Police: Stray Kitten Found Outside on Neiman Marcus Ledge Now Safe and Sound

(Editor’s note: Officers from the Fairfax County Police Animal Control Department rescued a stray kitten last week. Here’s their tale:)

A small, stray, black kitten suffered through a cold night, stuck on a ledge at Tyson’s Corner Mall late last week.

Animal Control responded to a call for service on the second story ledge of Neiman Marcus on Friday, February 13 at around 2 p.m. Apparently, the kitten was afraid and would not come to the officer. The officer modified a wire trap, creating a humane safe zone by laying a towel over the cage. He secured it to the ledge with leashes. The officer back away and the kitten walked into the trap towards food. The kitten’s weight wasn’t enough to trigger the trap door, so the officer jerked the leash to trigger the door to shut, with the kitten securely tucked inside.

With no tags or identification, the kitten was transported to the Animal Shelter for care. Many shoppers and employees were concerned about the kitten’s safety. Fortunately, this kitten survived the cold, but there are other animals that may not be so “lucky.”

With current frigid weather, the Fairfax County Animal Services Division and the U.S. Humane Society remind residents to protect pets during cold weather:

• Keep pets indoors and warm.
• Give pets plenty of food and water; spending outdoor time depletes energy.
• Protect paws from salt and chemicals. Wipe pads of pet’s feet with a damp towel before pet licks them.
• Be careful with cats/wildlife/cars. Warm engines attract animals that may crawl under hood. Consider banging car’s hood to scare them away before starting engine to make sure there are no animals there.
• Report pets left out in severe cold for long periods. Document, time, date, precise location, and as many details as possible to 703-691-2131 for an Animal Control Officer to respond.
• Avoid anti-freeze poisoning. Wipe up spills immediately; it has a sweet taste but is a deadly poison for animals.