How a 16-Year Resident Cat Almost Lost His Home

Defib the cat was rescued as a kitten by paramedics at Walthamstow Ambulance Service in London. For sixteen years, he has lived at the station, bringing comfort to first responders during their long, difficult shifts.

New Management Tries to Remove Station Mascot

Recently, new management at the London Ambulance Service suddenly decided that Defib needed to go. They claimed they were worried about allergies among the paramedics. This excuse seemed odd since no staff members had ever filed a complaint. Defib had already been there without any issues for sixteen years. Also, paramedics regularly enter homes with cats as part of their jobs.

The truth was that all of the people who actually work at the station were devastated by this decision. They viewed the attempted eviction as needlessly cruel.

Global Support Rallies Behind Defib

The station staff launched a petition against the decision. Support came from around the world, with over 62,000 people signing the petition in under a week.

Even Larry the Cat, the famous chief mouser to the UK cabinet, spoke up for Defib. Larry posted that cats bring joy to the joyless and hope to the hopeless. He argued that Defib should be able to stay where he belongs.

Victory for the Station Cat

Faced with this international backlash, the new management changed their minds. They reversed their decision and announced that Defib could stay for the rest of his life.

Today, Defib continues to fulfill his duties at the station he's always called home. He remains a source of comfort and support for the paramedics who rescued him so many years ago.

This story shows how people can come together to protect those who matter in their communities - even when that beloved community member happens to be a cat.