our city daily.

2
Reply
Cathy Bernstein
Cathy Bernstein
1 year ago
Reply to  RonfromRiverside

Ron – really?

You’re against a kitten being adopted?

And humans are not abandoned on our city streets, the problem is that Kendra‘s law is not being enforced.

So when someone from the DHS or the police go up to a mentally ill individual living in filth and squalor, and ask if they would like assistance….the mentally ill person says no.

Instead of the mentally ill person receiving proper care and medication, we let them continue on the street.

That needs to be changed by the proper use of Kendra’s Law.

As an aside, the homeless individuals that I’ve seen here for 20 to 30 years, are still on the streets and none of them have been moved into W. 83rd St., as we all said would happen.

Mental health and drug addiction do not disappear or get fixed in a homeless shelter.

It happens in a hospital.

11
Reply
GretchenC
GretchenC
1 year ago
Reply to  RonfromRiverside

We should give this kitten a rent controlled apartment? It seems only fair

3
Reply
JerryV
JerryV
1 year ago
Reply to  GretchenC

But we have to follow current City practices. . They can stay in an apartment only if they are migrants (illegal ones are preferred). Native born kittens must wait their turn until they age out as cats.

0
Reply
Maggie McComas
Maggie McComas
1 year ago
Reply to  GretchenC

Excellent idea! And ‘ll be her human roommate.

1
Reply
JWalks
JWalks
1 year ago
Reply to  RonfromRiverside

It’s possible to care about both animals and people at the same time. Why do some people think that when someone speaks up for animal welfare, the person doing so doesn’t also care about people? GMAFB.

45
Reply
Katherine
Katherine
1 year ago
Reply to  RonfromRiverside

The able-bodied adult humans can help themselves. The kitten can’t.

50
Reply
Kevin
Kevin
1 year ago
Reply to  Katherine

what??? personal responbility is SO 1800’s….

13
Reply
Mandy W
Mandy W
1 year ago

Has anyone tried the ASPCA? Or looked on Facebook for one of the (many) feral cat aid groups? The wonderful Flatbush Cats might know how to help (try online or on Facebook.). If there is a super or building manager/management contact they might help you gain access, even just to open a door, window or vent enough to put food and water and maybe a box in for the cat before full human access is permitted. The landlord likely won’t want cat pee etc in the space so it is in their interest to help someone willing to humanely capture the cat. What a heart-rending photo and story. Bless the fruit guy and Ms Noble . Really hope an update will follow soon with good news for this poor little critter. Good luck!!

20
Reply
Laura S
Laura S
1 year ago
Reply to  Mandy W

Just want to add to your wonderful comment, Mandy, that Flatbush Cats is indeed also…wonderful! Daily News on 8/21/23 did a two-page spread on FC’s brand -new nonprofit spay/neuter clinic offering the procedures for a fraction of customary costs. Kudos to them! They are seriously rolling up their sleeves and dealing with the heart of the burgeoning stray/feral cat situation. Beautiful caring souls.

14
Reply
caly
caly
1 year ago

I hope there is a quick solution. I find it difficult to believe that a kitten went an entire month without food though. Is it at all possible that he found a small spot/a way out and keeps coming back inside? Years ago I called the ASPCA on the UES to save a dog that was left behind in my neighbor’s apartment while she went overseas. I don’t remember what steps the ASPCA had to take but they were able to rescue the dog. Good luck and please keep us posted!

11
Reply
Sarah
Sarah
1 year ago

Try calling the ACC directly?

5
Reply
Laura S
Laura S
1 year ago

Curtis Sliwa and his wife Nancy are tremendous animal activists and advocates. They host the Animal Rescue Hour on WABC-radio, 770-AM Sunday nights – and they walk the walk as they talk the talk, benefiting countless cats, including the ones that found a loving home with him and Nancy in their UWS apartment. Curtis Sliwa’s Facebook page lists his various contact info. Good luck – and bless you, Emily, and the wonderful fruit-stand guy for your efforts. Praying for a happy resolution!

17
Reply
Lily
Lily
1 year ago

Called and talked to the owner, who acted clueless about what was going on. I informed him of this article and that it’s bad press for his business. That neglecting to take action is a poor decision. Wish I could do more. Praying.

18
Reply
Joan
Joan
1 year ago
Reply to  Lily

Did he agree to let someone in?

