WEST BABYLON, NY — Babylon did not behave like a cat accustomed to surviving outdoors.
The approximately 8-month-old cat ran toward people instead of away from them, rubbing against employees' legs, rolling onto his back for pets and soaking up whatever attention anyone would give him.
Northport Cat Rescue Association says Babylon had reportedly been left outside a West Babylon business.
An employee contacted the rescue after the unusually friendly young cat suddenly appeared outside his workplace, according to NCRA.
A neighboring business had surveillance footage that reportedly showed someone releasing the cat in the area from a carrier, the rescue said.
"We don't know who Babylon belonged to or why he was left there," NCRA said.
What volunteers quickly noticed was that Babylon appeared completely comfortable around people — and ill-equipped for life on the street.
"He didn't run from strangers," the rescue said. "He ran toward them."
Babylon rubbed against people's legs, rolled over looking for affection and trusted nearly everyone he encountered.
"He had no idea that the world could be dangerous," NCRA said. "He simply trusted everyone he met."
Workers began feeding Babylon, but with colder weather arriving, concern grew about how long such a trusting young cat could safely remain outside.
Volunteers worried Babylon could approach the wrong person, wander into traffic or otherwise find himself in danger.
One employee, however, was determined to get him somewhere safe.
After several attempts, the worker located Babylon late one evening, secured him and brought him into NCRA's care.
Babylon was finally indoors.
But the rescue says safety alone is not what the affectionate young cat is looking for.
"He wants a home so badly," NCRA said.
At about 8 months old, Babylon is described as exceptionally affectionate and attention-seeking.
"He wants to be near you, to be petted, to be noticed, and to know that he matters to someone," the rescue said.
Despite whatever happened before he appeared outside the West Babylon business, Babylon continues to trust people.
He greets new faces enthusiastically, volunteers said, almost as though each person might be the one who takes him home.
"And that is perhaps the most heartbreaking part of his story," NCRA said.
Babylon is also playful and enjoys being around other cats.
The rescue would like to place him with a friendly feline companion able to match his energy.
That does not necessarily need to be another kitten, according to NCRA. A younger, playful adult cat could also be a good match.
"He has so much love to give and so much kittenhood left to enjoy," the rescue said.
As winter approaches, Babylon is warm and safe.
NCRA now hopes to find him something permanent: a home where he can curl up beside someone, run to people for attention and spend his days playing with a feline companion.
Most importantly, volunteers want Babylon to find a place where he will never again be left wondering where he belongs.
"Babylon did absolutely nothing to deserve being left behind," the rescue said.
He is neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped and litter-box trained. Babylon has also tested negative for FeLV and FIV.
Those interested in adopting him can complete an application through the Northport Cat Rescue Association website. For more information, call 631-606-2631 or email info@northportcatrescue.org.
"Babylon has already experienced what it feels like to be left behind," NCRA said. "Let's make sure the rest of his life is spent knowing what it feels like to be loved."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Northport Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.