Stray Kitten Steals Cops' Hearts

LAKELAND, FL — A plucky little kitten found all alone on a Lakeland street corner over the weekend has a new home thanks to her ability to steal hearts. While stealing from police officers generally isn’t advised, the two Lakeland cops who managed to get wrapped around the critter’s tiny paw don’t seem to mind.

The tale of “Officer Kelsey” began to unfold during the late-night shift on June 17. Officer Cardin was out on patrol when he noticed a little “bundle of fur hiding at the base of a lamppost at the corner of Florida Avenue and Pine Street,” the police department reported on Facebook.

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Clearly captivated by the creature, Cardin scooped her up and brought her back to headquarters since it was early in his shift. The kitten was given first-class feline accommodations thanks to an empty records box and a space that was open in the station’s kennel.

Satisfied that the kitten was all snuggled in and warm for the night, Cardin returned to the beat. The kitten, however, wasn’t finished with her thievery.

Sgt. Wallace happened to spot the little girl and just couldn’t stand the thought of her spending a night all alone. Rather than leave her, he picked her up and brought her with him throughout his night on patrol.

“She seemed to take to her new role as partner to Sgt. Wallace,” the police department reported on Facebook. Her law enforcement career, however, might be short lived. After all, “she did fall asleep her first night on the job.”

The kitten’s ride-along did earn her a permanent place in Wallace’s heart. The agency reports Wallace promptly took her home at the end of his shift.

As for charges related to stealing hearts, that’s a matter that’s still under investigation.

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Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Police Department