Sad cat is 'left crying' at side of the road after owner's unthinkable act

A cat was spotted being abandoned by the roadside as his owner drove off after dumping him there - and he "wouldn't stop crying" after being left to fend for himself. Luckily, a hiker had been walking nearby and witnessed the incident unfold and was determined to help.

The distressed cat was initially reluctant to let anyone approach while he continued to emit frantic meows. The hiker, called Jess, moved towards the cat and started speaking to him in an attempt to coax him over, but the animal kept dodging her while yowling loudly in panic. Jess managed to film the scene on camera.

Describing what had happened, Jess narrated: "This lady, I think, just dumped her cat. That lady just threw a cat out." She managed to capture the final moments of the woman speeding off after abandoning the cat beside a dusty lane.

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As she neared the frantic, distressed cat, Jess added: "I don't know why this woman just dumped this cat out here." Seeking assistance, she chose to contact a park ranger who was able to help in gaining "the cat's trust".

They managed to safely lift him into a container, though he still "wouldn't stop crying".

Following his rescue from the undergrowth at the roadside, he was transported to a veterinary surgery to be thoroughly examined and evaluated.

One month afterwards, Jess went to see the cat - now called Joey - to check on him now he was ready to be adopted.

Jess couldn't take Joey home herself but ensured she visited him frequently while he awaited his forever family. She captured her visit on camera, where she can be seen giving Joey a chin scratch and calling him "so sweet".

She said: "Look at how cute he is. Hi, buddy, it's so good to see you."

Not long after Jess's final visit, Joey found his forever home. His story was shared on Facebook.

In the comments section, people shared their thoughts. One person said: "People think that animals can survive in the wild. That's not true as they are domesticated animals.

"If you can't keep an animal, you need to do your best to re-home that animal before you just dump it."

Another added: "I have rescued so many dumped cats. They are usually frightened and hungry and don't know how to survive or hunt. As a result I have seven.

"And 2 litter robots to keep up with it. I love every single one of them and would never give them up no matter what."

A third said: "Run the plate, find the previous owner, give her a hefty fine and forbid her from owning animals ever again.

"There are so many other options than dumping an animal. So glad this sweet furball was rescued!!!"

Someone else commented: "Took literally 5 seconds for him to be saved... it was fate."

To which, Jess replied: "It really was fate! I am so glad I was there! I actually called in sick that day just so I can go hiking to clear my mind. I had no idea I would encounter this and film it! I'm so glad Joey found a forever home! What a moment!"