Massapequa Cat Found With Head Stuck in a Soup Can Needs Home

MASSAPEQUA, NY - A hungry cat whose head was stuck in a soup can is looking for a home after a police officer took him to a Massapequa veterinary hospital Monday.

The can was removed with little difficulty from the cat, which is estimated to be around eight or nine months old, and there are no injuries, said Donna Terris, manager at Massapequa Pet Vet, located at 5330 Merrick Road, where the cat is currently being housed.

The cat does not appear emaciated, but its commitment to get the meager noodles in the bottom of the can should suggest the level of care the cat had received, Terris said, which is why they do not want to merely treat the cat and release it back to where it was found.

“Normally a cat released would be fine if someone was managing them, taking care of them, seeing them on a regular basis, providing shelter for them...there must not be much food if he got his head stuck in the bottom of the can to get a few noodles...I don’t feel like it’s the right thing to do,” Terris said.

The cat has feral tendencies and seems afraid of human contact, but Terris hopes if connected with the right person who would be willing to put in the time, acclimation is possible.

“It has to be an ideal situation...It has to be a sanctuary type place or someone that’s going to put in the time every day to feed the cat and acclimate it,” Terris said. “It’s not totally impossible, but you need to have the time to do that. It could take up to a year and there’s no guarantee.”

The cat was neutered and is recovering, but cannot stay at the hospital long-term, Terris said. She considered transporting the cat to a feral cat colony, but was told that would be unrealistic, as the cat will be unfamiliar with its surroundings.

One animal sanctuary did reach out to help the cat, but requires a reasonable $300 donation for vaccinations and food, Terris said.

She assured that whatever happens to the cat, it will be in its best interest, adding, “We’re not 100 percent sure, but his wellbeing will be a major factor in the decision-making.”

To donate to the cause or get more information about adoption, contact Massapequa Pet Vet at 516-797-8387. The Massapequa Pet Vet also has a nonprofit, Long Island Wildlife and Animal Rescue, which can be contacted at the same number.

[Photo courtesy of Donna Terris]