When a family in Franklin Square, Long Island, discovered their cat Lola missing during a move, they called local animal‑rescue specialist John DeBacker. DeBacker, who has been rescuing cats for more than 15 years, arrived wearing his signature “Catman” T‑shirt and set up a trap with food and cameras to lure the frightened feline out.

Discovery of the hidden cat

Two weeks before the rescue, Lola slipped under a floorboard as the family vacated their second‑floor apartment. When she failed to appear at the trap that night, the family grew concerned. Later, they realized she had fallen and become trapped behind a first‑floor wall, upside‑down, eating insulation and growing weaker.

Rescue effort

DeBacker enlisted a contractor and used an electric saw to cut a small opening in the wall. An endoscopic camera was lowered to locate Lola, who appeared nervous. To keep her from retreating further, the team switched to a quieter drill. After confirming her position, DeBacker reached through the narrow hole, grasped Lola’s hind legs, and carefully pulled her backward into the opening.

“Safe!” a family member exclaimed as the dusty, exhausted cat was placed into a towel‑lined crate. DeBacker described the moment as “the greatest feeling in the world.”

After‑care and advice

Lola was taken to an emergency veterinarian, where doctors found insulation in her stomach. She survived five days without food or water, and DeBacker noted that being upside‑down caused blood to rush to her head, adding to her distress. The cat is now back with her family, though she continues to struggle with a poor appetite and is receiving ongoing veterinary care.

DeBacker, who owns four cats of his own, warned other pet owners planning a move: “Secure the cats first and not after all the moving. The moving will scare the cat into hiding.”

Community response

The rescue quickly spread through local social media, with neighbors praising DeBacker’s dedication and the family’s perseverance. The story underscores the importance of careful pet handling during relocations, a concern for many Long Island households.

For those interested in learning more about safe moving practices for pets, DeBacker recommends consulting a veterinarian ahead of time and using secure carriers or designated safe rooms.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.