Man Becomes Internet Sensation After Braving Hurricane Ian Storm Waters to Save Stranded Cat
A Florida man offered hope and heroism in the midst of Hurricane Ian — all by saving a stranded cat.
The Washington Post reports that “A fearful-looking cat with orange and white fur sat hovering atop a mounted air conditioning unit while a steady stream of water rushed beneath it. Mike Ross, 29, spotted the frightened feline from a window, and immediately ran outside.”
Ross had evacuated his home in Bonita Springs, a home that was now under 10 feet of water. He was staying with his parents in their more fortified home to brave out the storm when he spotted the stranded feline and couldn’t imagine leaving it to fend for itself.
Ross has seen plenty of storms but reported that this one was “absolutely terrible.” And, he could see that the frightened cat agreed.
He braved knee-deep rushing water to make his way over to the abandoned feline, gathering her up and holding her against his chest as he returned to the safety of his parents’ home.
Ross’s mother captured the rescue on video and his girlfriend shared it on Twitter where it quickly captured everyone’s hearts:
My boyfriend saving a cat from flood waters near Bonita Beach. #HurricaneIan #Naples #Bonita #FortMyers pic.twitter.com/BlBC9P1rdy
— Megan Cruz Scavo (@MeganScavo) September 28, 2022
The video has received nearly 4 million views and thousands of comments.
“Absolute hero. Marry that man. Hope you all stay safe,” one person commented.
“I’m bawling my eyes out,” another wrote.
Now, Mike and his girlfriend have started a GoFundMe page to help humans and animals recover from Hurricane Ian.
“We are starting a gofundme (sic) to help restore our home and others’ homes that were damaged by #HurricaneIan. We are donating half of the proceeds to the Humane Society Naples in honor of our miracle cat, Ian. Thank you for all of the love and support.”
At the time of writing, the fund was nearing $14,000 of their $50,000. goal.
One cat is certainly happy that Mike’s heart was in the right place at the right time to carry him to shelter amid the terrible storm.