Cat Who Floated Away on Rooftop During Hurricane Helene Reunites with Family Over a Week Later

Mar. 15, 2025

Ricardo Blanco being treated at the clinic.Photo:Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society

A family in North Carolina has been reunited with their pet cat after he was swept away inHurricane Helenefloodwaters.

According to a news release from theBest Friend’s Animal Society, the Burnsville family watched as their beloved animal attempted to climb to safety on a neighbor’s roof during the storm last month, before he eventually lost his grip as the roof floated downstream and disappeared from view.

However, the family — who had been forced to evacuate their property — returned to their home over a week later to find the cat, named Ricardo Blanco, waiting there.

Ricardo Blanco back home.Best Friends Animal Society

Cat Who Floated Away on Rooftop During Hurricane Helene Reunites with Family Over a Week Later

Nan Collins, the cat’s owner, said that she and her family did not give up hope that they would eventually find Ricardo Blanco alive and well.

“He’s doing fine, playing and doing all the normal stuff,” Collins told the Best Friend’s Animal Society.

She added, “His full name is Ricardo Blanco because he’s like a little movie actor, so full of life and playful. He’s like a puppy dog and wants to be beside you and take a walk.”

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“There are so many stories just like that of Ricardo Blanco and his family throughout western North Carolina,” said Audrey Lodato, Director of Regional Programs for the Best Friends Animal Society.

“By opening a free mobile clinic, Best Friends Animal Society is working to fill a gap for services, providing basic veterinary care to the Western North Carolina community at no cost so that people and their pets can stay together during this difficult time," she continued.

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Hurricane Helene devastation.Best Friends Animal Society

Cat Who Floated Away on Rooftop During Hurricane Helene Reunites with Family Over a Week Later

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 26, leaving millions without power and over200 people dead.

To learn more about how to help with relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Helene,click here.

source: people.com

Cat Who Floated Away on Rooftop During Hurricane Helene Reunites with Family Over a Week Later

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