Officer Gretchen Byrne of the Coral Springs Police Department’s life altered dramatically one evening in 2015. On her night shift, a stray cat approached her while she was enjoying a coffee break. She couldn’t ignore the cat because she was clearly pregnant and in need of assistance. She caught the mom and drove her to the station and then back home with her at the conclusion of her shift. The Cat Cop was developed as a result of this…
Now in 2018, Officer Byrne’s nickname “Cat Cop” has officially stuck.
She has helped save dozens upon dozens of kittens and cats found while patrolling. Luckily she is able to keep them in cages in a corner of the woman’s locker room where they are safe. Here at least others are willing to keep an eye on them until her shift is over and they are off the streets.
She posts photographs, videos, and tales of the rescued fur-babies on her Instagram profile, which assists her in finding permanent homes for them. With over 41 thousand followers, many more cats should be able to find loving homes!
She spends her lunch breaks bottle-feeding kittens because many of the rescued felines are very young! She doesn’t, however, retain all of the happiness for herself. Given that many dispatchers and cops have stressful days, why not send them some kitten therapy to brighten their day?
“We want to take an opportunity to highlight the humanitarian efforts of one of our officers, Gretchen Byrne. We had several stray felines who took up residency here at the Coral Springs Police Department. Officer Byrne self-initiated a plan of action in caring for, and placing these resident felines. She arranged through her own personal contacts to arrange placement with shelters and temporary foster homes. She did this on her own time, making several trips to collect four cats and a litter of kittens.”
One of the people that she has teamed up with through animal rescue is Beth Stern, the wife of Howard stern, radio, TV and onscreen personality. Both Sterns are avid cat lovers and animal activists, helping Officer Byrne place numerous cats though the star’s public reach.
However it’s the everyday reality of cat rescue that brought Officer Byrne’s actions to the forefront of the departments praise.
“When a severe storm passed through the City of Coral Springs, Officer Byrne prevented a litter of kittens from drowning in the police department parking lot. Due to the outcome and positive impact Officer Byrne made on these innocent felines, she has been recommended to receive a Community Policing Award for her actions. We appreciate Officer Byrne and her commitment to animals!”
She is committed to assisting all of the felines in her care, whether they are kittens or cats with special needs or simply need some good ol’ kitten snuggling to help them survive.
Please remember to get your dogs spayed or neutered!
