Unfortunately, countless cats face abandonment every day, and many of us have encountered a stray kitten or cat at some point. 

Mateo, a compassionate man, experienced a heartwarming encounter one evening as he was heading home. His story, which he shared on Reddit, touched our hearts, and we simply had to share it with you!

Mateo followed the faint meows, which led him to a parked bus. He vividly recalls the moment, saying:

“I managed to find him inside the engine (compartment). I couldn’t see too much, but his meows sounded scared.”

Determined to help, Mateo hurried to a nearby store, purchased cat food as bait, and attempted to coax the kitten out. However, the poor little tabby was too frightened to emerge from his hiding place.

Undeterred, Mateo left some food near the bus and decided to return when the area was quieter, hoping the reduced noise would ease the kitten’s fear. 

When he came back, he noticed that some of the food had disappeared. Putting on his gloves, he patiently waited for the kitten to venture out.

“I spent about three hours waiting for him to come out for more food I bought.”

Finally, after a combination of treats and unwavering patience, Mateo successfully completed his rescue mission. 

He brought the kitten to safety, but it was immediately apparent that the little one was in dire need of help, with a severe eye infection and wounds covering his fragile body. Mateo recalls:

“He was shaking and scare-meowing all the way to my house. When we got home, I put him down in my bathroom with a towel, and gave him food, water, and time to get used to the new environment.”

Despite his initial fear, the kitten slowly began to warm up to Mateo’s presence as he realized he was now in a safe place. 

Seeking assistance, Mateo turned to Reddit for guidance. He shares,

“A lot of people gave me amazing advice. I took him to the vet, and they gave him a full checkup and told me everything he was going through and how I could help him.”

Back at home, Mateo ensured the kitten had a comfortable and secure spot, patiently waiting for him to initiate contact and build trust.

“I sat next to him, letting him make the first move in order to gain some trust. When he fell asleep next to me, it was the moment he realized he was safe.”

“He was shy at first but craved cuddles and care. I gave him as much attention as I could, and provided him with all that I could think of.”

Initially shy but yearning for affection, the kitten thrived under Mateo’s care and attention. His eyes began to clear up, and he started gaining weight. 

Mateo couldn’t help but fall head over heels for this ginger beauty and decided to name him Cal, a nod to a character from Star Wars.

Cal turned out to be an inquisitive and playful little cat, and Mateo couldn’t be happier to have him.

“I installed a little camera in the room to watch him while I’m at work. He sleeps most of the time until I get home. When I open the front door, he starts meowing until I sit down next to him, and he climbs up onto my lap and falls asleep.”

“Cal has changed my life. The feeling of hearing his meow the moment I step inside my house fills me with joy that I’ve never experienced before. He’s definitely staying with me forever.”

It’s remarkable how one seemingly ordinary day can completely alter the course of your life. Mateo never expected to find a lifelong furry companion on his way home one day. 

Now, he can’t imagine his life without Cal by his side, eagerly greeting him at the door and accompanying him around the house.

In the end, Mateo is happier than ever, thanks to the unexpected arrival of Cal, a small and vulnerable kitten who has forever etched his pawprints on Mateo’s heart.