Tala, Kitten Found Trapped In Delivery Truck, Seeks Home: Huntington Adoptable Pet Of The Week

HUNTINGTON, NY — Tala, a 3-month-old kitten rescued after she was found trapped inside a delivery truck in Woodmere, is this week’s Huntington adoptable pet of the week.

Grateful Paw Cat Shelter calls her its “special delivery kitten.”

Her name means “star,” the shelter said, and after everything she has endured, volunteers say it could not be more fitting.

For several days, loud cries echoed through an Amazon warehouse in Woodmere, according to Grateful Paw. Employees searched from one end of the building to the other, but could not determine where the sound was coming from.

Then someone realized the cries were coming from inside one of the delivery trucks, the shelter said.

Workers began searching the truck, starting at the engine and carefully making their way toward the cargo area. They could hear the kitten crying, but still could not see her.

Eventually, the Nassau County Police Department and animal rescuer John Debacker were called in to help, the shelter said.

Together, police, Debacker and Amazon employees painstakingly dismantled part of the truck’s undercarriage until they were able to reach the frightened kitten.

“No one knows how Tala ended up trapped inside that truck, but everyone involved is grateful her story has a happy ending,” the shelter said.

Tala arrived at Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at the beginning of June. She was examined by the shelter’s in-house veterinarian before being placed in a foster home with three other kittens around her age.

That is where her personality began to emerge.

“Tala is one tough little cookie,” the shelter said.

The 3-month-old torbie loves wrestling and playing with other kittens and has “never met a toy she didn’t enjoy,” volunteers said. She also took her turn on the foster home’s cat exercise wheel, running on it like the other kittens.

While Tala can be cautious around new people at first, the shelter said patience is all it takes.

“Once you gently scoop her up, her motor starts purring, and she melts into your arms for cuddles,” the shelter said.

Volunteers describe Tala as having soft, pale yellow eyes that blend into the markings on her face.

“She has an absolutely stunning face, and when she locks eyes with you, it’s almost as if she can see right into your soul,” the shelter said.

Tala has since returned to the shelter, where volunteers say she is already making her opinions known.

“She’s quite vocal and isn’t shy about expressing her opinions if another kitten crosses a line,” the shelter said.

Volunteers believe her strong voice may come from the frightening days she spent trapped inside the truck, crying for someone to find her.

Despite her rough beginning, Tala has proven to be resilient, the shelter said.

Tala has tested negative for FeLV and FIV, is parasite-free, has had her ears, eyes and heart checked, is up to date on vaccinations, is litter-box trained, spayed and microchipped.

Because Tala is playful and social, Grateful Paw said it would love to see her adopted with another kitten from the room, unless there is already a young, energetic cat waiting for her at home.

Tala will also be one of the featured kittens at Grateful Paw’s adoption event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the shelter.

Those interested in meeting Tala can call Grateful Paw Cat Shelter at 631-757-4517, email cats@laphuntington.org, follow her progress on the shelter’s Facebook page, or stop by the shelter to visit her in the kitten room.

Grateful Paw Cat Shelter is located at 3 Verleye Ave. in East Northport. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., with Thursday evening appointments available from 7 to 9 p.m.

“After surviving days trapped inside a truck surrounded by loud engines, moving packages, and endless uncertainty, Tala deserves what every kitten deserves — a peaceful, loving forever home where she’ll never have to cry for help again,” the shelter said.

“Could you be the one to give this little star the happy ending she’s been waiting for?”