An amazing discovery was made when a kind individual heard a small meow echoing from the rooftop of a building, leading them to a fluffy kitten and his watchful mother—a pair waiting for their chance at a better life. The call was answered by Donna, a dedicated animal rescuer known for her tireless work with community cats. She had just completed her routine morning checks when she heard the unmistakable, urgent sound of a kitten crying out from the very top of a nearby structure. Following the insistent cries, she eventually located a small, fluffy black-and-white kitten pacing back and forth on the rooftop, directing his loud meows right at her. Nearby, his mother was spotted, a cautious figure perched discreetly under some tree branches, peering out. Just as Donna assessed the situation, John, the owner of the property, arrived in the lot. Upon hearing about the mother and kitten in need, he immediately and generously offered Donna access to the roof to facilitate the rescue.
JohnnyDonna
After securing permission, Donna quickly returned to her vehicle to retrieve a humane carrier and some enticing food before ascending the stairs to the rooftop. “Once I got up there, I didn’t see any other kittens, and the mom was nowhere to be found,” Donna recounted. It seemed the resourceful mother cat had decided it was time to move on and entrust her offspring to the kind rescuer. Donna speculated, “She literally brought me her kitten as if to say, ‘I’m done with this kid. Here he is. Take him.’” Donna soon learned that the mother and son had a history; they once had a dedicated caretaker who could no longer provide for them, making their situation precarious. Understanding the urgency of the moment, Donna set the carrier down with a delicious portion of wet food inside. The hungry kitten, who she would later name Johnny, didn’t hesitate, walking right into the safe confines of the carrier within minutes. “I walked over and closed the door. He ate the entire can of wet food,” she added, realizing the kitten was starving.
Donna found a kitten and his mom on the roof of a buildingDonna
Donna
With the little guy secured, Donna promptly transported Johnny to an animal clinic for immediate medical attention. The examination revealed that at just eleven weeks old, he was severely underweight, suffering from dehydration, and was heavily infested with fleas and lice. The compassionate clinic staff immediately initiated treatment, administering fluids and necessary medication to stabilize him. Despite his rough start, Johnny’s innate sweetness shone through; he completely charmed everyone he met. His purr motor was constant, a steady rumble of gratitude that persisted whether he was being held securely in someone’s arms or simply savoring a well-deserved meal.
He walked right into the carrierDonna
The staff swooned over him at the vetDonna
Not long into his foster journey, Johnny was introduced to Charcoal, the dignified resident “house panther” of his temporary home. Johnny immediately demonstrated his friendly nature, greeting his new, older feline friend with enthusiastic nose kisses and his characteristic steady rumble of purrs. This big-brother figure was a godsend. “Johnny is truly lucky to have Charcoal to show him how to cat—how to play, groom, and navigate indoor life,” Donna happily shared with Love Meow. While little Johnny was safe and thriving in his foster environment, Donna remained determined to complete the mission by helping his mother, too, ensuring she received proper care.
Donna
True to her promise, Donna returned to the building site on multiple occasions, patiently hoping to spot the elusive mother cat. Her goal was to bring the feral female in for spaying, which would prevent future litters, and provide her with a thorough medical check-up. Each time, the clever cat managed to evade capture and was nowhere in sight—until one morning, the wind carried that familiar, distinct meow. The mother cat had reappeared on the rooftop, perhaps sensing it was her time for help. Seizing the opportunity, Donna carefully deployed a humane trap, and finally, she was successful in safely bringing the devoted mother in from the streets.
Donna
While his mother was getting her much-needed care, Johnny blossomed into a boisterous, happy young cat, constantly seeking out playtime and charming his foster family with his playful mischief. “He plays nonstop and will bring you tons of laughs with his silly antics. He absolutely loves attention. The moment you touch him, he instantly purrs and makes biscuits,” his foster mom noted. The transformation in his health was remarkable. His once scruffy, dull coat was now sleek and glossy, a testament to his recovery. “With good food and consistent care, he has made an amazing recovery,” Donna confirmed. She recalled that when she first rescued Johnny from the rooftop, he was terribly emaciated—“I could feel every rib and his spine.” Now, at seventeen weeks old, he has more than successfully doubled his initial weight. The sun-bleached, reddish-brown tinge in his original fur has been replaced by a soft, lustrous coat of a deeper black. He finally looks robust and healthy, exactly as a kitten his age should.
Charcoal the resident cat has taken Johnny under his wingDonna
Donna
The successful rescue means that Johnny’s mother, now spayed and in good health, has returned to her familiar territory. There, she continues to be fed and monitored, ensuring her well-being thanks to Donna’s continuous efforts. As for Johnny, he has fully embraced the secure and loving comforts of indoor life and is now prepared to embark on the final journey to his forever home. He is a healthy, incredibly affectionate, and vibrant young cat, ready to bring joy to a new family. His rescue guarantees that, “He’ll never spend another night on the streets or a rooftop again.”
Donna
Share this wonderful story with your friends. You can find more updates on Johnny (who is located in OH) and follow Donna’s other incredible rescues and fosters on Instagram @feralcatcolony.
