We all need a hero, and animals, especially homeless animals, are no exception.
Meet Shon Griffin, a 7-year-old boy who has become a superhero to cats on the streets in Philadelphia. “We call him Catman,” his aunt Kris Papiernik told ABC news.
Papiernik and her fiancée, Kia Griffin, have been involved in rescuing cats and fostering these poor animals for a decade. They had recently taken to looking after a local group of street cats which they named the ‘Kolony Kats’.
A cat named Bug didn’t cooperate when getting shots and being neutered. However, everything changed after Shon arrived on the scene.
“We couldn’t get Bug neutered or anything because he wouldn’t come to us, and he wouldn’t come near the trap,” Papiernik said. “But when Shon came around and started feeding him, Bug came immediately to him and, ever since then, Bug has been a friendly cat.”
Papiernik had noticed that her nephew had instantly formed a strong and sweet bond with the cats. Bug was one of the first cats whom Shon managed to charm. “The cats took to him right away. Bug came right over to Shon, rubbed against his legs and allowed him to pet him.”
“It was the total opposite — they just gravitated to him,” Papiernik told The Dodo. “He’d scratch their bellies and scratch their heads. It was amazing to see these cats who wouldn’t even allow us to touch them, but immediately took to him. He must have this magical effect that the cats can pick up.”
From that day on, Shon visits his aunt and the Kat Kolony regularly, and helps take care of the cats and helps solve any problems that might arise. He even dresses up his favorite superhero outfits when he’s on his missions. The cats are drawn to him, even the most unfriendly ones are unable to resist his charms.
“Sometimes he likes to dress up,” Papiernik said. “He said it makes him feel like a superhero for animals.”
Shon is too young, but he knows exactly how to care for the cats. “His favorite thing to do is give them treats. He knows how to dish out the dry food, fill up the water bowls without any directions from us,” Papiernik said.
Shon loves the cats so much that he doesn’t want to miss any chance to see them. “If it’s raining or cold or he can’t go, he gets really upset,” Papiernik said. “He cries, and it really hurts him hard.”
Papiernik and Griffin are extremely proud of Shon. “We love it,” Papiernik said. “It makes us smile.”
Here is how the internet shows love to Catman
“Please let him know that he’s the best kid in the entire world.”
“I’m not sure if I want to be him or be his best friend oh my god <3 <3 <3”
What do you think about this little boy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Be sure to share this story with your friends and family members to make their day warmer!