Couple Took in Stray Cat as Hurricane Milton Approached

As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, one couple made a heartfelt decision to shelter a neighborhood stray cat rather than leave her outside to face the storm. Welcoming her into their home alongside their three dogs, they had no idea how their family dynamic would soon change.

The couple, who had moved to the area about a year prior, had noticed the friendly cat roaming around. Casey, known on TikTok as @casecorley, took the initiative to feed her, and over time, they formed a bond. The cat, who was always hesitant due to the presence of the dogs, began to trust them and would come when called.

“I asked around the neighborhood about his deal and one neighbor told us it was an old neighbor’s cat that they just left,” Casey said “It wasn’t until the 4th of July when we first brought him in. He nearly darted into our house when I opened the door because of the fireworks.”

After that fateful night, the couple contemplated adopting the cat, but their allergies made it seem unlikely. Additionally, the cat didn’t seem to enjoy the company of their dogs. However, with the storm looming, Casey made the choice to take in the cat, who they later named Tangerine, and introduced him to the dogs after taking allergy medication.

“It’s like all the animals knew the storm was approaching and were just very chill,” she recalled. “The night of Milton, we all slept in our one bathroom without windows, and everyone did really well…After the night of the storm, I knew I couldn’t let him back outside because he truly was part of our family.”

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Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal.

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