When Montequlla the Cat’s family started packing up to move houses, he didn’t care for the kerfuffle and stress that comes with a move. And like felines do when they don’t care for something, the anxious tabby hid safely away from the boxes and tape by slipping inside a recliner. But Montequlla didn’t know his hiding spot wasn’t going to the new home, and his family had no idea he was along for the ride when they dropped off the chair for donation at a Denver, Colorado thrift store.

After his family left the Denver Arc Thrift Store, employees found the kitty stuck inside the chair and called Denver Animal Protection (DAP) for help. Meanwhile, Montequlla’s family realized their boy was missing and began a frantic search.

A Surprise Practice Move No One Expected

Responding to the call about a kitty stuck in a recliner, DAP Officer Jenna Humphreys found a fast friend in Montequlla when she arrived at the thrift store. As Humphreys told Denver’s ABC 7, staff heard meowing from the chair, and seeing the situation with her own eyes, she explained, “Sure enough, there’s a recliner out front, and there’s a little orange tabby stuck inside.”

She described Montequlla as “very friendly,” but the orange cat couldn’t get free of the recliner. With a bit of help and some coaxing, Montequlla was soon out of the chair and safe in Humphreys’ truck. A microchip scan revealed Montequlla’s identity, and Humphreys tried contacting the number listed but had no luck.

Meanwhile, His Family was Searching

Once Montequlla’s family arrived home, they realized their cat was missing. They searched the house, but with the move in progress, it was mostly empty. Which meant there weren’t many places he could have hidden. Then, his family realized where Monetqulla must have gone and headed to the thrift store right away.

But when his family arrived, Humphreys had already picked him up. Store staff gave his family the officer’s number, and a phone call soon saw the kitty reunited with his family.

“The owners were absolutely thrilled to have their cat back,” shared Humphreys. “They were so relieved.”

Humphreys explained that animals often “seek hiding spots” during stressful moments, “so, this one just happened to pick the recliner that they were going to donate to Arc.”

“It’s not uncommon for us to be called to help remove animals from those situations, but this was a new one.”

Posting on Facebook about the rescue and reunion, the Denver Animal Shelter expressed, “We are so happy for the ending to this story and are thankful to everyone involved in getting this sweet cat home safely.”

H/T: www.thedenverchannel.com
Feature Image: Denver Animal Shelter/Facebook