New York rescuers and animal rights activists rallied to save a meowing cat stuck inside a Brooklyn community center’s enormous AC unit system. By the time they found out, the cat may have been inside for up to two weeks, so there was no time to spare.
Awareness about the ‘possibly entombed cat‘ spread at the Animal Liberation March in New York City on September 2. At the event, activists approached Long Island rescuer John Debacker, and a group effort to save the cat ensued. But it wouldn’t be easy.
The Brooklyn community center where the cat was stuck inside an AC unit meowing. Images and media via Facebook/John Debacker
The Cat was Stuck inside a Monster AC Unit
This was no ordinary air conditioning unit but an enormous monster of an HVAC system with a sprawling maze of vents and ducts. A company had recently done work on it, and it’s unclear how the kitty got trapped inside. However, from the looks of it there were many ways to get in there. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, it was during the peak of a summer heatwave. It’s amazing the cat managed to survive inside the steamy venting system for so long. And their guardian must have been at their wit’s end hearing the meows but not being able to save the cat.
To have any chance to save the kitty, Debacker and others had to coordinate with the cat’s guardian, the building management, the New York City Housing Authority, the AC company, and other authorities if necessary. Not to mention, they had to locate the cat in a maze of vents and needed specialized tools and know-how for the rescue.
Making matters worse, when they tracked down the meows, the cat was in an inaccessible part of the AC unit’s sprawling system.
“Rescue in progress… Cat stuck inside AC unit with no access. Part of the unit [has] already been cut open but we cannot access where the cat is. Stay tuned!” Debacker shared.
Video via Facebook/John Debather
Online, fellow rescuers and animal lovers did all they could to ensure the kitty was freed before it was too late. Hundreds of people commented and shared posts. Engineers and people experienced with HVAC units came forward, and many suggested contacting the media to put the pressure on authorities to act fast. This community wasn’t going to let the cat perish in that AC unit.
The Entombed Cat is Free at Last!
Would authorities agree to dismantle the expensive unit in time? Fortunately, Debacker shared that things finally started moving after working behind the scenes to resolve the frustrating situation.
“We can not use a sledgehammer to destroy a multi-thousand dollar piece of equipment that’s on NYCHA property, but as of right now, we are moving in the right direction,” he shared.
Two technicians, Manny and Chris, arrived to help and somehow… with much luck… freed the cat after 14 days! It must have been a living hell for the cat, but now, everything would hopefully be fine.
“After being trapped inside an AC unit for the past 14 days, I am happy to report the cat has been caught!” Debacker said.
From there, the cat was taken to safety to recover. We hope they will make a full recovery.
In the meantime, Debacker was back at it, saving a swan from a sewer system this time!
Next, he helped save kitten with the Strong Island Animal Rescue League from a drain.
Strong Island Animal Rescue League with John Debacker (holding carrier) and rescued kitten via Facebook/Strong Island Animal Rescue League
Thank goodness for kind, heroic people like John and fellow rescuers willing to do the dirty work to save animals in distress! That’s why Debacker earned the title of “Cat Hero,” inspiring the community daily!
You can follow John Debacker on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
