He was so thirsty 😿
On a sunny Monday in July, Ryann McCaffrey and her family were on their way to their annual mountain vacation when an unbelievable sight brought their road trip to a halt. In the middle of heavy traffic, McCaffrey spotted a tiny ball of fur stranded on the concrete median.
“At first I thought it was a squirrel,” she told The Dodo. But as she got closer, she realized it was a kitten panting in the California heat — a sight she’d never seen before.
A Dramatic Freeway Rescue
Without hesitation, McCaffrey pulled her car onto the shoulder and slowly approached. Startled, the kitten jumped into nearby bushes, but hunger and exhaustion soon drew him back onto the scorching median.
Thinking fast, McCaffrey offered deli meat from her cooler. Just then, another driver stopped to help. As the kitten became distracted, McCaffrey reached out and safely grabbed him by the scruff.
The frightened baby scratched and bit her in panic, but she rushed back to the car with him secure in her arms.
From Freeway Danger to Hotel Safe Haven
Inside the car, McCaffrey noticed fleas around the kitten’s eyes and felt how thin and frail he was. With vet clinics closing, her family decided to continue to their hotel, stopping at a pet store for essentials.
The 9-week-old tabby drank water, calmed down, and spent the night decompressing in the hotel bathroom. But he was still defensive, hissing and lunging at anyone who came near.
McCaffrey even wondered if she had rescued a bobcat by mistake.
Bugs the Kitten Begins His New Life
The next morning, the kitten was treated by a vet for fleas and worms. His worn-down claws revealed how desperately he had been climbing the cement median over and over, hoping for help.
The McCaffreys cut their vacation short to bring the kitten home. They gave him space in the garage to recover, slowly earning his trust. Though at first he hid in dark corners, his playful side soon emerged.
He especially loved chasing bugs — so the family named him Bugs.
Finding Family and Friendship
After two weeks, Bugs moved into McCaffrey’s bedroom. Though not a cuddler, he allowed head scratches during mealtime and gradually learned to trust.
When introduced to the family’s cat, Mr. Kitty, a heartwarming bond formed. Instead of fighting, the two became best friends — playing, grooming, and keeping each other company.
Now, Bugs watches hockey with McCaffrey, accepts treats from the kids, and is thriving in a safe, loving home.
As McCaffrey puts it:
“If he ends up never even letting us touch him, at least he has a good life, you know?”