Diesel, Cat Who Survived Winter Under Truck, Still Waiting: Northport Kitty Of The Week

COMMACK, NY — Diesel survived one of the coldest stretches of winter alone beneath a truck. Months later, the 2-year-old black cat is still waiting for someone to choose him.

Diesel, described by Northport Cat Rescue Association as a handsome cat with “Yoda ears,” is the rescue’s Cat of the Week.

“There are some stories that stay with you forever — not because of how they begin, but because of the incredible heart that refuses to give up,” the rescue said.

Last winter, Diesel was found living beneath a truck in a local trucking yard during freezing weather, according to NCRA. Night after night, as temperatures dropped, he curled up beneath the vehicle and fought to survive.

“No warm bed. No family searching for him. No place to call home,” the rescue said. “Just another lonely night in the bitter cold.”

A man who worked in the trucking yard noticed Diesel hiding beneath the trucks and began returning each day with food. He spoke softly and waited patiently for Diesel to trust him, the rescue said.

At first, Diesel kept his distance.

“Life had taught him that survival meant being cautious,” NCRA said.

But over time, Diesel began taking tentative steps toward the man who refused to give up on him. Those cautious steps became gentle greetings, then affectionate head bumps, and finally enough trust for rescuers to bring him safely into Northport Cat Rescue Association’s care.

“That one act of kindness saved his life,” the rescue said.

Once in foster care, Diesel began to show his affectionate personality.

NCRA said Diesel “blossomed into one of the sweetest cats imaginable.” He loves people, settles into laps, leans into pets and enjoys being picked up and cuddled.

Despite looking like he could be a tough cat, Diesel is gentle, volunteers said.

“His oversized ‘Yoda ears’ give him an irresistibly endearing expression, and his loving personality quickly wins over everyone he meets,” NCRA said.

Around other male cats, Diesel is often the one who gets picked on, according to the rescue. Volunteers believe he would be happiest as the only cat in the home, or with a gentle female cat introduced slowly.

When he is not snuggling with people, Diesel can often be found perched in a sunny window, watching the world outside — “a world he once had to survive completely alone,” the rescue said.

His rescue story had a happy ending, NCRA said, but it is not finished.

Today, Diesel is waiting at Petco Commack, watching families come and go. Despite surviving freezing temperatures, hunger, loneliness and life on the streets, the rescue said he has not received a single adoption application.

“Not one,” NCRA said.

The rescue said that has been especially difficult because people who meet Diesel often fall in love with him, smile at his ears, laugh at his affectionate personality and comment on what a beautiful cat he is.

“Then they walk away,” the rescue said.

Volunteers say Diesel has already survived the hardest part of his life. Now, they hope he will find a family who will never leave him wondering where he will sleep, whether he will have food or if he will face another winter alone.

“He deserves to know what forever feels like,” NCRA said. “Sometimes the most beautiful souls are the ones who have survived the hardest journeys.”

Diesel is neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped, litter box trained, and has tested negative for both FeLV and FIV.

Diesel can be visited at Petco Commack. He will also be at Northport Cat Rescue Association’s adoption event from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Sweet Arts Candy Store, 105 Main St. in Northport.

The rescue said Diesel will be there greeting visitors alongside several rescue friends, all hoping someone chooses them.

Those unable to attend the event can complete an adoption application through the Northport Cat Rescue Association website. For more information, call 631-606-2631 or email info@northportcatrescue.org.