1
Reply
Lily
Lily
1 year ago
Reply to  Joan

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get that confirmation from him, but in case you haven’t seen the article update yet, it looks like someone was able to!!

2
Reply
Lisa
Lisa
1 year ago
Reply to  Joan

That’s all that matters. It’s not about shaming him. It’s about gaining access to rescue the kitten.

This isn’t a Mall of Abilene situation. (Management made the decision to trap and poison a colony of bats because it took more than a day to rescue/relocate them.)

2
Reply
asil
asil
1 year ago

Maybe the fire department can help?

15
Reply
Ashley
Ashley
1 year ago
Reply to  asil

This is it—call FDNY

9
Reply
OPOD
OPOD
1 year ago

Slide deli meat under the door, like in that Seinfeld episode.

13
Reply
Juliette
Juliette
1 year ago

There has to be a local TNR organization who could help. They are pro’s at this. Please, someone help this poor baby!

5
Reply
Juliette
Juliette
1 year ago

https://www.animalalliancenyc.org/needhelp/injorph.htm
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-2451142
https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/
https://www.bideawee.org/programs/feral-cat-initiative/
https://savekitty.org/

4
Reply
Lucretia Borgia
Lucretia Borgia
1 year ago

Break a window and lure the kitten out with food.

17
Reply
Lisa
Lisa
1 year ago

Maybe walk into a nearby local police station for help? Maybe they somehow can facilitate communication with the landlord to open the door or can give other ideas.

6
Reply
Tomato
Tomato
1 year ago

Gee, the building owner must really want that animal cruelty charge. I hear they can lock you away for up to a year. Quite the paper trail now.

10
Reply
Susan
Susan
1 year ago

Everybody call the landlord and tell him the police are about to break the window, even if they aren’t. Everybodya also call 911 and tell them that if they are supposed to respond to a dog in a hot car, they also have to respond to this. Or call landlord and say you want to look at the space to rent it, so he will come and open the door. Or go to the precint in person. Police are required to respond to animal cruelty. Don’t stop trying. Let Emily Noble or whoever takes the cat know that they cannot give more than just a drop of water or food or it can kill the cat. Take the cat straight to the vet.

14
Reply
MaryC
MaryC
1 year ago
Reply to  Susan

Do not call 911. Don’t you think our energency resources are stretched enough?
There are non emergency phone numbers for local precincts or call 311 or an animal rescue group.
Please don’t tax our 911 system

5
Reply
Amy
Amy
1 year ago

Can you squeeze tubes of kitty paste under the door?

6
Reply
asil
asil
1 year ago

i am going down there this afternoon. its my birthday and that’s all i want to do

29
Reply
Cris
Cris
1 year ago
Reply to  asil

God Bless You! Also Happy Birthday!

12
Reply
Debra carroll
Debra carroll
1 year ago
Reply to  asil

Is the kitty out safe yet . I will come down too if not

8
Reply
Deborah Nuremburg
Deborah Nuremburg
1 year ago

Reach out to ABC 7 on your side. Very effective in solving problems when the media gets involved

8
Reply
Leslie Rupert
Leslie Rupert
1 year ago

Try the fire dept and the aspa.

7
Reply
David Urban
David Urban
1 year ago

Just break the glass! No one is going to care.

9
Reply
Maggie McComas
Maggie McComas
1 year ago
Reply to  David Urban

Cops will. It’s called “breaking and entering” and may get you a stiff fine and/or jail time.

2
Reply
Katherine
Katherine
1 year ago

I’m surprised no one has “accidentally” shattered the entire window…

9
Reply
Anna
Anna
1 year ago
Reply to  Katherine

I know. Where is a rioter when you actually need one.

This story is unbearable but I’m so glad the WSR posted it. Please, please someone – save this kitten! Your efforts will be celebrated.

13
Reply
Jenny
Jenny
1 year ago

Can the fire dept!

1
Reply
Lynn Martini
Lynn Martini
1 year ago

Situation is now being handled, sign in window cat has food & water & will be trapped & fostered tomorrow.

49
Reply
Liz G
Liz G
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

So happy to read this! Thanks to all involved

6
Reply
Maida
Maida
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

Oh thank goodness. Westside Rag and its readers have saved a life. Can you tell us how you got in.

13
Reply
Lynn Martini
Lynn Martini
1 year ago
Reply to  Maida

Super let one of the tenants of the building in.

