Four adorable kittens are now one step closer to finding permanent families after a rescue effort by the nonprofit Cats of the Boardwalk (COTB). The kittens were discovered last week in a hole on an abandoned utility access site slated for demolition on 28th Avenue North, just off Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Community members spot the litter

A Facebook post from a local resident described a litter of kittens huddled near the open hole. The post prompted a quick response from COTB founder Laurie Peterson and her husband Ron, who arrived at the scene on Wednesday with the original poster and another neighbor.

One neighbor bravely lowered himself into the hole and lifted a beautiful kitten out. The kitten quickly rejoined its siblings, but the incident highlighted the danger the site posed to the young animals.

Rescue and trapping

Laurie and Ron honored a promise made the previous week to return with humane traps. After locating the kittens, they set traps and successfully captured all four. The mother cat was not caught, but COTB plans to trap and sterilize her soon, leaving a trap on site for her return.

Since Laurie began trapping in 2025, COTB has helped a total of 64 cats, and the organization aims to assist at least four more colonies in the Myrtle Beach area. Their mission focuses on trap‑neuter‑return (TNR) programs and rescuing vulnerable kittens.

How the community can help

Support for COTB comes in many forms. Residents can donate, volunteer, foster or adopt cats and kittens, or purchase a COTB t‑shirt, with proceeds supporting ongoing TNR efforts. The organization encourages anyone who spots animals in unsafe conditions to contact them promptly.

For more information, to report an animal in need, or to get involved, visit the Cats of the Boardwalk website or follow their social media channels.

Original reporting: MyrtleBeachSC News — read the source article.