Copyright Newsweek
While driving back home from their girlfriend’s, a Reddit user almost ran over something on a two-lane road. When they stopped to help, they couldn’t believe what it was. In Reddit post shared on Tuesday by u/inlovewithmolly, the poster said that while driving back home from their girlfriend’s house, they had to swerve their car to avoid hitting something that was lying there on the side of the road. The poster wrote: "I almost ran over her, but I swerved, and I went back to see what it was because I thought it could be a raccoon or possum, anywho I just wanted to make whatever was on the road safe, but then it was this kitten. "I can’t take in this kitten forever but I'm caring for it right now, I took it a flea bath so far and have been bottle feeding her and vet said she’s good to eat wet food. "But long story short I'm really stressed out about her cause I want to send her to a shelter but for some reason I kind of don’t, so any type of advice would really help me." The outdoors is no place for a feline, especially one this small and frail. While outdoor time can offer stimulation and exercise, unsupervised access poses serious risks that significantly reduce their life span. Indoor cats live for 15 to 17 years on average, while outdoor felines live only for 2 to 5 years due to dangers such as extreme temperatures, wildlife, and disease. Exposure to cold or heat can lead to hypothermia or heatstroke. Wildlife and other cats can injure or infect them with parasites, viruses, or bacteria. Cars are a major threat, often leading to injury or death. Toxic substances such as pesticides and rodenticides that can be found outdoors also pose some serious health risks. If you want to give your feline the chance to experience the outdoors, then consider supervised time using a leash, or harness, or get them an enclosed play area like catio to keep them safe. The post immediately went viral on the platform, receiving over 28,000 upvotes and over 340 comments, and users are all hoping they keep her. One user, WaterDmge, commented: "Oh boy sounds like you already know … Named her yet? Possum would be cute considering the circumstances if you haven’t!" Master_Button_2593 wrote: "You don’t want to send her to a shelter because you are her savior—she probably would have died if you hadn’t intervened. If at all possible keep her—she’s adorable and you’re the chosen one! (Not guilt tripping by the way)." Formerflautist57 said: "If you can't keep her, make the decision soon. Realistically, she'll have a better chance of being adopted as a young kitten. "She's very pretty and unique looking so I doubt finding a home will be hard. But if you are willing, and financially able, then keep her." Newsweek reached out to u/inlovewithmolly for comment via Reddit chat. We could not verify the details of the case.
