A video about a cat that was “thrown away” by his owner just before boarding their flight has broken the hearts of viewers on TikTok.
The cat was abandoned at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, according to TikToker Rana Hamieh (@giddykittykat), a 30-year-old veterinarian and animal rescuer currently living in the country.
She told Newsweek that her friend, who works at the airport, witnessed the incident captured in the viral clip and immediately called her to help.
Text overlaid on the clip, which was taken on January 17 and has amassed 2.9 million views since it was posted the same day, says: “His owner didn’t have the proper paperwork for boarding the flight, so they decided to abandon him at the airport.”
“He was thrown away with some luggage,” according to a later caption, as the clip shows the cat laying next to what appears to be pieces of clothing scattered on the floor of the airport.
The feline, who is a two-year-old domestic short-hair cat, was found “hiding under the escalator railing” at Gate 2 of the airport, Hamieh told Newsweek.
@giddykittykat on TikTok
As for the paperwork, “unfortunately, I don’t have more details about that,” Hamieh noted, adding that the owners were travelling from Lebanon but their destination is unknown.
The viral post comes as approximately 6.3 million companion animals are reported to enter animal shelters across the United States every year, including 3.2 million cats, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The majority of shelter populations are comprised of strays (those found on the streets), rescues (animals rescued from cruelty), and surrenders (those whose owners can no longer care for them due to unforeseen barriers), the ASPCA notes.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says individual airlines are allowed to decide whether their passengers can bring pets on board. Travelers should contact their carrier before flying to confirm the airline’s policy on pets. If your airline does not allow pets on board, your pet will need to travel in the cargo hold.
The International Air Transport Association says: “Do not worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment. Despite all the fears about airline pet cargo travel, millions of animals are carried safely every year.”
‘Absolutely Terrified’
Hamieh told Newsweek she drove to the airport to find the cat who was abandoned at the check-in desk of the ticket counter.
“He was absolutely terrified. Poor baby was very scared due to all the commotion around him,” especially as “some travelers were very cruel and kicked him when they saw him,” the veterinarian said.
The footage shows the cat tucked away beneath an escalator bar handle, as an on-screen caption says, “He was hiding in this dangerous spot after being kicked around by ignorant kids.”
“He just wants to be safe,” another note reads as a caption shared with the post says “You don’t leave family behind!!”
Hamieh gave the cat a thorough check-up and treatment for bleeding prevention and pain management and treated his external wounds. “I was concerned as I saw a few trauma injuries on his body but thankfully there was no significant internal bleeding,” she said.
Following the treatment, the veterinarian said the feline was transferred to a foster home as her own home was at full capacity. “I already had several rescue cats getting treatment, so it was not feasible,” she said.
“Thankfully, he’s doing great at foster care and hopefully he’ll get adopted soon! He’s such a strong, resilient boy and he made a swift recovery considering all the trauma he had to endure,” the veterinarian noted.
Viewers on TikTok were heartbroken over the scene in the viral clip, with several criticizing the cat owner.
Teddington said: “I’d cry if I saw this at an airport. I’d cancel my flight and look after the cat.”
User @shumushroom asked: “How could someone do that to their own pet. I will abandon a million flights before I ever abandon my baby.”
Another user, 🇿🇦 LEE 🇿🇦, echoed the sentiment, saying: “How do they even go on living after abandoning these precious fur babies some people shouldn’t have pets at all.”
Jay8118 wrote: “I’m raging mad seeing this right now – how could anyone do this ? We adopt pets so we care and take responsibility for their lives. My cat is our family. Can’t believe how heartless ppl can be.”
Melody said: “If my cats don’t board, I don’t board. I will never understand how people can abandon their pets. I would die for mine.”
Do you have any animal rescue stories or videos/pictures of your pet that you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details and your story could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.