6
Reply
Juliette
Juliette
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

God Bless you all! Fro m a caring kitty Mom in Philly who used to live in 10024! xoxo

7
Reply
Sarah
Sarah
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

THANK YOU, GOD!!!

6
Reply
Sherry
Sherry
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

Thank God.

7
Reply
Debra carroll
Debra carroll
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

Whoever is the foster I would like to give a donation

11
Reply
Anna
Anna
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

That is such wonderful news!
God bless everyone responsible.

7
Reply
Susan
Susan
1 year ago
Reply to  Anna

So glad to hear that someone is taking the kitten home.

4
Reply
Lindsay
Lindsay
1 year ago
Reply to  Lynn Martini

YAY!! Who saved the cat? Who is taking it?

6
Reply
Steve UWS
Steve UWS
1 year ago

Has anyone thought of a brick?

7
Reply
Cita
Cita
1 year ago

The ASPCA works with NYPD re. animal rescues–could The WSR rag them?

0
Reply
Lindsay
Lindsay
1 year ago

What about the super or building manager? Is the space available for rent? Try contacting the realtor – who must have keys.

1
Reply
Cita
Cita
1 year ago

Also, Animal Care and Control should be able to help. If not, someone (the WSR, perhaps) should call the owner of the building to gain access!

0
Reply
Cita
Cita
1 year ago

I just saw the comment that the situation is under control-thank goodness! I wonder how the cat got left there in the first place.

8
Reply
Maida
Maida
1 year ago

Perhaps ask the local police station to break in. They’ve done it for animals and babies trapped in locked cars, why not this. Praying this baby can be saved.

1
Reply
Steven
Steven
1 year ago

Call the fire department.

0
Reply
Lenore
Lenore
1 year ago

I see that the cat is all right. I also see that Neighborhood Cats, a good group, was mentioned in a post, their website. Their office is on Broadway and about 92nd St.

3
Reply
Amy
Amy
1 year ago

Call Aspca! If they can’t help they can direct you to the agency that can.

1
Reply
Sally Dorst
Sally Dorst
1 year ago

Have you called Animal Control or one of the Animal Shelters? I suspect they have ties with the police and could get in the building to rescue the cat. Possibly even Blue Pearl on the West side (55th) street or The Animal Medical Center might have suggestions.

0
Reply
Lisa
Lisa
1 year ago

Someone needs to call and express interest in renting the space. Say you need to walk it ASAP. Somewhere there’s a leasing agent with keys. Once you make contact, you can tell them what’s going on. It’s in their best interest to not have an animal die in the space.

A kitten can’t survive a month without food/water. Odds are it has some way in/out. I’ve rescued a litter from a loading dock who were able to get into the building through a drainpipe. We had a “cat in the wall” situation at work. Turns out the store next door had an unfinished storage area and the cat could come and go freely. It just liked to get on top of the bar walk-in coolers and meow for the guests. Worth checking with neighbors and looking for unusual point of entry.

2
Reply
Olie
Olie
1 year ago

The building of which the retail space is under has master key to get into the retail space, at least from the back entrance. Please ask the building Resident Manager or Management company for this building to step in and allow the kitten to be saved.

2
Reply
Jane
Jane
1 year ago

Good for Emily Noble and the fruit guy! And all the responses point out the very concerned and giving attitude of Upper West Siders!

10
Reply
Jen
Jen
1 year ago

Thank you for the update

5
Reply
Leslie Rupert
Leslie Rupert
1 year ago

Try to find out if there is a super of the bldg. Also go to the police station n 82nd st see if they will address the situation.

0
Reply
Brandon
Brandon
1 year ago

Good to see so many people here expressing genuine concern in the comments.

Now let’s show the same compassion to the people in our neighborhood who are also starving, homeless, etc…

3
Reply
Wayne Z.
Wayne Z.
1 year ago

Wow, look at this comment section! So if you want to see real and meaningful change in the city, just say a little kitty’s life is at stake for any given issue.

1
Reply
Juliette
Juliette
1 year ago

Any update on the rescue mission yesterday with ACC? Want to hear all the good news! Thanks!

3
Reply
Lin
Lin
1 year ago

Thank you so much for this update! I was just setting off after the fact to see if I could do something about it! Bravo to the rescuers!

3
Reply

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