Franklin Square, N.Y. – When a family moved out of their second‑floor apartment, their cat Lola slipped under a floorboard and vanished. After two weeks of silence, the worried owners called local animal‑rescue volunteer John DeBacker, who is affectionately called “Catman” in the community.

Rescue effort begins

DeBacker, who has been rescuing cats for more than 15 years, set a trap with food and cameras in hopes of coaxing Lola out. The cat avoided the trap at night, and then stopped appearing altogether. A later inspection revealed that Lola had fallen and become trapped behind a first‑floor wall, upside‑down, eating insulation and growing increasingly weak.

Breaking through the wall

With the help of a contractor, DeBacker used an electric saw to cut a small opening in the wall. An endoscopic camera allowed him to see Lola’s nervous form. To keep her from retreating further, the team switched to a quieter drill. “After two weeks we did not want to lose the cat again,” DeBacker said.

In video of the rescue, DeBacker reaches through the narrow hole, makes contact with Lola’s hind legs, and carefully pulls her backward into the opening. A family member can be heard exclaiming, “Safe!” as the dusty cat is placed into a towel‑lined crate.

After the rescue

DeBacker described the moment as “the greatest feeling in the world.” He noted how miraculous it was that Lola survived five days without food or water, especially while upside‑down, which caused blood to rush to her head. Lola was taken to an emergency veterinarian, where insulation was found in her stomach. She is now back with her family, though she continues to struggle with a poor appetite and is receiving ongoing veterinary care.

Advice for pet owners

DeBacker, who owns four cats of his own, cautioned other pet owners who are preparing to move: “Secure the cats first and not after all the moving. The moving will scare the cat into hiding.” His timely intervention and compassionate approach underscore the importance of community volunteers in caring for vulnerable animals.

The rescue has resonated with neighbors, who praised DeBacker’s dedication and the family’s perseverance. The story serves as a reminder that careful planning and local expertise can prevent similar incidents in the future.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.