Merve Özcan was waiting for her father in the Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Hospital in Istanbul when she saw an unlikely patient wander into the waiting area.
The hospital corridor was visited by a stray kitten who appeared with her baby in her hands and confidently walked down to the other side.
Özcan could tell that the cat knew exactly where she was going. “I was very surprised when I saw her because she seemed to know [the hospital] better than me,” Özcan told The Dodo. “It was obvious that she knew where to go.”
Özcan was worried about her father, a recovering COVID-19 patient who was in for a follow-up test. However, the tension was instantly relieved by the baby and the little animal.
The hospital staff were thrilled to meet the cat and to take a break to play with the baby.
“The medical staff was also very happy to see the cat and kitten, went to them and loved and cared for them,” Özcan said. “I think it was a cat that employees already know, and there were people who saw it there before.”
Thankfully, the cat didn’t need medical attention and the baby looked healthy. The mother simply knew where to find milk and pet supplies.
“Her kitten was not sick, but she wanted to stand there,” Özcan said. “While the doctors loved on her and her baby, she stood safely next to them.”
Özcan snapped a few photos of the sweet visit and posted them to TwitterOn Monday, they went viral. As a cat owner, Özcan was happy to see the little family get such attentive care. “Cats are very common creatures in my country,” Özcan said. “However, I was very surprised to see such a thing in the emergency for the first time.”
Turkey is home to many stray cats. They are often fed by local communities. Restaurants have been closed due to quarantine and stray cats are now in dire straits.
The Turkish government has urged local authorities to take care of stray animals to prevent residents from being on the streets.
The staff gave the kitten a quick exam and then referred her to a vet to ensure safety. However, the mother cat appeared hesitant about leaving her caretakers. “Even when we left, the two were still there, confidently standing amongst the officers,” Özcan said.
It just goes to show that no matter how busy doctors are right now, they’re happy to help anyone who walks through the door.
